You only get one chance at a first impression. So when you’re trying to find someone to date long term, first impressions mean a whole lot. That’s why we’ve created this guide for you to read before that chance is lost. In this guide, we’ll talk about:
- How to make a great first impression when you meet someone
- How to make a great first impression on a blind date
- What to do if you accidentally don’t make a good first impression
Before you go out in search of your next partner, read this guide! Here’s how to make a good impression on that special someone without even trying!
1. Look her in the eye
Everyone has been there – they start a conversation with someone, only to find that the other party’s eyes are wandering. Maybe you’re looking at the people around you, maybe you’re just checking her out. It doesn’t matter!
The key to making a great first impression is to look her (or him) in the eye when you introduce yourself. Then, maintain eye contact throughout the duration of the conversation. Don’t let them believe you’re checking out the other people in the room, or that you’re not interested. Focus on the person you’re talking to – it’ll make all the difference in the world!
- The absolute best way to make a good first impression is to make eye contact
- Keep your eyes on the other person throughout the whole conversation
- Looking around the room or down at your phone tells her you’re not interested.
2. Show off your pearly whites
There’s nothing that makes you more approachable than a smile. So show off what thousands in orthodontia gave you and grin your way through the conversation. Of course, you don’t want a creepy Cheshire cat, serial killer grin. But keeping a smile on your face is the perfect way to make a great first impression.
Smiles are the easiest form of body language you can speak. Sure, your hand gestures and your posture will tell the other person how you feel, too. But there’s nothing like a grin to make someone feel warm and welcome, so don’t forget to say cheese!
- Smiles are a very basic form of body language – anyone can master it!
- Smiling makes you more approachable and tells the other person you’re interested
- Don’t be creepy with your smile – just keep it natural
3. Refer to him by name
When you first meet someone, and for the duration of the relationship, for that matter, refer to him by his name. It may sound like such a simple thing, but when you’re in conversation with someone this “name calling” will serve a few purposes.
First, it’s going to help you commit his name to your memory. And that’s super important! Secondly, it’s going to personalize the conversation, even it it’s small talk. Finally, it’s going to let him know (or think) that you care about what he’s saying.
- Referring to someone by name during a conversation is a great way to make a good first impression
- Calling them by name will personalize the conversation and let them know you care
- As an added bonus, repeating their name will help you remember it later!
4. Be on time
If this is a first date, it’s absolutely critical that you’re on time. We know blind dates can be rough, but nothing says “I don’t respect your time” or “My time is more important than yours” than showing up late. Punctuality also builds trust.
Be there when you say you’re going to be there, or be early if you’re meeting in a central location. Obviously if you’re picking your date up you won’t want to be too early. But a few minutes is fine. As they say, early is on time and on time is late. Showing up late is not acceptable ever, and especially not for a first date.
- Showing up late shows a blatant disregard for your date’s time
- If you’re meeting in a central location, it’s best to be early
- If you’re picking up your date, you can be a bit early but not to the point of imposing
5. If you do nothing else to prepare, please brush your teeth
There is absolutely no way on this planet that you’re going to make a good impression if your breath smells like cabbage and your teeth are covered in the chocolate bar you had after lunch. It’s just not going to happen. So ladies and gents alike, please be sure your teeth are brushed and your smelling your minty best at all times.
But don’t stop there! Comb your hair, use a lint roller on your clothes, and wear some deodorant. Good hygiene goes a very long way in making a good first impression, so please practice it.
- Please keep your teeth brushed, your hair combed and your clothes presentable
- This is especially true if you’re headed out on a first date
- Good impressions begin with good hygiene
6. Speak like a mermaid, not a sailor
Regardless of how you feel about foul language, you can never predict how someone else feels about it. Therefore, keep the potty language in the locker room where it belongs, and refrain from swearing in front of strangers and first dates.
As you get to know each other better, you’ll get a feel for their general take on what is and is not okay. But in the beginning it’s best to play it safe and just keep the language to a level your mama would approve of.
- Not everyone is a fan of foul language
- Play it safe to make a good first impression – speak kindly and without the swearing
- Later, if you both feel comfortable, feel free to curse like sailors
7. Put your phone away
In the same way you’ll want to maintain eye contact with the person you’re talking to, you’re obviously not going to make a great first impression if you’re chatting on your iMessage or scrolling through BBC News. Let the person you’re talking to know that you want to hear what they’re saying. By staring down at a screen, you’re telling him or her that his words aren’t important – but Facebook is.
Whether you’re meeting someone and striking up a conversation or are on a first date, make a conscious effort to put the phone in your pocket or purse and focus your attention on the flesh and blood before you.
- Staring at your phone is not going to make a good first impression – it’s just plain rude
- Texting or doing anything else on your phone mid-conversation relays that you don’t value your conversation partner’s words
- If you absolutely must take a call or message, politely excuse yourself
8. Be confident
You certainly don’t want to come across as arrogant during a first meeting or a first date, but you should try to show that you’re confident. Think of it this way: If this person doesn’t see that you like yourself, why should she feel that she should like you?
Keep your chin up and stand tall. Don’t fiddle with your hair or awkwardly try to figure out where to put your hands. Just use the same body language as you would with a friend and for heaven’s sake don’t insult yourself or make self-deprecating comments. That just makes everyone feel awkward.
- Confidence is sexy, so make a good first impression by showing it
- Use confident body posture and body language
- Remember that there’s a difference between confidence and arrogance
9. Ask open ended questions
There’s little more awkward than asking someone a question, only to have them answer with a yes or a no. Then a weird silence ensues, and it’s all downhill from there. Rather than asking closed ended questions, try to phrase your questions in a way that the answer will require more than a few words.
To flip that around, try not to be the one who answers a question with a simple “yes” or “no.” If he asks you, “Do you live around here?” The incorrect answer is “yes,” even if you do. The correct answer is, “I do! I’ve been here for about ten years now, moved from Insert City Name Here.”
You get the idea. Awkward silences are not good first impression material. Ask – and answer – in a way that’s going to keep the conversation going.
- Nobody likes an awkward silence
- You can avoid these by asking open ended questions
- You can further prevent weirdness by answering questions openly
10. Be yourself
There are a lot of important “tricks” on this list of the best ways to make a good first impression, but none of them are going to work if you can’t just be yourself. Look your conversation partner in the eye, connect with them, and show them who you really are.
If you can’t be yourself on a first meeting or date, he or she is going to eventually find out who you really are anyway. Don’t waste everyone’s time – simply be yourself and let the rest follow.
- Being yourself is critical to making a good first impression
- If you try to pretend to be someone you’re not, they’re going to find out anyway!
- Don’t waste time pretending – just be yourself from go
Conclusion
You only get one shot to make a good first impression, so be sure you do it right! If for some reason you do happen to commit one of the “no-nos” on this list, you can probably still recover. Just always be your genuine self and let the rest come naturally.
