Greeting someone on a first date can be tricky. You want to make a good impression, but you don’t want to come on too strong. A simple handshake is always a safe bet, but it might seem a little formal for a date.
If you’re feeling bold, you could try a light kiss on the cheek, but beware of misjudging the situation! nothing kills the mood quite like an awkward attempt at unwanted physical contact even if it’s a romantic gesture.
In the end, the best thing to do is to go with your gut and act naturally. After all, the most important thing is just to enjoy yourself and get to know your date. Everything else will fall into place in time. And, if you make sure to have read this entire article before going on your first date then chances are, you’ll know exactly what to do and how to do it. So read on!
So how do you greet someone on a first date?
Once you’ve landed the first date, you still have to make a good impression when you meet them for the first time. One of the most important things to do is to greet your date properly. Here are four ways to make a great first impression with your greeting:
1- Adopt positive and welcoming body language:
First impressions are important, so you’ll want to make sure you put your best foot forward. Positive body language is a great place to start. To achieve that, make sure you smile and keep your arms open; this will show that you’re happy to see them.
Nothing says “friendly” like a big smile, so make sure to show those pearly whites when you see your date. You should also angle your body towards them, as this will make you seem more approachable.
Of course, it’s also important to be sincere when doing all this because no one likes a fake smile. Just relax and be yourself, and you’re sure to make a great first impression.
2- Maintain eye contact:
Maintaining eye contact is an important aspect of greeting someone on a first date. When you meet the person for the first time, don’t look down at your feet or up at their head. If you feel awkward or nervous don’t start staring at the ceiling or fixating on another object or a piece of furniture in the restaurant you’re at.
Instead, keep your gaze at their eye level and just maintain eye contact. This shows that you are interested in the person and want to get to know them better.
If you do break eye contact, make sure it’s for a good reason like addressing someone else or the waiter. And don’t forget to keep your smile on, so that the person knows you are still friendly and interested. This shows that you’re courteous in getting to know your date and creates a connection between you two.
3- Go for a closer type of handshake:
A handshake is always a good way to start, to be safe, especially if you’re not sure how much physical contact they’d be comfortable with making.
A handshake is always a safe choice when greeting someone for the first time, but that doesn’t mean it has to be boring. Be sure to make eye contact and smile as you extend your hand. And, you can even go for a closer type of handshake, with one hand shaking theirs in a firm handshake; while your other hand embraces or slightly touches their shoulder or elbow.
This shows that you’re interested and confident. Just remember to read the situation and your date’s body language before making any moves. Ultimately, as long as you are polite and make an effort to put your date at ease, you’ll be off to a great start.
So if you’re confused about what type of greeting to go for then a firm handshake will convey confidence and shows that you’re glad to meet your date. Just don’t squeeze too hard! And, you can save a warm hug or closer type of greeting for the second or third date, when the two of you are more comfortable with one another.
4- Be open to any attempt they make at another type of greeting:
In the end, whether you go for a hug, handshake, or just a simple “hello,” make sure your greeting comes from the heart. Your date will be able to tell if you’re being genuine, so don’t try to fake anything!
Also, if they go in for a traditional handshake too, great. But if they go for something more unusual, like a fist bump or a high five, roll with it. The important thing is to be open to any attempt they make at another type of greeting. Even if they try to go in for a hug or kiss on the cheek, it won’t harm to just oblige with a friendly smile.
It’s all about making a good first impression, so if they lean on you or come at you with open arms, be glad they did! And, go along with it. Also, do not hesitate to check this article out where we talk about 3 simple but very important rules, on how to act during your first date, especially if it’s gonna be with someone you like a lot!