Almost everyone who is about
to out on their first online date would be experiencing some degree of anxiety
about meeting a complete stranger whom they have only spoken to and seen via a
dating platform. Most of the time, when someone is about to go on their first online
date, they would have only exchanged pictures and messages so there’s no way
for them to know for sure what to expect. Among the signs of being anxious is
constantly being worries about your outfit and your appearance and possibly
even repetitive actions like pacing or drumming your fingers.
These little things can get a
little annoying at times, for you and especially the people around you. You
might be wondering, “How can I can alleviate myself from these bouts of
anxiety?”. We have just the thing for you, with our list of ways to help you
overcome those first online date jitters. Let’s see what they are.
#1 Take a Deep Breath
The best way to calm nerves is
to take a deep breath and try to block out all the thoughts that are causing
your anxiety. Try not to think about anything and relax. If you can find a
good, quiet spot to have a seat, do so and close your eyes. If it helps, listen
to some soothing music or any music that can help calm you down while you sit
down and clear those nerves. Resist the urge to fiddle with anything else
within your reach, just keep focusing on keeping your mind empty and ensuring
that your breathing is deep and even.
#2 Keep Yourself Occupied
Take your mind off it by doing something that you like, for
instance, reading a book or playing a mobile game on your phone. The main idea
here is to distract yourself from the issues causing your anxiety and
redirecting the energy into doing something else that is fun and entertaining
to you. This way, you’d be focusing less on the things that cause your worry
and you’d be much happier and calmer doing something that you enjoy doing.
#3 Make Yourself Comfortable
Making yourself comfortable only makes you much calmer and
this will help to calm those nerves even before they can hit you. If you’re
wearing something that is uncomfortable, change out of it and opt for something
that makes you feel both confident and comfortable. Because, the last thing you
need on top of an already stressful first date is to be squirming around in
uncomfortable and possibly annoying clothing choices. It’s always better to
dress for comfort rather than for the look.
#4 Talk to a Friend
Talking to a friend always calms nerves. While waiting for
your date to arrive, give a trusted friend or family member a call. Tell them
about your date and see if you can get them to spare a few minutes to speak to
you. If you don’t feel like talking about your date, you can choose to ask them
how they are and how their day went. Try to keep your mind on the conversation
and not on the jitterbugs that you’re having, and in the heat of the
conversation, they’ll go away on their own.
#5 Plan a Simple Date
Be sure to make your first date as simple as possible.
Having to remember multiple things that you have to do or surprises that you
have to carry out during the date would just be nerve-wracking for the both of
you. Plan out a simple date at a quiet place, where you can enjoy each other’s
company and have a good laugh over dinner. Having too many things at only a
first date can seem a bit too overboard.
First date anxiety is completely normal and it’s totally
fine if you’re experiencing it right now. Just be sure to give these tips and
tricks a go and watch your nerves melt away in just a matter of minutes. And if
you feel that the online site that you’re on doesn’t really suit your needs,
you can check out our dating sites reviews to find a site that better first
your dating style and personality.