First dates can be unpredictable, to say the least. From the location to the person you meet and how well you connect, almost everything about a first date is up in the air. Maybe you'll get catfished. His surprise date activity could be bungee jumping or some other outlandish, presumptuous idea. He may have a horrible habit, like picking his nose or making bodily sounds in front of you. Worse yet - well, debatable - he could stand you up.
Face it, there are only so many things you can control about a first date, so stick to focusing on the ones that you can.
1. Cocktail Self-Control
Do you want to be on a first date with a guy who is two sheets to the wind? Probably not, so apply some basic self control. Beyond the fact that's somewhat dangerous to let too loose, or just blatantly get trashed with a stranger on a first date, it also doesn't leave the best impression.
Aspects such as exhaustion, excess stress, and lack of food prior to consumption can all cause the alcohol to hit you more potently. It's certainly acceptable, and normal, to have a few drinks to loosen you and your partner up, but remember to know your limit and consume responsibly. If you need more convincing, remember, men also judge women based on what she orders on a first date.
2. The Best Possible Version of Your Lips
One of the most stressful aspects to a first date is the first kiss and you'll want the confidence of knowing your lips look and feel their absolute best. We all know as we grow older our lips lose plumpness but there are product available to simulate that full, youthful plumpness you had in your early 20s.
3. Condoms - Yes, Seriously
You never know where the night may take you. While it is still customary for men to supply the condoms at first - after all they know best what 'fits' them - it's never a bad idea to have some of your own, and yes this still applies even if you're on one of the dozen types of birth control.
You don't need to have the best condom in the world, but just make sure you have one. Think you'll feel slutty doing so? Just remember no one will know unless the night leads to a situation that requires them.
4. Little to No Presumptions or Judgments
Walking into a date already knowing his DOB, current and past addresses, and what his former girlfriends look like (thank you Facebook) isn't going to lead to a fruitful conversation. Although you want to watch for cues ahead of time that may make you think something is a little off, you don't need to be a stalker before you even meet the person.
Plus, if you already know everything about him you'll come off as showing little interest in him and end up talking about yourself a little (or a lot) too much.
5. Something That Makes You Feel Sexy, Even When You (Personally) Don't
When you feel your absolute best on your first date, it shows in everything from your smile to your sense of humor. But what if your first date lands on a bad day? (You know, the ones when you just don't feel sexy.) Don't let the tone of the day get you down. Instead add some confidence to any not-so-pretty-feeling day with a contouring body shaper, sexy undergarments, thigh-highs - whatever does it for you.
6. A Diet-Free Pass
First dates are a time to leave your fad diet behind and literally, break bread with another person - not just down lemon and water. Of course your health is important, but going into a date with a mental laundry list of what you will and won't consume for the day isn't going make anyone comfortable. If you genuinely don't like a certain item on the menu simply don't order it, but do eat (real food).
7. Those I-Wish-I-Bought-Extra-Items
The last thing you want to do is be in a first time setting with a stranger (at this point) and really need something you probably have 20 of at home. Earring backs fall out, outfits get torn, and spills happen.
To prevent such uh-oh incidents from ruining your date you could bring your regular size products in a giant purse, (and potentially scare off a date by giving off a first impression that you've come ready to move in) or you can take the more subtle route by packing a small mini emergency kit. The female-conscious company Pinch Provisions provides items just for these situations.
8. A Healthy, Untarnished Perspective
Want to kill the vibe of the date immediately? If so, come with a scowl, excess emotional baggage, and the inability to see the positive. You have to walk into any first date with a learning attitude.
Remember he is a new person, and you are a new person to him as well. Don't let past events blur your vision of your present situation. Have an open mind, drop the assumptions and defensiveness, and learn to take a compliment gracefully.
10. The Word 'No'
Sure you want to be approachable and friendly on a first date, but that doesn't mean you need to do so in any way that compromises your personal preferences, level of comfort, or sense of self. If you want to call it a night but he wants to go grab just one more drink, feel free to put your foot down.
Men respect and appreciate women who can communicate what they want, like, and need, so you have no reason to feel rude by turning down any offer.
11. A Reasonably Sized Date Purse
We all love our big purses but they're not for date night. When you show up with a huge tote, you're essentially screaming 'I have baggage'. On the other hand, you want a purse that is large enough to hold your necessities.
What's the perfect size? As a general rule of thumb, you'll want to stick to purses that are less than a ruler-length in size.
12. Your Own Way Home
Even if the date goes swimmingly, he doesn't need to know your address on the first date.
Play it safe and have a way to leave. Something as simple Uber or an alternative ride app setup on your phone does the trick. Take care of yourself leave when you want to, for your safety, even if you think it seems rude. Need a little convincing? Remember, the trick is to always leave them wanting more.