Going the Distance on Their First Date

For some people, meeting someone for the first time can be one of life's most nerve-wracking experiences - particularly if it's a long distance date.

It can be an excellent opportunity to get to know someone better, but it also leaves many questions unanswered. Fortunately, there are some questions that will help you learn more about your potential partner and determine if they're suitable for you.

1. Get to Know Each Other

A first date can be an exciting experience that leaves you on the edge of your seat, anticipating what will transpire next. You may experience butterflies in your stomach, heartbeats that speed up like metal concerts, and hands that get sweaty from nervousness as anticipation builds.

No matter if you're in a relationship, using a dating service, or just having an enjoyable Tinder date, it's essential to have conversations that help both of you gain more insight about one another. Getting to know each other on a deeper level can help build bonds so it's always wise to ask meaningful questions rather than simply exchanging small talk.

No, it doesn't have to be about everything in your lives, but it is beneficial to start discussing topics that matter to both of you and how you view the world. Having honest and open discussions will bring you closer together as a couple and make both of you more at ease in each other's company.

Talking with your date about their hopes and dreams can be an engaging way to get to know them better. Additionally, asking them about their pet peeves provides insight into their personality as well as how they react in certain circumstances.

Another excellent way to get to know each other better is by discussing your favorite activities. From hiking and bowling, to paddle boating and painting ceramics, these kinds of experiences allow for emotional connections between both of you and can strengthen the bond that already exists between the two of you.

Early in a relationship, long dates may not be ideal as they can be depressing and lead to boredom. They could also indicate that the relationship is progressing too quickly or not providing time for both of you to develop as friends.

2. Get to Know Their Personality

One of the most essential steps you can take when meeting someone for the first time is getting to know their personality. Doing this helps ensure they're suitable and saves you time on people who won't make an effective fit.

To really get to know someone, the best way to do this is by asking questions during the date. Different kinds of questions can help you uncover more about their personality.

For instance, you could ask them how they would describe themselves in a sentence. While this may seem like an extensive task, it can be invaluable when trying to gain insight into someone's personality.

Another good question to ask is what they are interested in, as this can give you a better insight into their preferences and interests. Additionally, this may help determine if they share your interests as well.

Additionally, try to discover their favorite hobbies and leisure activities outside of work. Doing this will give you insight into their interests and enable you to develop emotional connections with them on a deeper level.

Finally, it's beneficial to learn their approach to problems and challenges. Doing so will give you insight into their perspective of a situation and whether they have the capacity to manage it successfully.

Knowing yourself better is a great way to build stronger connections with others, regardless of whether or not you're in a relationship. It may even enable you to find a career that suits your style and abilities.

3. Talk About Your Favorite Things

One of the best ways to get to know someone is by discovering what makes them happy. This simple but effective technique will help create a stronger bond with your significant other and make it easier to buy gifts or do pleasant things for them.

If you're searching for a fun activity to do on your first date, Golicic suggests asking about their favorite things. This will give you an insight into what makes them happy and whether or not the two of you are compatible.

For instance, you can ask them their favorite animal or food. Doing this helps determine if the person is suitable for your lifestyle or if there are any things to steer clear of.

Another great conversation starter is asking them about their favorite places. This can be an engaging topic and lead to further stimulating discussions.

You can also take this as an opportunity to inquire about their past. Doing so will give you a deeper insight into their family background and influences.

Additionally, this can be an opportunity for you to observe their relationship with their family. Doing so gives you insight into how best to support and assist them throughout life.

Avoid being disappointed on a date by planning ahead for an enjoyable experience. That way, you can ensure your time together is memorable and stress-free.

Once you do, you can cherish it forever and proudly show it off to friends and family! It's surefire way to impress them and win their support for you.

4. Ask Questions

One of the best ways to learn more about someone is by asking questions. Asking relevant questions can provide valuable insight into their personality, values and interests which can help you find common ground and develop a closer connection.

Studies have demonstrated that people who ask a lot of questions tend to be liked by their conversation partners and are therefore more likely to get a second date. In online chats and speed dating settings, those who asked more questions were even able to convince an additional person to go out with them on the following date.

When asking questions, voice level, facial expressions and body language all play a significant role in setting the tone and interpretation of your words. A loud question delivered with sweeping gestures may ignite controversy; on the other hand, a softly spoken and deliberate inquiry can promote calm in a room while encouraging self-reflection.

When asking questions, be sure to use your tone and body language to convey a passionate, empathic inquiry rather than an interrogation. Wait at least 5-10 seconds between each question so that the person you are speaking to has time to think and formulate their answer.

Particularly if the person you're speaking to has no prior expertise on the topic at hand, you want to ensure they don't become confused by unfamiliar terminology.

Start a conversation by asking a question about something shared between both of you. Then, discuss the answer and see how well understood each other truly are. Alternatively, play the would you rather game for some fun and creative interaction to get to know someone better.

5. Get Physical

On a first date, getting physical is an essential step to ensure you and your date have good chemistry. But it shouldn't be the only way you express how much interest you have in each other.

First dates should be an opportunity for getting to know each other better, which is why it's critical to keep things relaxed and avoid getting too personal during these early stages of a relationship.

To achieve trust with someone new, it's best to share only enough information so you can get a sense of their personality, interests, etc. Save any crazy ideas for later when both of you have built some rapport and trust.

When selecting a restaurant or movie, aim for one that allows for some physical intimacy. For instance, you could play pool or ping-pong together.

You could also ask her to join you at a dance or bowling league. If she accepts, that's an excellent way to demonstrate that you're willing to step outside your comfort zone.

Even though you want to get to know each other and have some fun, remember that the purpose of a first date is for you to decide if you want to spend more time with her or not. If the two of you don't click, it's perfectly acceptable for either party to part ways.

Experts suggest your ideal first kiss should last around 10 seconds, provided it's genuine and not just a cheesy "you're so cute" one.

On a first date, getting sexual can be intimidating and stressful for both of you. Generally, waiting until after the second or third date before initiating any intimate activities is best.