Let's be honest, being single can be great and playing the field is exciting, but first dates can be totally awkward sometimes. For example, how do you continue a conversation when the first thing out of your date's mouth is, "I'm boring?" Do you just "light yourself on fire" and run away, or do you painfully play it cool until you find a way out?
YouTube sensation and resident coolest kid on the block, Connor Franta [1], sat down with me, had a drink, and doled out some advice for when it comes to nailing that first date and avoiding any cringe-worthy conversations.
- Avoid answering questions with just a simple "yes" or "no". You always want the person to feel like you're interested in them and vice versa.
- There's nothing wrong with an escape plan. Everyone's heard of the "emergency call" situation where you have a friend ready at will to call you in case you need an easy out. If you choose to use this lifeline, odds are, your date will get the message things are going poorly if they haven't already.
- A cheesy pick-up line might not be the worst thing in the world. It's actually something that could grab their attention and say a little bit about your personality.
- Try to think of something else to describe yourself other than "BORING."
- If things aren't vibing after a date, in deciding between ghosting and just being upfront and honest, try to just tell them like it is and be a kind person.
- Don't be afraid to get into your passions and talk about what you want to do in life.
- Hey, it's OK to kiss on the first date.
- Make sure you're smelling fresh and clean before your date.
- To be frank, there's no turning around a bad first date. ONTO THE NEXT.
- And as for second dates, try an activity, or just get ready to open up a little more with deeper questions, and if they get freaked out, it's on them.
Watch Connor's full interview on Pour Decisions, which has new episodes every Thursday on POPSUGAR Girls' Guide, and let us know your first date pointers in the comments below. And don't forget to check out Connor's new book, Note to Self [2], out April 18.