A first date is important because it dictates the next crop of dates. For some people, the first date is the date. It can give an initial idea on what type of person your date is and gives a basic compatibility test for both of you. You may have just recently met the person or he/she may already be a long-time friend but the first date should not be taken lightly. Some people have so much riding on their first date that they become nervous wrecks even before the date. The sad thing is, there is no hard-and-fast rule on how to be on tip-top shape on your first date but there are ways for you to look and feel confident on the big day.

1. Chill

This is not an admissions exam to the Harvard University or a job interview for a CEO position, this is just a date. Try to keep your expectations at mid-level. You might go home feeling like you have won the jackpot or you might go home feeling like you have wasted your time. Try to keep both scenarios in mind. Approach a first date as you would a day at the beach. Chill and have fun.

2. Dress to impress

A lot of people judge other people by how they dress. It is a fact of life. So although you are very comfortable in jeans and a loose shirt, you might need to put more effort if you want to feel confident talking to your date. Make sure you know where you are going through your first date though. If you decide on dinner, the little black dress or a dressy top and pants is a perfect outfit for the females. A jacket and slacks would be great for the men. Knowing that you are dressed in something that shows your best assets will assure a high level of confidence.

3. Be in your best mood

Being confident means a clear mind and a ready attitude to listen to your date. This, after all, is the getting-to-know-you stage. Expect a lot of conversations about your date. If you had a bad day at the office and in no mood for talking, go to the salon to have your nails done for a little pick-me-up. If you have lots of time before the date, take a hot relaxing bath or sweat it out first in the gym for that much-needed endorphins.

4. Be yourself

So okay, you have heard this advice a million times before. But there is a big reason why it is repeated over and over again. It is pretty hard to pretend someone you are not. You just might end compromising yourself with ridiculous inconsistent story about yourself. It can be good PR to give a few white lies about yourself but in the end, you are date will see through your disguise.

5. Pretend to be confident

Because even if you are not, nobody can tell the difference. Be willing to take the plunge and put yourself out there. So what if the first try at dating bombs, you can always try again. Confidence is not always inborn, it needs to be learned and honed too.