In the fast paced environment of the 21st century, it’s virtually impossible to find a soulmate. At high school and college it was all too easy. Your social circle consisted almost entirely of people your age with similar interests, but if those early relationships don’t pan out it can be difficult to find suitable candidates for a grown up relationship out there in the real world. As a famous comedian once said, it’s like having a lot of money in the currency of a country that doesn’t exist anymore. Your workplace is chock full of attractive, intelligent, interesting women… But they’re all taken. Blind dates with friends of friends almost always end in disaster and the world of online dating is… problematic at best. When you manage to get a date with a suitable lady, it’s important to make sure she doesn’t end up the one that got away. Perhaps it would help to know what she’ll notice and plan your all important first impression accordingly…
Photo disparity
If you met your date in the digital realm it’s important that what she sees ‘live’ matches what she’s seen in the photos you’ve sent her. If she’s only seen a photo of you from 5 years ago when your hairline and waistline were a little more… co-operative, don’t be surprised if she notices the disparity. Photos on your profile should be flattering but realistic and avoid the urge to doctor them with filters or (worse yet) makeover apps.
Your smile
Never underestimate the power of a smile! A smile is a proven influencer of perception and behaviour. A smile can diffuse a tense conversation, it can make people feel good about themselves and it can establish you as a warm and genuine person. It’s important to smile not just with your mouth but with your eyes too. Your mouth should be open a little while avoiding gaping. Your teeth should be on show (so make sure that they are immaculate), but not your gums (that’s just overdoing it). Even if you’re self conscious about your teeth try and avoid a tight lipped smile as this can imply reluctance or discomfort. You don’t want her thinking you don’t want to be there.
Your ensemble
When choosing what to wear it’s important to make sure you look good but it’s also important that you feel able to be yourself. Trying to be who you think she wants you to be is absolutely not the right way to start a relationship. Sharp suits and Citizen watches can make a great first impression, but if you don’t feel comfortable in them, you’ll spend the whole date feeling like you’re trying to be someone you’re not. It’s important to wear clothes with a flattering cut but try to avoid anything too tight fitting. You don’t want clumps of belly hair poking through gaps in your shirt buttons. You should wear clothes that afford you a decent range of comfortable movement.
Your scent
Your smell is extremely important. By this we don’t just mean your choice of cologne. Make sure that you don’t step out of the door until all unpleasant body odours have been eliminated. Make sure that you brush and floss your teeth and use mouth wash. Ensure that your armpits, your groin and your feet are thoroughly scrubbed. Use a good antiperspirant deodorant and try not to overdo it on the cologne. You don’t want to make her gag when you kiss her on the cheek!