The advent of internet dating definitely changes first impression circumstances. It’s entirely possible that you’ll be going out on a first date with someone that you’ve been communicating with for weeks or even months.
In contrast, not all of us have given ourselves over entirely to internet dating. We live ever hopeful that we’ll meet eligible singles in the real world. If we’re being totally honest we’ll admit to doing both. That’s just smart maximization of our dating potential.
The variations in rules between the different arenas of romantic meetings can be a bit daunting. If you met person A in location B, is it okay to suggest activity C on the first date? Fortunately, some things stay universally true. At the top of this list? The ways in which you make an unforgettable first impression.
First impressions don’t care where or how you met. Whether at a friend’s party, doing the face to face thing with that cutie you met on an internet dating site or meeting someone in your professional circle; you want someone to think the best of you. The tactics are pretty straightforward.
1. Look ‘em in the eye and make it last
By making direct and lasting eye contact with your new acquaintance you’re sure to communicate not only your confidence and honesty but also your interest. Fleeting glances are fine if you only want to sneak a peak, but locking looks opens the door to further communication.
Should all the eye time leave you a bit bored, play memory games with yourself. Observe their eye color, the shape of their eyes, their eyebrows, their nose etc. You’ll be conveying your interest at the same time that you’re searing their face into your memory.
2. Know when to reign in the excitement
Let’s say you’ve been chatting up some fabulous new find and you find yourself in the midst of that age old dilemma; you want to appear interested, but not over eager. What do you do? Try letting go of the reigns and let them take charge. While they’re talking match their energy and level of excitement instead of setting the tone yourself. This way you can also be sure that you’re not hogging the conversation.
3. So close and yet so far
Okay, this one might not apply so well to professional matters; other than a firm handshake at the beginning and end of a meeting, I’d steer clear of their personal space. That said, this is a great little move that I only perfected after a few too many drunken conversations during which I thought I was flirty touching someone on the shoulder or knee but was actually just coming really close to doing so (hey, vodka impairs your ability to judge differences, okay? Let it go).
You’ll convey a sexually charged undertone by almost, but not quite, touching someone’s knee or shoulder. It’ll leave them wanting more! Women especially love the almost intimacy while appreciating the fact that you’re not being too forward physically.
This article was written by the staff of the Datepad.com internet dating company where you can find hundreds of professional dating articles. Click here to get your own unique version of this article with free reprint rights.
