From the pre-date butterflies you get when trying on what feels like a million different outfits to finally sitting down and getting to know your date a little bit better, a first date is full of exciting (and even nerve-racking) moments as you think about what to say, what to do and what heâs thinking.
Once the date is over, the highlights of your night race through your mind as you suddenly wonder if he had the same great experience that you did. Did he really think your jokes were funny, or were those pity laughs? Should you have ordered that dessert? Â Is there a second date in your future?
Stop worrying! HC asked guys to weigh in on the first-date moves that leave them wanting more.
1. Take initiative
Have you ever had your phone glued to your hand after a first date, waiting for him to text you? Save yourself the stress and donât be afraid to make the first move, collegiettes!
âItâs super cool when girls donât just wait for you to make a move, whether itâs hooking up or even just sending that first text after the date,â says Alex, a sophomore at the University of Delaware.
When James, a junior at Trinity College, had a busy day after an awesome date the night before, he was excited to see that the girl he went out with texted him to let him know she had a great time.
âI was so happy that she had a good time and that she let me know it,â he says. âA lot of girls seem to think that Iâll think theyâre clingy if they make the first move, so itâs great to see a girl whoâs confident in herself.â
Nobody likes to play the waiting game â guys included â so donât be nervous about letting him know that you enjoyed your date!
2. Be yourself
It may sound obvious, but the guys we interviewed all agree that their best dates happen with someone who is upfront about who they are: likes, dislikes and everything in between.
When Harry, a junior at Colgate University, was on a first date, he mentioned that he was a huge baseball fan. The way his date reacted surprised him and immediately convinced him to ask her out again the next weekend.
âShe looked me straight in the eye and said, âWhen I watch baseball on TV, I think itâs so boring because I have no idea whatâs going on,ââ he says. âBut then she went on to say that she would like to go to a game because it would a fun way to hang out with someone and learn about the sport. I liked that she didnât lie about her interest and offered to get involved anyway.âÂ
As long as youâre respectful about your opinions, having conflicting interests or opinions can make for an even better, more interesting date conversation. Pretending to be interested in something that youâre not or vice versa will not only hurt your relationship if it progresses, but will probably be noticed by your date.
âItâs so obvious when a girl is putting on an act about something she cares about or doesnât like,â says Mike, a sophomore at the University of Delaware. âI donât want to date my twin, so thereâs no reason why someone should say she likes or dislikes everything I do. I see right through that.â
3. Dig in at the dinner table
Whether youâre going to a restaurant, the movies, an arcade or a sporting event, if part of your date plans include a meal, donât be afraid to eat in front of your date. In fact, if you decline, heâs probably not going to understand why.
âI canât stand when I take a girl out for a meal and she doesnât eat or just picks at a side salad,â says Adam, a senior at Lehigh University. âIf we plan to get a meal and then she doesnât eat, it makes me think sheâs too self-conscious. Everyoneâs nervous on a first date, but confidence is important. Why would I want to go out with someone who canât be herself around me?â
Itâs important that youâre comfortable on a first date. So while your guy may expect you to eat at dinner, donât be afraid to speak up if he wants to do something thatâs outside of your comfort zone. For example, if youâre a vegetarian and heâs suggesting his favorite steak house, heâll totally understand if you speak up and let him know you donât eat meat.
4. Be adventurous
Thereâs no reason to do anything that will make you uncomfortable, but donât be afraid to take a risk and do something off the first-date beaten path!
Luke, a sophomore at Hofstra University, says he loves when a girl is game to do something a little more fun than the typical dinner date. He also adds that if youâre on a more active date, you should get involved with the activity! âI took a girl to an amusement park once, and she wouldnât go on any rides because she didnât want to mess up her hair,â Luke says. âIf youâre too high maintenance to enjoy the date, the first date will definitely be the last.â
Sitting back and watching your date have fun isnât going to result in a fun first date for either of you, so get involved!
5. Leave your cell phone to the side
Let your friends know youâll be unavailable for a couple of hours and keep your phone in your bag. Spending your date scrolling through Instagram, tweeting or texting makes you look uninterested and rude.
âThere is nothing worse than trying to get to know someone and not even making eye contact because theyâre staring at their phone all night,â says Frankie, a senior at the University of Maryland.
Use these tips to score that second date â without the stress of wondering how it went! No matter what youâre doing, be yourself and be enthusiastic about what youâre doing. Enjoy your first (and second!) dates, collegiettes!Â