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First Impressions Fashion

by Alexis Taylor

 

First impressions are important in all areas of life but none more so than when you’re meeting a potential romantic partner. You’ve been matched online, read each other’s profiles, conversed a little (or a lot), and you’ve both been building a mental image of the other person. When you finally meet you will immediately look for signs that this person resembles, not only their photograph but also how you’ve imagined them to be in stature, personality and so on.


When it comes to dating, making a good first impression is everything, because many people won’t waste their time going out on a second date with you, when the first date didn’t go very well. This is why it’s imperative to look your best, to have good manners, and to be a good conversationalist.


Being a good conversationalist means being able to carry on a conversation, but it also means that there should be a balance between how much you talk and how much you listen. People usually only need about 15 seconds before they judge you. And despite the fact that we shouldn’t judge others so quickly, many of us do. This is why we need to make a great first impression. Things that should be done to make a good first impression:


Be yourself: This is the advice usually given to people going on a date, but we would add a little – be your ‘best’ self. This means becoming conscious of your posture, your smile, and your mindset. Unlike at a job interview, you can’t pretend to be something you’re not on a date. Any pretense will be exposed if you get into a relationship, but we all have aspects of our personalities that are more attractive than others.


Self-absorption is not attractive. You need to be able to leave your troubles at the door for the duration of the date and focus on the person in front of you. People who are attractive, charming and charismatic are usually comfortable in their own skin. Enjoy your date’s company and be attentive to their thoughts, needs and opinions rather than be wrapped up on your own.


Look your best: Even if you are only meeting for a quick coffee in the middle of a workday afternoon, it’s important to look your best. Paying attention to things like fresh breath, clean nails and ironed clothes show you are someone with self-respect. Small efforts can make a big difference in the impression you give.


Put away your phone: If you arrive at the venue of your date early it can be tempting to pull out your mobile phone and get busy on it while you wait. If you do, however, your date’s first impression of you may be of someone who hates even a few minutes alone without something to occupy them.

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