Whether you are new to the dating scene, on the market for the first time in years, or about to embark on your first dating adventure, dating etiquette is essential in scoring a second date. Dating is meant to be a fun and enjoyable experience for both parties involved. It is a time for discovering mutual interests, common goals and similar personality traits. If a long-term relationship is your ultimate goal, treat the dating experience like the archaic lay-a-way method to shopping. Lay-a-way allowed you to try an item on and, if you liked it well enough, take it off the market for other shoppers for a specified time frame before deciding to commit to the purchase. If you imagine that you are the item on lay-a-way, what characteristics would you want to impress upon your potential suitor?
Dating can be an intimidating experience for anyone, so be certain you are putting your best foot forward and follow simple dating etiquette rules to impress your date. Perhaps the most important rule for dating is to maintain eye contact. To capture and hold the gaze of your date shows a tremendous amount of respect for your partner’s thoughts and ideas. It shows a genuine interest in discovering things about your date. From likes and dislikes to hopes and dreams, maintaining eye contact sends a significant non-verbal clue that you can focus on and respect your partner. If you let your eyes wander to other physical aspects your date may or may not posses, you can send a powerful message that your interests are shallow. This may prevent an additional meeting or, worse, abruptly and prematurely end a date.
Another key note in dating etiquette is punctuality. When you arrive timely for a date, it not only shows respect for your date’s time, but also shows effort to fulfill commitments. Simple and common rules should be employed while dating, like paying compliments to your date. Your date has made a concerted and impressive effort to look appropriate for your date, so at least acknowledge that effort with a simple and heart-felt compliment.
Vast and varied details can affect the outcome of your date. From the obvious, like not swearing on a date, to the obscure, like minimizing your extravagant tendencies, be sure to sell yourself in the best, most truthful light. Show your date that you are a solid investment for any suitor by employing these basic rules – and don’t forget to smile!
