Hands up if you’re single and wish you didn’t have to kiss frogs on your way to meeting Prince Charming, or the Cinderella whose foot is the perfect fit for the proverbial glass slipper. Ok – all of us then?
Our favourite dating show indulgence Date My Family: Kenya (Sundays at 8pm) has entertained, but mostly has made one thing clear. Finding “the one” is not the easiest thing on the planet. Dating is hard.
Luckily, advances in tech and in general socialization, have made it easier to meet people. And although tech can be a prickly affair, the traditional ways of meeting a potential partner (being matched by friends or relatives, bumping into a suitor at the shops, or even making a connection at someone’s perfect wedding) remain ever-green.
So, no matter how you’ve met a potential partner (online, at the corner store, or on Date My Family), you’ll need tips and tricks to help you navigate those treacherous first-date waters.
Here goes!
1. Pick the right outfit
Make sure you plan your outfit well in advance. You don’t want to be caught at a picnic in sky high heels and an evening dress. Ask your date (or tell your date, whichever works) where you are going. That way, you are able to put together a look that’s fit for the occasions. Whatever you choose, make sure you’re comfortable.
2. Smell great
Have you ever caught a whiff of a scent and have been immediately transported back to an exact place and time? Exactly! For a first date, make sure you choose a scent that’s memorable, but not too overpowering. Why? 1). You don’t want your oxtail tasting like vanilla. 2). You want your date to remember you.
3. Ask questions
Want to know more about your date? Then ask questions! Asking doesn’t mean firing off questions non-stop like your date is at a parliamentary Q&A. Slip your questions into general conversation and let the topic lead. Find creative ways to get to know your date and it may pay off later.
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4. Pick dishes that are easy to get into
And then there was food! It’s always a good idea to order something that’s easy to eat when out with a potential. That way, you can concentrate fully on the conversation at hand, instead of spending precious time trying to figure out how to eat what the waiter has placed in front of you. Sometimes, not knowing can be a great conversation starter (chopsticks on a sushi date, for example), but it’s always better to err on the side of caution and be more adventurous, on the second or third dates; basically, once you’ve built a rapport.
5. Tell someone
This is one of the most important things to do when prepping for a date. Let someone know where you are going, when and with whom. If you can, share your date’s contact details. That way, your loved ones know where to look, should something happen to you. You don’t have to tell everyone in your life, but make sure at least one close friend or sibling, knows where you are.
6. Be yourself
You can do all the prep in the world, but if you bluff your way through a date, that might backfire in the long run. Don’t let anyone fall in love with a version of yourself that you have created. Present yourself as you are; flaws and all.
7. Have fun
We don’t have to say it twice. Go forth and be great!
Watch singles try to find the perfect match, on Date My Family Kenya, every Sunday at 8pm, only on Maisha Magic Plus.
Disclaimer: We are not dating experts and this article is purely for entertainment purposes only.