Dating Tips for the First Date
The crunch has come. You are meeting a man or woman for the first time. This meeting is no accident. It has arisen through an actual effort on your part or that of an intermediary, perhaps a paid one, because you are seeking a friend or a partner, perhaps a lifetime's one. You have memorised a few interesting or humorous anecdotes (and hope you can remember them). They might be useful to fill in gaps in the sparkling conversation you hope to achieve. You are looking your best and dressed appropriately for the occasion. Now, how do you start the ball rolling without scoring an own goal?
What to Say
Respond encouragingly to any comment made by your date. Ask them whether they like the venue. Unless you can make a joke about it, don't use the cliché, 'Do you come here often? 'You're likely to get a better response if you say instead, 'I've not been here before. Do you know anything about (the organisation, the place, the conductor, the orchestra, the food)?' Add a comment to any remark your opposite number makes, to show that you have heard and taken it on board. You want to create an impression, to communicate well, so remember everybody at heart is an egotist. They like hearing about themselves. Mention to a journalist, for example, that you've read their latest outpouring, or to an author that you have seen their latest book. They glow all over.
Conversation Openers
Dramatic: 'You'll never guess the amazing thing that happened to me on the way here' (or yesterday or last week). Say anything that you can dream up that sounds exciting, convincing and however much exaggerated is basically truthful.
Sympathetic: 'I'd very much like to hear what you think about.'Mention a current topic, an issue in politics, morals, business etc. or comment on a case in the newspapers. 'What a very sad/ horrific/ terrible tale it was about .Did you read it? Don't be disappointed if the answer is no. You can then expand (not for too long) on the details of the tale.
Humorous: Recount any witticism, anecdote or aphorism that you have learnt from a book and adapt it to your present situation. (This may take a bit of homework).
Controversial: 'I found what (a personage in the news) said/did today very brave/stimulating/disgraceful. How do you rate him/her?'
Youthful: 'What do you think of (latest single)?'
