Let’s look at helping you if you’re really nervous going on a first date.
The thing is, dating is really daunting for most of us. But for an introvert, it can be a nightmare.
That’s why I’m going to cover 4 tips for introverts on a first date.
You see, for an introvert looking for love the whole experience can be excruciatingly awkward, not just daunting.
If you’re an introvert, you’ll worry about how you’re going to keep the conversation going and keep your date interested.
The last thing you want, after finally being invited to the date, is coming across too timid or shy.
So, let’s look at these tips for introverts on a first date to help you out…
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1. Choose your date locations with care
For the first few dates, DON’T choose a restaurant or anywhere where the two of you just sit in front of each other for a couple of hours, as this is a disaster waiting to happen (especially if you’re BOTH introverts).
Instead, choose a coffee bar, a public place or a local event where you have limited time together and are in a much more casual public atmosphere.
2. Spotting the Introverts v. Extraverts
If you’ve been on the dating scene for a while you’ll no doubt have picked up on some of the traits of your dates. Here are a few clues to help you.
If your date is an INTROVERT they will:
- tend to keep their enthusiasm to themselves so you can never really judge if you’ve hit it off with them unless they tell you
- proceed cautiously when meeting other people
- prefer to socialize in small groups
- listen more than they talk
- think carefully before speaking (which can cause long silences)
If you come across another introvert then you need to read my other article on the 23 questions to ask on your first date to help you out.
If your date is an EXTRAVERT they will:
- communicate with enthusiasm, often speaking quickly in a loud voice
- meet people readily and are always willing to participate in activities
- talk much more than they listen
- often blurt things out without thinking
Tips for Introverts on a First Date
However, if you’re on a date with an extravert you won’t need to do much of the talking, they’ll do it all for you!
But remember, if you want to make a lasting impression and get him interested enough to ask you for another date, then you’ll have to open up and share some of your personality.
Take a look at Tip 3 for introverts on a first date below and prepare a few questions beforehand. To discover more about your own personality type head over to Truity and take a free assessment.
You may also like: First Date Tips: 23 Questions to Ask if You’re Really Shy
3. Prepare some questions beforehand
Another one of the tips for introverts on a first date is to prepare some questions beforehand. If your date is outgoing and chatty you can happily let them talk to kingdom come.
But, if your date turns out to be an introvert, like you, then you’ll have to make an effort to avoid long silences.
Meanwhile, check out these tips for introverts on a first date. A good way to avoid getting stuck for conversation is to prepare a list of some ‘safe questions’ to keep the momentum going, for example:
- Ask about their family
- Ask about their job
- Ask about their interests or hobbies
- Ask about their favorite holiday spot
- Ask about their favorite movie
- Ask about their favorite book
- Ask if they won the lottery tomorrow, what would they do with the rest of their life?
Above all, question 7 also gives you an insight into their character and hopes for the future, without you coming across as too curious or too serious.
If you need some inspiration for your next dates? Why not check out Alida’s great eBook where she includes 175 Best Date Ideas and you’ll never struggle to think about arranging your dates again!
4. Consider online dating
To sum up, if you feel too shy to meet someone in person then here is another tip for introverts on a first date. Try online dating.
Online dating can be a lifeline into the dating scene if done with care and with a reputable dating site like eHarmony.
For example, don’t use your personal email address but create another free email address in Google or Yahoo which doesn’t include your last name.
Most importantly NEVER give out your address or home phone number – which is just good sense.
Online dating allows you to get to know someone before you meet them face-to-face, which is always a great plus for most introverts.
As a result, by communicating online you can judge if they are more like you, or more outgoing and chatty so you’ll be much more prepared when you finally meet up face-to-face.