How to Act on a Date (for Girls)

Co-authored by Judith Gottesman, MSW

Last Updated: August 29, 2022 References

If you want to make a good impression on a date, be polite and friendly. Engage in enjoyable conversation and try to keep the mood light and fun. Ask questions, tell funny stories, and offer your date compliments that will make them feel good. Practice good hygiene so that your breath, body odor, or wardrobe do not take away from the experience.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Showing Good Manners

1
Practice good table etiquette. Poor eating habits like chewing with your mouth open or eating with your fingers can be off-putting. If you are sharing a meal with your date, make a good impression by showing off your table manners. Make an effort to hold your utensils properly, use your napkin, chew with your mouth closed, and keep your elbows off the table.
2
Put your phone away. It can be tempting to keep your cell phone closeby while you're out, but it is rude to do it on a date. Keep your phone in your purse or pocket and give your date your full attention. If you need to have your phone on hand in case of emergencies, place it face down on the table and only touch it if it rings or vibrates.
- If you are only on alert for a call from one particular number, set it to a particular ring tone and volume setting so you aren't interrupted unnecessarily.
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3
Accept compliments graciously and return them. A charming person will likely pay you at least a compliment or two during your date. Say a simple "thank you" and offer a compliment in return. Avoid rejecting any compliments your date gives you by being self-deprecating or untrusting.^{[1]
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- For instance, if your date tell you that you look beautiful, tell them something like, "you look lovely, too" in return.
- Avoid a negative response like, "no, I'm not that attractive."
4
Offer to pay. You should always be prepared to pay on a date, or to split the bill equally. Bring cash, a debit card, or a credit card when you go out and reach for your wallet when it is time to pay. If your date insists on paying for you, thank them kindly and offer to pay for the next activity you share.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Engaging in Good Conversation

1
Ask questions about your date. A good date should involve a back-and-forth talk where you ask questions about your date and they ask questions about you. Ask about things that will reveal facets of their personality and let you get to know them better. Try questions like:^{[2]
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- "What do you like to do in your spare time?"
- "Have you travelled anywhere recently?"
- "Do you have any pets?"
- "What's on your bucket list?"
- "What's your biggest pet peeve?"
2
Tell jokes or funny stories. Laughing with your date is a good way to bond with them and feel more comfortable. Tell funny stories about yourself or share a good joke that you think they might enjoy. Being humorous will show your date that you're lighthearted and fun, and it will allow them to let their guard down around you.^{[3]
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3
Avoid awkward topics. Certain subjects should be off-limits on dates as they are awkward and might make your date feel uneasy. Avoid any discussion about former relationships, which will ruin the vibe of your outing. Don't ply your date for information they don't offer freely and never push a topic that they don't want to talk about.^{[4]
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- Don't share anything too personal before you get to know the person well enough to share secrets.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Being Presentable

1
Freshen your breath. In any situation where you will be having close conversations, bad breath can be turnoff. Brush your teeth, floss, and use mouthwash before going on your date to make your mouth as fresh and clean as possible. Drink plenty of water and stay away from coffee, garlic, and other causes of bad breath.^{[5]
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2
Shower and use deodorant. Never skip a pre-date shower, which is a courtesy to your date and a testament to your good hygiene. Wash with warm water and keep the shower under 15 minutes to keep your skin from drying out. If you plan to shave your legs in the shower, wait until the end of the shower when your pores have had a chance to open up.^{[6]
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3
Dress to impress. Wear an outfit for your date that makes you feel comfortable and confident, and reflects your personality. For a casual date, wear something that is slightly nicer than your regular clothes. If the date is fancier, wear a nice dress, jumpsuit, or skirt and blouse combination and aim to look both sexy and classy.^{[7]
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Research source} Consider adding a nice necklace, a hat or some other memorable accessory to stand out a little bit.