14 First Date Tips to Make Her Want a Second Date!

nd woman on a date

Table of Contents

First dates, huh? Been there, bombed that. ????

I remember walking in with spaghetti legs and a heart ready to burst. Spoiler: It didn’t end well. I did zero preparation, and when I went for the kiss, I got brutally rejected. But from that flop, I learned a thing or two. Now, I’ve transformed those missteps into golden advice.

Whether you’re a newbie to the dating scene or just want to up your game, this article’s for you. Dive in, and I promise by the end, you’ll be armed with first date tips that’ll make a world of difference.

And if you need help finding a first date in the first place – check out our guide to meeting women, it will get you up to speed.

Now let’s jump in.

key takeaways

  • Have some manners. Open the door, be polite to the staff, and respect her boundaries.
  • Dress sharp tuxedo is not necessary, but don’t put on your ripped jeans with a hoodie.
  • Women love talking about themselves. Ask genuine questions and show interest.

Priming Your Mindset

Realistic digital art of a brain

Having a great first date begins before the date even starts.

If you show up (overly) nervous, needy, or with the wrong attitude, things can get real weird really fast. Here’s what to do:

#1 Ditch the Expectations

I once expected a steak at a vegan restaurant. Don’t ask. But when it comes to first dates, ditch those expectations right out the door. Anticipating every move like it’s a choreographed dance? Nah, mate. Life’s not a scripted rom-com.

Believe me, taking pressure off the evening makes for a smoother ride. Here’s the tea:

  • The more you focus on the moment and less on the “what-ifs,” the more genuine and relaxed you’ll be.
    Evander Nelson
    Evander Nelson
    CEO | Menprovement

And that, my friend, is the core of successful first date tips.

#2 Tame Those Butterflies

Ever tried talking to a date with your voice doing the cha-cha? Yeah, been there. It’s essential to tackle those jittery nerves. After my epic first date fail, I tried these things which definitely helped me. ????????

  1. Pre-date Workout: A quick run or gym session works wonders. The endorphin rush? Magical. ????
  2. Deep Breaths: It sounds cliché, but deep breathing actually calms that racing heart of yours.
  3. Confidence-boosting Playlist: Trust me on this. Belt out some tunes and feel like the king of the world.

Location, Location, Location!

guy and woman on a date

The next step to planning a great first date is to choose the right location. Guys, I can not stress enough how important this one is. You don’t want to be going on a first date to the movies and then sit awkwardly next to each other for 2.5 hours without saying a word right?

That’s what I though…

#3 Seek Cozy Vibes

That said, here are my favorite places to guarantee a successful first date.

  • Local Café: Low-key, chill, and perfect for conversations.
  • The park, fresh air, and a chill environment
  • Arcade hall: Fun, light-hearted, and perfect for breaking the ice.
  • At your place: This one is ideal since you have the home advantage. Requires a lot of pre-build trust though..

#4 Dive into Mutual Hobbies

Had a second date at a heavy metal concert. It turns out, she was into jazz. Oops.

Picking a shared interest isn’t just smart; it’s the key to connection. Maybe you both love salsa dancing or perhaps you’re history buffs.

The point is, find that sweet spot and go for it. It transforms the date from an interview to a shared experience.

Just to give you an example of how my recent date went:

“Sounds awesome. We should meet up soon so you can tell me all about that concert you went to…”

“Haha, yeah, sure!”

“Cool, I am secretly a wine fanatic what about you”

“I only drink red blablabla”

I think you get the point. We went on for a glass of wine at a bar near my house.

Making an Entrance

Mate, first impressions aren’t just about looking dapper, though that helps. It’s about the energy you bring.

#5 Nail the Hello

I am European, so I like to go for the three kisses on the cheek. You can definitely do this in most European countries. If you are having a first date with a French girl, you are in luck, I believe they do four kisses.

If you don’t feel comfortable with the kiss, go for the hug. It is important to go for some sort of man-woman greeting. This will set the stage for the rest of the day. If you come with a handshake like she is just a regular friend, she will start seeing you that way.

#6 Take the Lead

Remember the time you spent 30 minutes wandering aimlessly trying to find a restaurant? Imagine how embarrassing that would be on an actual date…

Here’s the first date advice: Always have a plan! You want to make your date feel comfortable. This doesn’t mean being controlling but rather guiding the evening confidently. If you’ve picked the right first date location, it sets the tone. Leading means you’re taking the initiative, and that’s attractive.

It’s like knowing the best first date ideas without constantly Googling “going on a date tips” in the restroom.

Mastering the Art of Chat

well dressed man on a date

The next part of the first date is the conversation, which for most guys is the hardest part! We’ve got over 2 hours of video training on how to have great conversations in our dating program on Menprovement X, but here are some tips to get you started.

#7 Show Genuine Interest

This isn’t a job interview, but curiosity goes a long way. Ever been with someone who just won’t stop talking about themselves? Painful, right?

