Where to meet for the first time?

10 Tips to get you through

Online Dating Sites are getting more popularity with time. We all have a friend or friend’s friend who met their spouse or partner online. 19% of brides in the US claim to have met their current husband through an online dating site. So, we have profound effects of online dating on our society.

You are probably here too because you are going or planning to meet your online date for the very first time. If you think that you are ready to take that next step and meet your date in person, it’s important to feel prepared.

What do you do when you meet someone online for the first time?

Meeting someone online for the first time doesn’t have to be stressful. All you need is just a few things to keep in mind before you start preparing for your very first offline date.

Let’s get you prepared for your first offline date with your online match with these 10 tips.

1. Make sure that you’re ready to meet in real

Are you ready to meet your online date? That’s the first question you need to ask yourself. Being emotionally ready and be in the right mental space is the first thing. Even if you had hours of conversations over chats or calls, when you meet offline it can be a completely different person.
So, be mentally prepared to be either wowed or disappointed with your first date.

Meaningful Relationship

2. People want to date the person in the picture

According to online dating expert Bela Gandhi, people want to date the person in the picture because that’s what catches their attention and influence them to connect with you. So, don’t look to dazzle your date with a stunning outfit. Instead, try to aim for a mixture of comfort and style.
This is not the time to experiment so, don’t try any new styles. Also, treat yourself for some personal grooming like manicures or a fresh haircut, this will only improve your confidence.

3. Plan a date which interests you both

Before you plan always keep this in mind, give your first date a 30 minute to 1 hour no more. So, avoid planning a full meal dates, instead, go for a coffee or mini-meal date. According to experts, that’s plenty of time to know whether you click. Obviously, you don’t want to be stuck up with someone you don’t like for a long time.

4. Meet in public

This is the first rule of meeting an online date. Always meet the person in a public place, preferably before the sunsets. Try to reach the location before time and park in a well-lit location.

Pick an area that is a better mix of busy and private like a coffee shop, the restaurant even a shopping mall.

5. Respect the schedule

Never be late on your first date, if possible, reach a few minutes before. You don’t want to put forward the impression that you don’t respect the other person’s time and efforts.
Not to put any pressure but first dates are crucial, so be on time.

6. Stay sober

It goes without saying that, you should not do anything which impairs your sense of judgment on your first date with a stranger. It is noticed that many people are likely to drink more when they are nervous. One drink followed by a few others can lead you to a situation in which you are more intoxicated than you feel safe or responsible. Don’t put yourself in a situation where you end up taking risks that can put your wellness in jeopardy.

7. Arrange for your own transportation

If you have a car well and good. If not, you can ask a friend to be your chauffeur for a day or take a taxi. Don’t put yourself in a situation where you have to drive alone with a person you are meeting for the very first time. And see to it that your date honor your decision, after all, that’s what going to get him/her the next date.

8. Find a balance between talking and listening

Dates are all about knowing each other, so it is important that your conversation is interactive and not dominated. Give your date a chance to express their thoughts and ideas.

9. Leave your baggage behind

Do not carry your baggage: no doubt you have made some bad dating choices in past maybe your past relationship ended badly, do not carry the burden of those unpleasant thoughts in your mind. Always understand the person you are meeting would also have made some bad choices, everybody does.

10. Give honest feedback

If you think that it’s not working out, feel free to share your honest opinion. Remember the way people portray themselves online can be entirely different from how they actually turn out to be. You can either have a pleasant experience or a bad one, but it is important to let the other person know how you felt about your meeting.

Final thoughts

Above all, the focus of all your first online dates should be to have fun. Regardless of who you are with or nothing romantic comes out of your first date, as long as you are making some good memories it's great.

We understand it can be scary to put yourself out there to a person who you met through the virtual world. All will work out great if you set realistic expectations and stay true to your feelings.

Decide wisely who qualifies to go for a date. Save your dates for the men or women who check all boxes in your mind and are worthy of your time and attention.