The transition from online dating to a first date can be downright scary. This could be your only chance to make a first impression. But as long as you know the basics, meeting someone for the first time doesn’t have to be that nerve-wracking. To help make your first date a success, here are some tips you might find useful.

Choose the right venue

When choosing a place for your first date, remember that the location can say a lot about you and your character. While a restaurant is always a good choice, there are plenty of other excellent places too for a first date. The important thing is you select a place where both of you will be comfortable and a place you will both enjoy. Be sure it is not somewhere too crowded or too noisy so that you can still hear each other. A park, café or an al fresco dining area are some of the ideal places you might want to consider for a first date. They are perfect places for hanging out while you try to get to know each other better.

Dress appropriately

online dating

Taking online dating to first date

What you wear on your first date matters. So be sure to dress appropriately. Consider the venue of your first date. If you are going to have dinner at a fine dining restaurant, then your clothes should be more formal looking. Also, make sure you are comfortable with your outfit. Don’t get fixated on trends or labels. As long as you know you look good and you’re comfortable, the more confident you will feel about yourself.

Be punctual

Arriving on time is important on a first date. If your house is a bit far from the location of your date, make sure to prepare early and leave home early. If you are running late, make sure to let your date know by making a call or texting them. And don’t forget to apologize.

Be mindful of your manners

There’s nothing worse than being on a date with someone who has poor manners. Good manners don’t cost anything but they can go a long way. So be sure to always be polite. Watch your words and avoid overuse of bad language. Don’t speak when your mouth is full of half-chewed food. Listen and pay attention to your date instead of your mobile phone. Avoid interrupting your date while they’re talking.

Keep the conversation flowing

Avoid awkward silences during the first date by keeping the conversation flowing. Try to research and get some ideas on the best conversation starters for a first date. These topics don’t have to be deep and personal. Keep it light so that your date won’t feel uneasy and uncomfortable. As much as possible, avoid taboo topics like politics, religion and past relationships. Injecting a little humor within your conversation could help, too.

Don’t try to change your personality to impress your date

When people want to make a good impression, they tend to do everything to appear perfect. While it can be tempting to misrepresent yourself so your date is impressed, don’t. It is always best to be yourself. Stay honest to who you are. In the end, what matters is that they accept you and appreciate you for who you are and not for who you are not.

Have fun

Finally meeting the person you’ve only met online can be pretty exciting and scary. But you know what, if there’s one thing you must never forget, it is to have fun! You must be well prepared for your most awaited date. But it is also important that you enjoy it. So don’t be too hard on yourself. Enjoy each other’s company. Enjoy the venue of your date, your conversations and the moments you share. When you both make your first date fun, a second date is most likely going to happen.

First dates are definitely nerve-wracking. But you can come prepared when you follow these tips. If you want to find a potential date and meet single Russian women, please visit Russian Dating.