The best place to start
making a good first impression is with what you wear. Make your attire reflect the best of who you are and make sure your date knows that your first meeting is important to you. Wear something you’re comfortable in and don’t be afraid to choose clothing that accents your best physical attributes.
When it comes to the small-talk, keep it light! A new date is not a dumping ground for everything that bothers you in life. Stay positive and avoid negativity. Previous relationships are out of bounds! Keep an ear to the conversation and make sure it’s not one-sided.
Be aware of what your body is saying. Body language is very important for sending the right message to your date. Is it going well or is it bombing? Examples: Light body contact, such as a quick touch of the arm or a playful tap of the hand, is a very positive signal that your date is comfortable or attracted. If your date is very static or is sitting with their arms crossed, this is not a good sign. The simplest and most positive signals can be sent with a smile or eye-contact.
At the conclusion of the date, whether good, bad or indifferent, be honest in your communication. If it went well, tell your date you had fun and would like to see them again. If it didn’t go well, be complimentary, but honest. Something like: “I think you're great, but I don’t see this going forward.” Being honest lets both of you move on in the hopes of finding the right person.
So you’ve made a connection. You’ve liked the phone conversations or the emails that have been exchanged and now it’s time to meet face to face.
"Make sure that your first contact with your potential new flame is done the old fashioned way - speak to them. Nothing is as impersonal as an email, tweet or text. It's a bad way to start a new relationship. It sends the message that you don't care or have the confidence to pick up the phone."
What Marc said
