10 First Date Tips For Men From A Woman That Are Actually Useful

Want to impress on a date? Hear what women actually want you to do on a date.

So you've matched with someone gorgeous and now you're nervous about the upcoming date. Maybe you were looking to get a date this Valentine's Day and things happened sooner than expected. You've exchanged numbers, have lots in common, sent some memes, maybe a few voice notes here and there and you're hoping the date goes just as well.

Want to know how to act on a first date? We've got first date tips for men, by women, that'll get you feeling more comfortable about the upcoming date.

Show up on time

We never like the feeling of our friends showing up late. So why would someone you're trying to get to know like it either? Simply don't be late. In fact, get there about 5-10 minutes earlier if you can (no more than that though, or it just looks creepy).

Life can have its way of getting in the way. So if you are going to be late, keep them in the loop and offer to compensate. Maybe you buy the food and/or drinks. Or just don't be late to save your bank balance from being chipped away.

Remember they're nervous too

Meeting anyone for the first time, especially someone you find attractive is bound to get you nervous.

Some people don't get nervous, maybe you're not either (and if you're not, please tell us your ways). But you don't fully know what the other person is feeling, no matter how many conversations via FaceTime you've had prior to the first date.

By shifting the focus on how they might be feeling will take the pressure off you. Plus, if you're got a sense of humour, you can make a light joke about the nerves you're feeling to break the ice.

Remember it starts before the date

Your first date isn't what's going to determine a second with that person. In fact, everything leading up to the first date still counts.

How you communicate with your match will determine how they feel about meeting you and whether they even want to. Just because you got the 'yes', it doesn't mean you can just kick back and relax.

All relationships, even in the initial dating stages, require effort. So keep the conversation going.

That's one part of the equation anyway. The other part is about you. Is everything on your profile real? Have you told any lies? Having that first date means things can come to light and when they do, your date probably won't want to see you again.

Have an actual conversation

And actually get to know them. It's fine to talk about yourself for a bit because at the end of the day they're getting to know you too. But make sure you're asking the right questions to get to know them as well.

In fact, talking about yourself too much is bound to ruin your chances of getting a second date.

One of the best ways to ensure you don't go off the rails about your life story, make the focus of the date about getting to know them and potential relationship green flags. This way you're more likely to shift focus back to them after talking about yourself.

Have input on the first date

Absolutely do not leave your date to do all the planning.

Not only does this put pressure on them, but it can give the impression that you don't really care. And we're sure that's not the vibe you want to give off!

Suggest alternatives to places they may not be keen on, or if they're stuck for ideas don't be afraid to jump in with some of your own. Taking initiative shows character, but be sure to get their opinion so you're not taking too much charge.

Obviously, if they've already taken charge, that's a different story. If the first date goes as planned then why not take charge and plan the second? Or, if during your date you find you can move on to another place, suggest a cafe, bar or restaurant you guys could visit.

And if you guys plan to have one of your date nights in, here are some romantic meal ideas on a student budget:

Ask open-ended questions

Open-ended questions mean answers to those questions go beyond yes and no. They actually keep a conversation going, so it works in your favour to have a few prepared. Plus, it can help break the ice and calm both of your nerves.

A simple way to make a closed-question and open one would be to phrase the beginning of your questions as "what are your thoughts on…" as opposed to "do you like…", as the latter invites as yes or no answer.

Open-ended questions are gateways to more conversation, remember that!

Compliment them

But be careful.

There's a wrong and right way to compliment someone. It's okay to compliment them once, maybe twice, about how they look to break the ice. But compliments based on appearance don't always go down well. You'll need to read the room and see what kind of person your date is.

If looks-based compliments are a no-go, find other things to compliment them on. Like if they posted some art they did recently, a photo they took on a recent trip or that their job sounds really interesting and you want to know more.

When compliments are done right, it shows confidence and that you notice things in others. Your date, no, anyone would appreciate this.

Refer back to earlier conversations

If you really are struggling for topics to discuss or you're getting nervous, don't be afraid to refer back to earlier conversations.

Maybe there's something you want to know more about that they touched upon. Use your earlier conversations to your advantage.

This could look like asking questions about their job, hobbies, their sense of humour (based on the memes and TikToks they're sending you). Only you're privy to this, so have a little read back through your messages prior to the date.

Stop exaggerating

It's good to be proud of your achievements, but if you're making every statement about you achieving or being good at something, then this can come across as obnoxious.

Don't be afraid to admit a few flaws. Maybe you keep setting the fire alarm off when you cook, or you're thinking about transferring universities to pursue something else. Not only do these points of conversation show a more humble side to you, but it'll make your date warm to you a bit more.

Don't forget to have fun

Dates aren't interviews. They're about having fun too! Dish out some in-jokes you've had already prior to the date or come up with new ones based on conversations you're having on the first date.

Having fun will draw out both of your qualities and more importantly, your compatibility. It'll ease the pressure off too.

We hope these first date tips from women have give you some food for thought! Sign up to Student Beans to get discounts on food, drink and experiences that'll help you save money on your first date.