5 Signs of a Successful First Date with a New Guy

We’ve all had those less than satisfying dating situations that leave you wondering if you’re better off avoiding the process altogether and living out a single existence.  To avoid any more unsure feelings and the chance of becoming soul-crushingly good at cooking for one, ask yourself the following questions to help determine whether or not you should invest any more time into a guy after a first date:

#1:  Do you feel anticipation?  As you prepare for a date with a guy who has sparked your interest, there should be a high level of excitement and curiosity as you decide where to go, what you’re going to wear, and thinking about what may flourish from your adventure. There will probably be an even greater thrill if you’re meeting up with a guy who you’ve been communicating with over the internet for weeks or months.

Bad sign:  If you are less than excited or are experiencing feelings of indifference toward going on your first date with a particular guy, this might indicate that you are not that into him, or are emotionally unavailable to the general idea of dating.

#2:  Is the conversation flowing?  Typically on a date with a new guy, the first few minutes are usually filled with ice-breakers and a little bit of nervousness from both parties. If, however, there is a real connection between you and your guy the butterflies should fade and you should begin to feel comfortable in his company.  The initial small talk will allow to you share commonalities, interests and your sense of humor.  If the chemistry is right you will find yourself engaged in good conversation that should calm your initial nerves—this is when the conversation will open up for you to easily express yourself on a deeper level.

Bad sign:  If the conversation seems anything but natural and you feel forced to keep it going the entire date, you might not be a match for each other.  Communication is also definitely lacking if you feel like he is grilling you as if you were on a job interview.

#3:  Is there curiosity?  When there is a mutual attraction and a genuine desire to pursue more than just one date, both of you should be eager to learn as much as you can about the other.  Every bit of information you find out about your new guy should intrigue you to uncover more.  When you do, your intuition along with his body language will be able to cue you in to whether or not the two of you are compatible.

Bad sign:  If your date seems disinterested, unengaged in the conversation and is exhibiting negative body language such as sitting with his arms crossed, don’t take it personally…on to the next!

#4:  How does the date end?  The conclusion of the first date is going to tell you a lot about how the future bodes.  Are you both having such a great time that he seems relaxed and even a bit reluctant to end the evening?  Can you feel a bit of sexual chemistry or tension when it’s time to say farewell?  Do you feel excitement about the possibility of seeing him again?  By the end of your date, you should both feel the same level of interest that you did before your date, if not more!

Bad sign:  If your date is speeding things up and making excuses as to why the night needs to come to an end, there is a possibility that you may not be seeing him again.

#5:  Is there a follow –up?  This step is crucial to the early stages of a developing relationship.  If the date went well, you should expect to hear from him within three days after your outing.  If there is interest, an invitation for a second date will soon follow.

Bad sign:  If you don’t hear from him shortly after your first date, you may not want to hold your breath.  Granted, people are busy with work, school and other life commitments, but in this day in age with technology at our fingertips allowing for easier communication, there is no reason why a short text, email or phone call is too much to ask from your date.