Online dating is great in that it allows you to make your first impression online minus any awkward silences, stutters and fake laughs; you can put your charm and wit across with the aid of spell check, Photoshop and the help of the Internet (not that you’re cheating, of course). However, at some you’re going to want to take things offline. So what happens when you find yourself face to face with that person you virtually ‘clicked’ with but things aren’t going according to plan?
Read on to find You’ve Pulled’s tips for turning a bad first date around.
Lack of chemistry: Good email ‘banter’ does not necessarily mean good chemistry, so try not to get too carried away with one person before meeting with them. Likewise, if the chemistry isn’t there on the date don’t be disheartened – it could just be down to first date nerves. You’re not going to have instant chemistry with everyone you meet so forget about your expectations, decide to have fun on the date and just see where things go.
Slow conversation: There’s nothing worse than being on a date with someone who is boring. Whilst they may have seemed interesting and charismatic online, now that you’re sat opposite them they are displaying the same level of personality as a wet lettuce leaf. For those situations have a couple of back-up questions like, ‘what three people, dead or alive, would you invite to a dinner party’ and ‘what three things would you take to a dessert island’. These questions are real ice-breakers and a good way to get to know a little more about each other in a fun way.
They don’t look like their picture: There’s always a risk with online dating that the person you’re meeting won’t look like their picture; they may have used an old photo or they may have used their only ‘good angle’. So what if you fancy the pants of the person in the photo but they turn up carrying a few extra pounds and sporting a set of teeth you didn’t see behind the Kodak smile? Looks aside, you’re still on a date with the same person you were getting along with just great online. So instead of doing a runner based on appearance, sit the date out and see if your personalities click.
Your date is rude: There’s nothing sexy about rudeness or bad manners; especially when you’re on a first date. This is an important time to be making first impressions and if that first impression is rude, ignorant of abusive it doesn’t say a lot for how a relationship would go. Besides, dates are supposed to be fun and exciting, you don’t want to spend your night on edge; worrying about who your date will insult next. There really is no reason for turning this date around. Simply finish eating your meal or your drink and when you’re finished, politely ask for the bill and excuse yourself from the date.
If you find yourself on a bad date the main thing to remember is that it’s only one night, or one afternoon, or a few hours. It won’t last forever and chances are you’ll not only realise what it is you’re not looking for, but you’ll also look back and laugh your head off with your friends as you divulge all of the details.
Why not take the plunge today and sign up to You’ve Pulled. Alternatively, log in to your account and check out if you’ve got any messages waiting for you in your account.