First dates can be quite awkward and stressful for many people.
Most often, they get nervous and trying to be the best version of themselves.
In a nutshell, how you behave on your first date dictates whether you’ll land a second date or not.
Although that’s a lot of pressure, they’re a few unwritten dating rules that can make your first date easier and more pleasant.
1. Be Honest About Who You Are
It’s tempting to add a little bit of sugar to who you are on that first date.
Although it’s important to not overshare on your first date, there are a few essential things you need to talk about.
For instance, if you’re sleeping on a friend’s seat, mention it. If you are currently jobless or living with your parents, let your date know.
There is no point in lying because if someone likes you, all this won’t matter.
But if you lie and they realize later, you stand a chance of losing them.
2. Put Your Damn Phone Away
You’re not four years old. You can stay without touching your phone for an hour or so.
Unless you have a genuine emergency, keep your phone away.
You probably can live without browsing your social media for some time, especially if you have a meeting with a subject of your interest.
It’s essential that your date feels important by knowing they’ve got your undivided attention.
3. Make an Effort to Be on Time
In the old-fashioned dating rules for ladies, being late for a date was viewed as something impressive.
But now it’s just seen as a selfish act.
With busy schedules, no one wants to spend half an hour waiting for someone.
It’s acceptable if something unavoidable comes up, but even then, it’s essential to send a polite message notifying your date you’ll be running late.
Otherwise, they’ll get to the panic mode of “Oh My God. I’ve been standing up!”
4. Don’t Fight the Awkwardness
There are no dating rules that will teach you to get rid of the awkwardness on a first date.
The best thing is to acknowledge the awkwardness.
There will probably be pregnant silences (multiple times), which is normal.
Just let your date know it’s both new and awkward for you too to make them feel more relaxed.
5. Be Clear on What You Want
Dating rules in your 30s can be a little different from dating rules in your 40s.
As you get older, you’re probably tired of games, and you only want to settle down.
It’s essential to mention all your expectations on a first date to avoid disappointments.
If you met on tinder, discuss why you were both looking to get from online dating.
Discuss whether you two should quit the dating apps for a while and focus on making you two work.
Alternatively, you may seek a hookup, which is essential to state if your date is looking for love.
6. Don’t Be Judge Judy
You obviously have your expectations on how you’d want your date to look, dress, talk, or conduct themselves.
And having standards is pretty cool.
But don’t give up too soon if your date isn’t what you wanted them to be.
Give them a chance!
It might be that they’re nervous and trying so hard to please you.
At least give your date some benefit of the doubt, they might just surprise you!
7. Maintain Eye Contact
So, you’ve been chatting with your date and looking at them, and you realize you really like them.
You can show them how you feel by looking right into their eyes.
You’ve probably heard that the eyes are the window to the soul, haven’t you?
We know that looking into the eyes isn’t easy for everyone.
But looking away from your date may send them the wrong message that you’re rude and not interested.
Therefore, it’s better to let them know that you’re shy if this is the case.
8. Be Attentive, But Not Nervous
Paying attention to a person when they’re talking is not only relevant when dating but also in general life.
However, it’s important to pay more attention during the first date.
You get a chance to learn more about your date. It also helps in avoiding awkward silence, which could make both of you uncomfortable.
Sometimes your date may be talking about something that you don’t relate to, or you’ve just got no interest.
Try to ask some questions or reply with a simple “mmm“.
9. If Your Date is Making You Uncomfortable, Point it Out
We are high advocates of staying out of your comfort zone during dates. With that said, you still have a right to draw the line at some point.
If your date suggests something that makes you feel uncomfortable, decline politely.
Some dates will ask you to skip the bill or take one too many shots on a first date.
If your date wants to take things further and you don’t feel like it, just make the clear NO message.
Related Article: Why Your Dating Life Sucks & How to Improve It?
10. Follow Your Gut
This is one of the greatest dating rules on tinder or any other online site.
If you’re talking to someone and you feel something is wrong, it’s best to let go of the person.
Don’t try to try to sugarcoat the situation.
If you feel like the person is annoying, they won’t magically improve once you meet.
11. Try to Avoid the Ex Talks
We all have a past, but we don’t need to talk about it from the very beginning. There is no reason to discuss your past on the first date, simply refrain from the topic.
If your date asks about your past relationship, be honest about it, but be precise.
If they introduce the topic, just smile and listen.
However, if they start saying bad stuff about their exes, they just screwed down their second date.
You can be the next on the line for the trashy talk as soon as something goes sour.
However, in some cases talking about exes can even be a good idea.
12. Mention If You’re Not Emotionally Available
In most cases, people start dating after they come up from another relationship.
Although you might not want a relationship, you might be looking for a hookup or a rebound.
While this is totally acceptable, it’s essential to let your date know if they’re looking for something different.
13. Don’t Justify Your Beliefs
It’s possible to meet people who don’t share your beliefs.
So, if you’re feeling some negative energy or judgment, don’t explain yourself.
Your opinions are yours, and there is no need to justify anything. Don’t give your date the idea that you’re on a hot seat.
You’re entitled to have your beliefs.
End of story!
14. Keep in Touch
If you liked your date and you are looking forward to a second date or something serious, you must observe the dating rules on texting.
This part of dating can be very confusing.
Sometimes you feel like you’re texting too much, and it may lead to you withdrawing completely.
Strike a balance between the two extremes.
However, if you’re constantly double texting and your partner isn’t putting any effort, consider talking on communication.
If there is no improvement, we are sorry, but it’s time to call it quits.
This is one of the most important dating rules during the COVID because you might not have a chance to see your date often.
15. Don’t Fight Over Who Pays the Bill
When the question of “What are American dating rules?” comes up, the first thing that pops is who should pay the bill.
Well, this depends on your date.
If they offer to pay, don’t start debating about it. Let them pay!
If you suggest paying 50/50 and your partner is comfortable, then go for it.
Even if you’re not an advocate of splitting the bill, don’t argue just pay willingly.
16. Put Yourself Out There
If you’re looking for your significant other, it’s time for you to step out of your comfort zone and put yourself out there.
You’ve got to give yourself multiple opportunities to meet potential partners.
You can decide to sign up on the best online dating sites, hit your local bar more often, go for hikes or sign up for voluntary services.
Selecting venues with people with shared interests improves your chances of meeting a suitable partner.
For example, if you don’t consider yourself a “party animal”, it would be best to avoid meeting people in the night clubs.
17. Share the Photo & Phone Number of Your Date with a Close Friend
We know this sounds quite gross!
Why would a grown-up 40-year-old man/woman share their whereabouts with their friends?
If you’ve been talking to a person online, it’s important that you share their number, photo, and location of your date with a friend.
If something happens, someone can rescue you.
We don’t want to scare you.
It’s just a safety precaution.
Are Dating Rules Necessary?
Dating rules and virtual dating rules are among the most discussed dating rules in society today.
Many people think that dating rules are stupid.
However, honoring specific rules may help you avoid too much hurt and keep you safe.
Some like dating rules during coronavirus can even help save your relationship.
James is the Founder & CEO of GurusWay.com. Majoring in Business and other life-changing sectors, James covers helpful content and shares his experience with the targeted audience.