Dating is a process of trial and error. You will know if the date is heading somewhere if you feel a connection with the person. But there is no magic or secret formula here. Effective communication should be intentional. How would you be able to achieve such a thing?
Open yourself to possibilities
You may have enlisted the services of a professional matchmaker or found a date on your own. In both scenarios, you are sending the signal that you are ready to mingle. Thus, be consistent with this perspective. When you open yourself up to the possibility, you will be able to connect more with your date.
As others say, you attract what you think. When you are about to be out on a date, prepare your mind with the idea that you want to have a connection. Your actions will follow your train of thought.
Prepare for your date
Most people know the nerve-wracking feeling of preparing for a date. This is where most commit a mistake. When you prepare like you are going into battle, you are going to use all your energy. So you may find yourself tired even before the date begins.
Instead, make your preparation well-thought-of yet fun. Choose attire and accessories that will help boost your confidence. Prepare early so that you will not cram.
Set a happy mood by listening to music or talking with a friend. When you relax, you will find it easier to form a connection. You will have bags of energy that your date will find inviting.
Have a non-judgmental attitude
If you come to your date night with a set of high expectations, you are bound to get disappointed. When going out on a date, leave your judgmental ways at home. Instead of thinking about how one should look or act, appreciate the person’s unique ways. Find something good in your date.
People feel when they are being judged. Thus, they will become defensive. They might put up their walls which will prevent a deeper connection. Encourage your date to put their guard down by providing a non-judgmental atmosphere.
Practice your communication skills
One of the best ways to ensure that you have effective communication with your date is to have good conversations. Find topics that can be of interest to both of you. Ask questions that will encourage your date to share more of their thoughts. Do not ask questions that will lead to short answers and dead air.
If you want it to be more natural, have an activity for a first date that you both enjoy. For example, you can go bowling. You can talk about many things related to the activity. If you are more comfortable talking with someone, then you will see the connection more.
Live in the moment
Do not rehash in your mind past dates or be too eager to imagine yourself in the future with your date. Instead, be at present. When your date sees that your mind is wandering, they might take it as a sign of disinterest. So work on your connection and stay at the moment. Enjoy all the details of your date and see the potentials with the person in front of you.
Dating is never a guarantee of a one-shot success. But working on connecting with your date will cut the chance of you only having first dates.