First Dates Are Awkward, But They Don't Have To Be!

25 Surprisingly Simple Ways to Make Your Next First Date Way Less Cringe

DATING

5/30/20253 min read

🥴 First Dates Are Awkward… But They Don’t Have to Be

25 Surprisingly Simple Ways to Make Your Next First Date Way Less Cringe

Let’s be honest:
You dressed up, showed up, ordered the drink, and now… your brain has checked out, your mouth is dry, and you’re suddenly wondering if you forgot how to be a functioning human.

Welcome to the awkward first date.

We’ve all been there—sweaty palms, weird silences, polite smiles while your brain screams “What do I say next?”

But guess what? Awkward doesn’t mean doomed. With a few simple shifts, you can turn a painful first date into a confident, flirty, and even fun experience.

Let’s fix this. Here are 25 ways to make your next first date smoother, sexier, and way less stressful:

💡 1–10: BEFORE THE DATE – SET YOURSELF UP FOR SUCCESS

Pick an activity date (not just dinner).
→ Coffee walks, mini golf, escape rooms, or art exhibits create natural conversation starters.
Choose a spot you’re comfortable in.
→ Familiarity reduces nerves. You don’t need the added anxiety of navigating a new place and a new person.
Have 3 go-to conversation topics ready.
→ Think: travel dreams, weird food combos, what they’d do in a zombie apocalypse. Fun = connection.
Don’t rehearse like it’s a job interview.
→ Dating is connection, not performance. Be prepared, not polished.
Wear something that makes you feel amazing.
→ When you feel hot, you act confident. Confidence kills awkwardness.
Stop thinking about “impressing” them.
→ Instead, think: Do I enjoy how I feel around this person? That’s the real test.
Practice grounding techniques.
→ Deep breath in for 4, hold for 4, out for 4. Repeat. It lowers cortisol (the stress hormone).
Make a playlist that hypes you up on the way.
→ Music changes your state. Be the main character walking into your own rom-com.
Tell a friend your plan.
→ Not just for safety—sharing gives you accountability and encouragement.
Decide it’s OK to be nervous.
→ You’re not a robot. Nerves = you care. Lean into it.

💬 11–20: DURING THE DATE – KEEP THE ENERGY FLOWING

Ask open-ended questions.
→ “What’s your perfect weekend?” is better than “Do you like movies?”
React to what they say.
→ “No way, you’ve been to Iceland? Tell me everything.” Keeps it from feeling like an interview.
Use gentle teasing to create chemistry.
→ Playful banter builds flirtation. Just keep it kind and light.
Mirror their energy.
→ Are they chill and quiet? Match that vibe. Are they bubbly? Meet them there.
Make real eye contact.
→ Not staring—just intentional moments of connection. Hold it for a beat longer than usual.
Don’t fake interest.
→ You’re allowed to be bored. You’re just not allowed to be rude. Pivot the convo gracefully.
Touch the table, not your phone.
→ Nothing kills vibe like phone scrolling. Stay present. It’s rare and powerful.
Laugh—even if it's awkward.
→ Humor dissolves tension. Make fun of yourself if you need to.
Say what you’re feeling.
→ “I always get a little nervous on first dates” invites vulnerability and trust.
Don’t expect sparks—look for ease.
→ First dates aren’t about fireworks. They’re about flow.

🏁 21–25: ENDING THE DATE – WHAT TO DO AND SAY

Don’t drag it out if it’s clearly not working.
→ “Hey, I think you’re great, but I’m not feeling a connection—thank you for meeting up.”
✅ Clear. Kind. Confident.
If you liked them—say so.
→ “This was really fun. I’d love to do it again—are you free next week?”
✅ Direct > mysterious.
Offer the hug—but don’t force it.
→ “Are you a hug person or a handshake person?” Let them choose.
Skip the fake promises.
→ Don’t say “Let’s do this again!” if you don’t mean it. Leave the door open—or gently close it.
Send a short, sweet follow-up text (if you liked them).
→ “Had a great time today. You’ve got a great sense of humor. Hope your week starts off awesome.”
✅ Bonus: Confirms interest and builds momentum.

💘 Final Thought: Awkward Isn’t a Dealbreaker—Silence Is

Most people aren’t awkward—they’re just trying too hard to hide who they are. But what if you didn’t?

What if your next first date felt like a breath of fresh air—for both of you?