Whether you’re meeting up with your Tinder match for the first time or taking things to the next level with a long-time friend, there’s no denying how nerve-wracking first dates can be. Regardless of how excited you may or may not be to go out with that special someone, the anticipation of the encounter can be overwhelming, causing you to feel insecure and overthink the little things like how you look or dress. That’s why it’s important to take actionable steps to prepare for that initial romantic outing as this will help you feel more self-assured come time for your first date.
The key to proper preparation is self-love. Performing self-love practices will serve to support your ego, self-esteem, and interpersonal connection with your inner-being. By doing this, you’re more likely to feel more secure with who you are as a person, allowing you to not only feel confident but look confident as well. Exuding confidence during that first initial interaction is a critical component of first date success as it generally works to ease nerves for both you and your date, and ultimately, make a better first impression.
The type of practices you perform in the days leading up to your date is totally up to you. But, if you’re looking for a little guidance, you’ve come to the right place.
To guarantee you have a perfect first date, follow this self-love checklist!
Step Up Your Skin Care Game
The ultimate glow-up starts with good skincare. Prepping and priming your skin correctly is an essential first step to your first date beauty regimen as it acts as the foundation for the rest of your face makeup and overall look. Even if you prefer to showcase your natural beauty over wearing makeup, it’s still crucial to practise good skincare habits daily to achieve a clean, clear complexion for your first date.
The state of your skin can reveal a lot about how you take care of yourself— believe it or not— so try and make an effort to stay consistent with your skincare regimen and target any concerns you may be experiencing. Unfortunately, common skin conditions such as acne tend to have a negative connotation in today’s society, so if you’re struggling to combat bumps and blemishes, now is the time to start using an acne cream. Doing so will allow you to effectively treat your breakouts prior to your first date, making it easier for you to feel more confident with how you look and radiate from the inside-out.
Find Your First Date Fit
Apart from stepping up your skincare game, you’ll also want to dedicate some time to find your fit. The outfit you wear on your first date plays a fundamental role in how well the date will go. From feeling comfortable throughout the duration of your date to your ability to make a good first impression, the clothes you show up in can impact everything. That’s why it’s vital to analyze your wardrobe carefully and be mindful of what you plan to do on the date before picking out any attire.
When it comes to a first date fit, you’ll want to focus on three main factors including the type of date you’re expecting to go on, how comfortable you feel while wearing it, and how complementary it is to both your body type and personality. The last thing you want to do is show up overdressed or underdressed for the occasion, and/or feel awkward in the clothes you’re wearing. Remember to think back to these factors as you search for your first date fit and above all, select items that make you feel fearless and desirable.
Pack Up the Essentials
There are few things worse than forgetting to pack your necessities when you leave your home for a lengthy period of time. This is especially true when you’re out somewhere that you’re unfamiliar with all while being accompanied by someone you’re just getting to know. To avoid this situation entirely and ensure you’re well-equipped for anything your first date might throw at you, make sure to pack up the essentials before you head out for your romantic outing.
The essentials you choose to bring along should be unique to you and the type of date you go on. However, you don’t want to overdo it, so make sure you concentrate on packing only a few select essentials that will aid your confidence, comfortability, and first date expectations. Aside from packing up the most basic essentials— your wallet, breath mints, and/or any prescription medications you take— you’ll also want to include any additional feel-good items you have. Whether that means bringing along a portable charger or travel-sized toiletries, is completely up to you. Figure out what your must-have essentials are and pack them up a couple of days in advance before heading out with your special someone.
The Self-Love Checklist for a Perfect First Date – You Got This!
Practice Positive Self-Talk
Finally, be sure to practice positive self-talk to help you calm your mind and feel good about yourself. First dates can be a lot of pressure, which can sometimes cause you to overanalyze aspects of yourself that you normally wouldn’t and consequently, be too harsh on yourself. And while self-reflection is necessary for self-love and personal growth, you mustn’t be too hard on yourself. Being too self-critical can cause you to worsen your relationship with your inner being and thus, weaken your chances of establishing a true connection with your potential partner.
Don’t forget to remind yourself that you’re only human and that no matter what happens, you’ll be there to pick yourself up and move forward. First dates are not meant to be taken so seriously, so let yourself have fun and enjoy the experience for what it is— good or bad. At the end of the day, the relationship you have with yourself is more important than any other connection you share with anybody. Treat yourself with kindness and be intentional about your self-love checklist. Don’t worry; you got this!