The truth is, women love talking about themselves. If you ask genuine questions and show interest in her she will definitely notice. Don’t try to give her to much information about you, this gives a mysterious vibe which is super attractive to women.

#8 Spill Some Epic Tales

“But Evander, you just said I shouldn’t tell her too much about myself?” And that’s 100% right. However, it is good to share some stories. If she talks about how her dad just bought a new car, tell a related story on how you almost crashed your uncle’s or whatsoever.

Pro Tip:

For more help with conversation, check out our article on how to never run out of things to say.

Setting the Right Tone

two people on a first date laughing at a meme

On the first date, there are a few more things to keep in mind.

#9 Time’s Ticking, Don’t Be Late!

Nobody likes to be kept waiting, especially not on a first date. You know, I once waited an hour because I mixed up the locations (another story for another time). First date rules: Being on time is non-negotiable.

It’s a sign of respect and shows you value her time. If you’re running late, let her know. It’s simple and speaks volumes.

#10 Keep It Classy, Bro

Hold the door, chew with your mouth closed, and for the love of all things classy, avoid getting sloshed. It’s not about being overly formal but showing basic courtesy.

And here’s a golden nugget of first date advice:

  • Always treat the staff with respect. Say please and thank you when ordering and always give a tip.
    Evander Nelson
    Evander Nelson
    CEO | Menprovement

Trust me, how you treat others is a clear indicator of character, and she’s definitely taking notes.

Actions Speak Louder

opening the car door for a woman

My biggest first date tip is definitely to not be needy. However, you don’t have to appear needy to go the extra mile on the first date.

Here’s how to do it:

#11 Dress to Impress

Dressing right is vital. It doesn’t mean you need a tuxedo, but put some thought into it. Your choice of attire should respect both the date location and your date. It shows you care about the impression you’re making. I’m not saying to fake it or dress uncomfortably. Just put your best foot forward, literally.

Shoes matter, guys. Shoes matter.

  • A well-groomed appearance can boost your confidence and make a positive impression on your date. Menprovement’s style section can help you with this.
    Evander Nelson
    Evander Nelson
    CEO | Menprovement

#12 Unleash a Wow Moment

Flowers?

???? Simp alert! ????

That’s some movie stuff that’ll make you look like you’re trying too hard.

But surprises?

Gold.

Let’s say dinner went great. Surprise her by walking to that nearby park with an amazing view. Sharing a moment there, away from the dating scene’s chaos, can set the tone for a potential next date.

The present moment matters. It’s the small thoughtful gestures that count.

Winding Down with Grace

a woman touching a man his hand during a date

Okay, so you made it this far. Well done. Now the date is coming to a close. Here are some first date tips so you can leave one hack of an impression.

#13 Honor Her Comfort Zone

She doesn’t drink? Cool, maybe get a mocktail. Not ready for a dance? No worries, chat over dessert.

  • Also, try to read her body language as much as possible. If you are trying to touch her and she is leaning back, legs crossed, etc… You need to build more trust first. Body language often tells you more than the words that come out of her mouth.
    Evander Nelson
    Evander Nelson
    CEO | Menprovement

Reading and respecting boundaries is key. Everyone’s comfort zone varies, and making sure she feels safe and valued speaks volumes about your character.

#14 Debrief Post-Date

No ghosting, gents. That’s old school, and not in a good way. If you enjoyed the date and see her as a perfect match (or maybe even wifey material), let her know.

If not, still let her know. Respectfully. Being upfront is better than leaving someone in the dark.

wrapping up

Alright, gents, there you have it! A roadmap to navigating the thrilling, and sometimes perplexing, world of dating. Remember, every stumble is just a step toward mastering the game. But why go at it alone? If you’re ready to step up your dating prowess and genuinely connect, come join the tribe at Menprovement X.

We’re more than just a community; we’re your backstage crew, armed with coaching, insights, and plenty of camaraderie. ????????

FAQs

Read her body language; if it feels right, go for it.

Be genuine, listen actively, dress well, and relax.

1-2 hours is ideal; leave them wanting more.

Show respect, lead confidently, engage in the conversation, and be punctual.

Did you enjoy this article?

Get a weekly update of all of our latest articles to your email + learn about the latest and greatest innovations for men on the planet. There’s no spam, just unapologetic, uncensored, limitless self improvement & motivation. See you there.

Meet The Author:

EDITORIAL PROCESS

Our evaluations are conducted by a group of specialists based on actual experiences before they are penned down. To learn more read our Editorial Methodology.

Several links in this piece might be affiliated, meaning we may receive a commission at no extra charge to you if you opt for a paid service. We fully support and have personally tried these products. This website is not designed to offer financial or medical guidance. For more info read our affiliate disclosure and privacy policy.

"THE MOST POWERFUL WEEKLY NEWSLETTER FOR MEN...EVER"

Join over 100,000 men and stay informed on the latest and greatest innovations for men.

Table of Contents

Achieve GOD Mode

Libido boosting chocolate that not only tastes great but  resulted in THE BEST sex I’ve ever had. My girlfriend is addicted.