Washing up isn’t just about making yourself presentable; the cleaner you are, the more put together you’ll feel. Put on deodorant and give your mouth a quick rinse with some antiseptic mouthwash. You’ll be thankful you did once you and your date get up close and personal.

There’s no need to dress to the nines for a light lunch or a coffee meetup. Dress for the specific occasion so that you can show that you’re ready for any situation. Wear some color. Research suggests that clothing yourself in bright colors can give you the appearance of boldness and vibrancy. [3] X Research source

Assume that every detail of your appearance will be noticed. That way, you won’t miss anything when getting ready. Feel free to spritz on a subtle scent before your date, but go easy. Too much cologne or perfume can be overpowering.

Smiling displays positivity and trustworthiness, and tells people that you’re fun to be around. If you’re nervous before or during the date, smiling can help keep you at ease.

It’s a lot of pressure to try to sit and talk for hours with someone you just met. Attending events or participating in fun activities together will help you both loosen up, and you can reserve some time afterward to have some one-on-one interaction. The date will also be more memorable if you have something out of the ordinary planned.

Be a little early, if you can. Not only will it demonstrate that you’re taking the date seriously, it can also give you a chance to get comfortable with the setting and mentally prepare for your introduction.

Common courtesy is a must, but it may be off-putting to some people to have things done for them. See how your date reacts to little gestures before forcing more of this kind of behavior on them.

You don’t want your date to feel like they’re being interrogated. Be careful about asking them point-blank questions about their preferences or hangups. [12] X Research source Assume that your date doesn’t want to talk about work stresses or past relationships; find something unique to talk about.

Don’t dominate the conversation or constantly turn it around to be about yourself. Let them talk while listening intently, then share your thoughts when the discussion comes around to you. Get a feel for your date’s mood during the course of the night. Be mindful of considerations like “is he/she comfortable?” “Am I talking too much?” etc.

Too often, people go on dates with motives other than simply getting to know someone, and it can make things feel strained. Keep your expectations in check and be glad to spend time with your date. If you feel like your date isn’t having a good time, switch up your activities. If you both feel awkward talking over drinks at a fancy bar, for instance, pay the check and go for a long walk outside, or find something else to do to take the pressure off. You may just need a change of environment.

Learn to appreciate your differences, too. If your date doesn’t happen to share your viewpoint on something, don’t automatically count in as a strike against them. Think about how their opinions speak to their character. [16] X Research source

Try to get a sense of how much your date has enjoyed themselves before asking for their phone number to avoid coming off as pushy. Call or text the other person within a couple of days after the date to let them know that you had a good time with them. [18] X Research source