Sometimes the first date between you and a great match does not go as planned. The good news is that the first date does not define whether or not you can fall in love with each other.
When you have been searching for the right partner for a while, you can become lonely. Loneliness may lead to impatience – and your expectation can soon very easily taint your experience of a first date. This process is in no way unusual, we all want to find our soul mate and fall in love.

Resist the urge to nit-pick at small things

The impatience and frustration that grows when you are still looking for the right person can lead to a skew idea of what we want in a partner. Any small quality connected to prospective matches who did not work out – unusually-shaped eyes, a tendency to talk loudly, different opinions on insignificant things – can be magnified out of proportion. Stopping this habit in its tracks is the first step to enjoying first dates and opening your world up to so many more opportunities.

Arrive with an open mind

Do not let your past experience ruin the first date with a new potential partner. Sometime disappointments or bad experiences in our past can result in a bit of baggage when it comes to sussing out a new date. While having a fixed set of criteria can be a good thing, letting negative experiences dictate what we do or do not want in a partner can lead to trouble. Focusing on how your partner should be, without allowing yourself time to get to know them, will keep you stuck of dissatisfaction. Instead, on the first date, try to notice the qualities you like in your date.

First impressions are only impressions

The first date might not be what you were hoping for. A match may seem perfect on paper, but you just do not “feel it” on the first date. You probably just need some more time. Getting to know someone takes a while. The first impression might not be a good one – but keep in mind that your date might be in the same position as you. Past experiences might be holding them back too. Your date might be nervous. They may have had a terrible day at work. Or, like you, your date might be eager to find the right person without being disappointed or hurt again. Unless you both let go of your preconceptions of how a first date “should be” you might miss out on falling in love with your soul mate.

After all, people are not one dimensional. If there is no sparkle, or, after the first date, you enjoyed your date’s company but feel like they are not the one for you, give it some time. If you are meant to be together you will notice the sparkle soon enough. Give it a try!