Navigating The First Date

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Embarking on a first date can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. Questions about the date’s progression, the possibility of a kiss, or even engaging in intimacy may linger, especially if it’s been a while since you’ve been on a date. 

Signs your first date is going well

The one thing that’s always prominent on someone’s mind while on a date is, is the date going well? Here’s how to tell: 

   – Laughter and smiles: Genuine laughter and shared smiles on a date indicate a positive connection. It’s pretty easy to see if these are forced. If you and your partner are sharing jokes that you both seem to enjoy, lean into it, burst out the dad jokes if needed. 

   – Easy conversation: Fluid, engaging conversation without awkward pauses or forced discussions. Feeling as if you’ve known your date your whole life on the first date because of how smooth the conversation is going is a pretty good indicator that things are going well. 

   – Meaningful eye contact: Extended eye contact signals trust and interest. Even feeling their eyes on you while you’re looking away is a great thing. 

   – Presence in the moment: Both parties being fully engaged, talking to each other, and not being distracted by their phones is a good indicator that they’re both enjoying the date. 

   – Unwillingness to end the date: Mutual reluctance to conclude the date, spending more time that is allocated together and having the desire for more interaction means that your date doesn’t want to leave because they’re enjoying their time with you. 

Should you kiss on the first date?

Most people spend the whole dating asking themselves this question, and honestly, it depends. 

   – Chemistry: A kiss can clarify romantic intentions early on in the dating process so that there are no misunderstandings later and you can also assess physical chemistry early on in the relationship. 

   – How the date was: Evaluate the overall date experience to determine the appropriateness of a kiss. During some dates you can just tell how the evening is going to end, whether it’s going to end in a handshake or a passionate kiss. 

   – Go at your own pace: Delaying a kiss may build anticipation and signal a commitment to the relationship. Not kissing after the first date doesn’t mean anything if both parties know the date went well. 

   – You make the decision: The decision to kiss on the first date is highly personal, based on comfort levels and individual preferences. If you like the person and are wholly comfortable with giving them a goodnight kiss, go for it. But if you want to wait and see how the third date goes, that’s also your decision to make. 

Sex on the first date

The choice to be intimate on the first date is deeply personal, it depends on the date, how comfortable you are with the person and what your thoughts about sex on the first date are. Individuals prioritize safety and consensual interactions.  

What if your date isn’t going well?

Not all dates are great, and that is a universal truth. As the person on the date, you should recognize signs of a less-than-ideal date, such as awkwardness or lack of chemistry. 

This means before going on a date, have some exit strategies; plan exit points, arrange a friend to call if needed, or set up obligations post-date. This doesn’t mean that you should give up, there are plenty of fish in the sea. 

The question of whether to kiss on the first date is subjective and depends on various factors, including chemistry, comfort, and individual preferences. 

Every first date is unique, and the key is to navigate it with authenticity, mindfulness, and respect for both parties involved. Remember, a connection matters more than any prescribed rules.

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