We often worry about little things that unfamiliar people don’t notice at all. In reality, they make judgments about us based on entirely different parameters.
A date is always exciting. Even if you are going on a romantic meeting with someone you already knew. However, meeting someone for the first time as a potential partner is especially thrilling. After long conversations through messaging, anxious thoughts creep in: what if you don’t appeal to them in person?
You might be one of those people who pay great attention to every detail of your appearance, character, and manner of speaking. But why waste energy worrying about things that your counterpart is unlikely to notice?
There are several things that people really pay attention to during romantic encounters. These tips are relevant for both women and men.
Posture and Body Language
How you hold your body can indicate your interest in a specific person. Usually, we turn our hips and torso towards someone we find attractive, lean in during conversation, and look for opportunities to touch the person we like.
Additionally, posture can indicate your character. If you sit up straight, it portrays you as a confident person. If you slouch and lower your head, it may reveal your anxieties.
Eye Contact and Facial Expression
Can you look someone in the eyes and genuinely smile? Eye contact signifies trust and interest. If you can’t look directly at your conversation partner and constantly avert your gaze, they may feel distant, creating an awkward atmosphere.
A smile itself works as a great way to ease tension. A relaxed, friendly facial expression conveys that you feel comfortable with this person, you are having a good time, and you are open to continuing the conversation.
Hygiene
Different people have different preferences for appearance. However, it’s unlikely that anyone would find unbrushed teeth, dirty hair, and a strong smell of sweat attractive.
You don’t have to look perfect to appeal to someone. However, taking a shower, tidying yourself up, and looking neat is highly desirable.
A well-groomed person sends a signal: they respect both themselves and those around them.
Attitude Towards Service Staff
A person who is rude to waiters or speaks impolitely to salespeople is unlikely to come across as pleasant and courteous. Such behavior speaks volumes about their character in everyday life.
Your Outfit
Clothing doesn’t have to be expensive or ultra-fashionable. The main requirement is that it should be appropriate for the setting. It’s not advisable to wear an evening gown to a pub or an old worn-out t-shirt to an upscale restaurant.
Moreover, your clothing should be clean and tidy.
Topics for Conversation
A potential partner will definitely pay attention to your ability to maintain a dialogue. If it’s only you talking — that’s bad. If you hardly speak and respond with one-word answers — that won’t help establish a connection either.
Additionally, what you talk about is important. Some people can talk about themselves for hours, but they are unlikely to be considered interesting conversationalists.
It’s best not to discuss ex-partners on the first date, and especially not to criticize them. Such behavior is a “red flag” for many.
Overall Impression
Moreover, there is one very important aspect that influences whether there will be a second date. In one meeting, a person may not remember your height, eye color, and facial features. But they will definitely remember the feelings you evoked in them and how they felt around you, writes Huffpost.
No One Cares
There are things we often worry about, but they rarely seem off-putting to new acquaintances.
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Physical “flaws”: scars, acne, extra pounds. Your potential partner is likely to overlook them.
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Brands. Many people won’t even realize where and how much your clothing was purchased for.
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Precision of expressions. Most people evaluate tone and overall behavior first in a conversation and won’t consider you hopelessly foolish for a slip of the tongue.
