Dating is a stage of romantic relationships in humans whereby two people meet socially with the aim of each assessing the other’s suitability as a prospective partner in an intimate relationship or marriage, this is according to Wikipedia.

And for people to engage in dating, they would want to have a successful dating experience, right?  So here are just some life hacks to have a successful date.

Be mentally prepared.

Know the reason why you are dating. Is it because you want to find your lifetime partner or just for the sake of playing? Being mentally prepared should come first since in this stage, you are to determine whether you are ready to commit in to something or not.

Having the clear answer or answers to your question “why” can help you be consistent with your manners and your desires and your intentions.

Bring yourself in.

This is the super “to do” in these life hacks. How can a date be a success if you wouldn’t be there? It would be an auto fail, right? So, show yourself in. Be confident (but not too confident). Be a gentleman. Be fun. Be there. Please, just be there. But don’t be late!

Show up prepared.

This is like a job interview you’ve been waiting! You wouldn’t go there unprepared, right? So, show yourself prepared. What does it mean to be prepared?

It means, at least you have showered before you go there. Please do this. I heard some guys going out on a date without even taking a bath or ladies not shaving their underarms or legs. I mean, it’s not really necessary to shave or take a bath before going on a date but please make yourself clean and presentable.

You might be meeting your future life partner. You would want to look your best, right? Treat each date as a special occasion to dress up. (quoted from my last blog “20 Things to Avoid that would Ruin a Date”)

You are wearing the right dress or shirt and jeans. Yes, of course! You should do this. I’m saying, the “right dress or shirt and jeans” since not all that you want to wear is appropriate.

So, what to wear? For the ladies (this is from my other blog, “Beginner’s Dating Guide for Women”. You may want to check it out too.)

Wear outfits or colors that you are most complimented on. This just says it all.

Wear outfits that fit the venue of your date. You don’t want to wear high heeled shoes or pumps on a hike! This is assuming that you already know where your date is taking you.

But if he doesn’t tell you where (to surprise you, maybe), you can just ask him what appropriate outfit you should wear. The last thing you want to do is keep on fidgeting on your outfit, right?

Wear outfits that highlight your assets. If you have great arms, you can wear something sleeveless or something that somehow shows it off. Know your assets too so that you know what to wear to highlight it.

Also, dressing to impress is different from showing off too much skin. That’s like you are trying too hard already. Someone said, “keep it short to get attention but keep it long to keep it mysterious”.

Wear something that fits you and that makes you feel really good about yourself. Wear something that can make you feel you are the best version of yourself. If you are usually a T-shirt and jeans kind of girl, don’t show up wearing a flowery dress! It isn’t you.

Wear something that you can walk in, eat in and breathe in! You should be comfortable on what you’re wearing! Of course! Because comfort is the key no matter what. Confidence is everything girl.

As for the guys (from my other blog too, “Beginner’s Dating Guide for Men”), first impressions don’t always last, but it will leave a mark. So, on your first date, you should think of an impression you want to leave in her head.

You can wear anything you want but you should consider how that would leave a mark. I’m not saying you should wear a three-piece suit nor a ripped jeans or shorts! Girls are visual humans too!

What I’m saying is that you should always have your best foot forward. Like have a shower, a shave and put on something comfortable and suitable on your date. And a whisk of your favorite cologne please. (Girls like to be with good smelling guys!) Now, you’re good to go.

Cut off the use of mobile phones during the date.

How are you supposed to get to know the person next to you when you are busy with texting or updating your social media or scrolling on Instagram or Facebook or Twitter and your other active account?

If possible, turn your phone off. If you have to keep it on, just keep it silent. Now, please talk to each other about each other! Get to know him or her seriously. Imagine that he or she is the only person you can talk to at the moment. Enjoy your time together as much as possible too.

Now, what if you don’t like him or her? That’s why what you want to do instead is to keep on checking your phone, that is just so disrespectful of you. If you want to be respected, be respectful also. Golden rule, remember? Do unto others what you want others to do unto you.

Be honest.

Honesty still stands up to this day. Chill and just be yourself. It’s so difficult to pretend to be someone you are not just to please someone you are not sure who will like you for the fake you. Think with me, what if he or she caught you pretending? Because honestly, you can’t pretend your whole life!

And what if after he or she caught you, he/she likes the real you instead but since you lied to them from the beginning, they will not trust you now. It will definitely hurt! Also, if you pretend to be someone else, you might actually attract someone you really are not meant to attract in the first place and it will be difficult.

Especially for you. Because you will always be the one to adjust. How’s that? Sounds terrible, right? So, just be yourself. Be honest to him or her. If he or she doesn’t like you for who you really are then move on. Accept the fact that we can’t please all people.

Same as you, what if the situation is you’re on the honest side and your date isn’t, what will you feel if you caught him or her? So, if you’re looking for a long-term relationship, it’s always safe to be real, authentic and honest.

Make a conversation.

Conversation is about two people talking, right? So, if you’re the only one talking, then sorry it’s not a conversation but a speech! If you want to do so, stand in front of a crowd then do just that! Be a guest speaker or something.

But when you’re in a date. Give a chance for him or her to talk about herself or himself. And, please do listen. Listen attentively. Look him or her in the eyes. Show interest. Ask some questions (just the non-offending questions, okay?). You can learn from her or him whether you’ll end up together or not.

Don’t forget to be grateful and considerate.

Whether your date or dates had been successful or not, always be thankful. It’s just a simple gesture but surely will be appreciated by someone. It can maybe the turning point of your date! Now, that sounds really cool! But really, people who are often grateful are most liked by grateful people too.

Even the “not-so-grateful” ones. Because people are still looking for someone with an attitude like that. Offer to pick her up or drive her home. Or offer to pay the bill or share the bill.

Give a compliment about how the dress suits her or how he looked with his shirt. These simple acts tell your date that you have a good heart, well grown up, sensitive (in a good way, of course), and that you cared for them. Who wouldn’t want a date like that?

All of these are just some hacks for you. The top among those hacks. Not all are listed here though. You may find it yourself along the way or from other people. The important thing is you now have an idea on how to make your date a success.

And remember, it’s not the same for everyone. Some hacks will work for you and not for everyone else. Or some will work on the other and not on you. The truth is, we all have a unique love story.

You may write it, paint it, sketch it or do it. It’s really up to you now how you will make of these hacks. Good luck on your love story! May it be as amazing as you are. 🙂