Three Key Ingredients for a Good Date

A successful date is hard to define and very subjective. However, there are three key ingredients that are needed to make a date successful – communication, an open mind, and a touch of patience.

First, communicate

A date where communication is taking place can’t go wrong. Yes, you might realize that you don’t click or your life paths may be different, but the experience of chatting to someone over a coffee or beer can’t be too disastrous. It's an opportunity to learn something new, sometimes about yourself, and maybe even a chance to network. The more people you know, the better, right?

Open your mind

It is essential to go into each date with an open mind. Maybe your date isn't exactly how you envisaged them to be, but try remove any prejudices or preconceived ideas and genuinely get to know the person. This is easier said than done, but if you strip away all the pressures of "finding the one" by entering the situation relaxed, that’s a good start.

It's okay to try again

Remember that while the first date might not send sparks flying, and you may even think the whole relationship is a bit of a write off, why not try a second date and then make a call? Speaking from personal experience, after an initial encounter you might see the pairing as too different and not working, but if you hang in there for a bit, often something fantastic can come out of it.

Dating experts reinforce the importance of exercising patience and going on that second date. Since TV shows, movies, and Netflix series have ingrained unrealistically high expectations of an amazing first date, when that doesn’t occur, people tend to give up too early.

Basically, if you communicate, keep your mind open, and add be patient with yourself, your date, and the situation, you’re more likely than not going to have a great date.

Asked and Answered

Does a first date have to go perfectly to be worth pursuing?

No — dating experts consistently note that people give up too quickly after a flat first date. TV and film have set unrealistically high first-date expectations. A second date often reveals something the first one didn't.

What should you do if the conversation isn't flowing on a first date?

Keep trying (within reason) — even a date where you realise you don't click is useful. You've learned something about your own preferences, possibly made a contact, and practised the skill of talking to someone new. It's rarely a complete waste.