If you’ve recently become single after being in a long term relationship, the idea of getting back into the dating game could make you want to swear to celibacy for the rest of your life. It’s like getting into a cold bath – making yourself vulnerable to high expectations being dashed, and being frazzled with nerves thinking that you’ll make a good impression or not.
The best advice for someone going back to dating after a break is to talk to other people already doing it. They’ll tell you what the dating scene is like today – and how to prepare for it. If you’re not sure about your look, go and get a new haircut and maybe book in a beauty treatment like a facial and a makeover. You don’t have to do this the night of the date – it’s probably best to do a week earlier, as facials can sometimes leave your skin in a break-out and the last thing you want to take on a date is a spot! Ask the person doing your makeover to give you a few make up tips that you can take away and practise at home.
Decide what you want to wear – get some advice from a friend whose opinion you trust on which outfit looks best on you. Decide whether you’re going to get the Pantene out on the evening of the date to wash your hair, or the night before if you have the kind of hair that needs to calm down after a wash!
While you’re getting ready, think about what might be useful conversation starters if things go quiet during your date – you could tell him about your last holiday, a funny story about a friend, or something that happened to your dog. What you shouldn’t bring up on a first date is anything that you’re worrying about – like debt and or a diet – he’s there to have fun, and you don’t want to kill the mood. Remember to ask lots of questions so that he can see you’re interested in him, but don’t make him feel like it’s an inquisition.
The most important thing to do on a date is not to take it too seriously, and have fun. If you enjoy yourself, then the person you’re dating will get to see the best side of your personality, and who knows where that first date could lead?