Preparing for a first date can be quite nerve-wracking, even for the most experienced of daters. Do not over-stress yourself with the preparation stage so much that you end up going to your date nervous and full of discomfort. Relax yourself before the date but acknowledge that to have a positive date, it pays to be prepared! When we say being prepared, we mean getting ready for the date. When you are enthusiastic and open minded, your positive attitude will naturally reflect in your conversation, body posture and facial expression. This will make you immensely more attractive to others! And yes, just being prepared will make all the difference to the outcome of the date.

Guys who turn up smartly in formal like long pants, collared shirt with leather shoe to dates will give a far better first impression to the ladies. Most of the ladies would prefer guys to appear clean shaven with a tidy haircut or a trendy hairstyle. Likewise, you wouldn't want your date to turn up looking dull and greasily, right? Thus, ladies expect the same things in return as well. If you're not sure, between being overdressed and underdressed, it's better to choose to be overdressed. Looking sloppy or underdressed rarely makes a good impression!

If you are late, your date might feel that you do not respect her time. You will also be seen as a poor planner. Arriving on time leaves a good first impression. So, plan your time and route properly before the date. If you are unsure of the location, check it out on the map or get directions from someone who knows the place prior to the date, not when you are already making your way there.

If there is any activity chosen after the first date, you should have time reserved for conversation. For example, if you are going for a movie or visiting an exhibition, make sure you have some time after the activity to talk to your date and not rush off immediately.

Focus on Impressions & Your Desired Outcome: Attraction!

FIRST REACTIONS

Once a first impression is made, it is difficult to be changed. First impressions are vital in determining whether the date turns out to be positive or negative. It increases the chances attraction happening at the beginning of the date.

Every time you meet a new person, 3 things might happen:

• Wow!
• Oh no!
• Nothing

THE PERSON THINKS "WOW!"

This might happen if you are above average in physical appearance or have a fantastic personality that is charismatic and charming - or it also could occur if just happen to be the type of person that she has been looking for. This makes everything easier, and all you have to do is not to mess it up and destroy your image in their eyes in the later stages of the date/encounter.

THE PERSON THINKS "OH NO!"

This might happen if you present yourself poorly/sloppily, or look extremely unconfident, immature or unfriendly. Or if you happen to be JUST the type of person they detest. They would probably be polite (may even force a smile) and not say this out loud to you.

THE PERSON MIGHT NOT BE THINKING OF ANYTHING

If you are an average-looking person with a decent personality, this is what is PROBABLY going to happen over 95% percent of the time. Don't worry, you are starting from neutral ground, and can still build up the attraction in the other stages.

You are meeting this person for the first time, walk towards her confidently! Maintain eye contact and introduce yourself in a clear voice, while giving your date a firm handshake. Remember to SMILE warmly throughout the introduction, as it automatically increases your physical and emotional attractiveness.

57% of communication is conveyed through body language. Remember this and even if you are nervous, be conscious of what you are communicating through your posture, facial reaction and body gestures. For example, if you slouch or appear fidgety, it conveys discomfort and lack of confidence.

Do avoid having messy food during the dates and also those that the smell will linger in your mouth after which, having these kinds of food will definitely affect your dining etiquette on your first date.

Start off with open-ended questions. Just by starting off with a simple "How are you today?" immediately puts your date at ease. Always have several opening questions ready to get the conversation going.

BE OBSERVANT

After the initial introductions, if you initiated the topic, be extra observant to the reaction of your date (especially negative facial expressions, body language, verbal responses). If your date initiated the topic and it is something you are totally disinterested in, do not be hesitant to use the earliest opportunity to gently change it to a topic which you could respond to with more enthusiasm.

THE RIGHT ATTITUDE MATTERS

Put your best foot forward! Reveal your best self from the beginning, and decide from the start that you are going to react positively to any problems that could occur during the date. Discover and unveil your date with an open mind and heart, and avoid comparing your date with your previous dates or partners.

Focus on Your Desired Outcome: Comfort and Connection!

CREATE A POSITIVE ENVIRONMENT

For a first date to be successful there must be both comfort and connection. If your date partner feels comfort without connection, she would probably feel you are "good friend" material. If they do not feel comfortable with you but you two are still able to connect on many areas, things may fail to develop to the next level as they may just feel as if there is "something wrong".

To help achieve a good result, it is important to create a positive atmosphere. Plenty of smiles and laughs from both parties, and being positive when discussing other people or circumstances build this atmosphere up. Relating bad things about other people or organizations ALWAYS create a negative atmosphere, and that's the LAST thing you want on a date. Hence, avoid negative talk and try to stay calm if the topic does veer towards this, while changing the topic to something lighter and more positive.

MAKE THEM COMFORTABLE

Remember to make your date feel comfortable through your conversation, actions and body language. Use eye contact to convey sincerity and confidence when you speak. Smile and laugh, and they too will smile back. If you can pull it off, humor is the ultimate tool in putting people at ease. Getting your date to laugh or smile instantly relaxes them, and makes people feel better. Once they feel comfortable and things are less awkward and more natural, they are more likely to open up to you.

BALANCED EXPLORATION

Try to ensure that an equal amount of information is exchanged between both sides. No one likes a conversation hog. If you know yourself to be too quiet, do reveal a little more about yourself so that you do not come across as too secretive. Do ask questions about your date, and listen attentively to what they have to say.

BE INTERESTING AND ENGAGING

Have at least 3 topics or stories on the top of your mind that are interesting. An example would be instead of answering "what you do?" with just a short answer about your profession, why not describe a little about how you got there and the experiences you had along the way. If you're still stumped for topics, then current events and mutual interests are good exploratory subjects too.

AVOID HEAVY/CONTROVERSIAL TOPICS

Personal vulnerabilities and insecurities, controversial beliefs, and history about ex-partners are topics best avoided on a first date. Build up some goodwill on the first few dates prior to jumping into more controversial areas!

Focus on Appreciation & Your Desired Outcome: Positive Ending!

BE SINCERE

Things have been going well so far, but you sense that it is time to say goodbye (for now). Genuine appreciation is the one of the strongest ways to leave a powerful and lasting impression and of course, it will also make your date feel good. Lack of it could send the wrong signal or dampen the entire experience. False flattery, as it could come across as fake and trying too hard to impress.

FOLLOW UP IF YOU ARE INTERESTED

There is no obligation in taking the tab but most of the guys would do so if they are satisfied with the date. It is one of the ways of showing you being more gentlemen, and also to gain additional points on your first impression. Show your appreciation sincerely for this date and offer to reciprocate the kind gesture if you are interested in meeting up with her again. This is a good set up for a follow-up date! If you have not exchanged contact details yet, this would be a good time to do so.

DO NOT GIVE FALSE HOPE

If you feel that you do not wish to pursue matters further, then do not give false hope to your date. In other words, do not lead them on. Do thank your date for a good time. If they ask for another date, you could be direct by saying that you are not ready to pursue things further. If you are not comfortable being so direct, decline by saying that you would be too busy or have too many other engagements. Most people will get the message.

Remember to login to esync and give your valuable feedback on your date. Feedback is very important and useful for us to refine your matches and find you compatible dates.

Some people meet their soul mate on their first attempt. Some people date many times but never meet their special someone. Is it pure luck? Or is there more to it?

Dating is a self-exploratory journey. As you embark on this personal journey, take time not only to discover your potential partners, but also just as importantly, take time to get to know yourself and apply the above techniques in your next date.