The first date gets a lot of attention, doesn't it? A slew of blog posts and articles devoted to date #1 pop up on the internet nearly everyday. They all offer first date tips and tricks so that you, the dater, won't mess it up and will gain access to the promise land-the second date. When you do snag a second date though, you're seemingly on your own! In my opinion, the second date is even more important than the first, and deserves it's own slew of tips and tricks! When the first date is over, and you've kissed goodnight and made plans to see each other again over the weekend...now what? Here are six foolproof second date tips!
1. Skip the movie.
A second date is your chance to really get to know each other, since the boring questions were taken care of on the first date. Sitting in a movie theater where you can't talk is not going to progress the relationship along at all. Go to the movies when you're married!
2. Select the location carefully.
First dates generally occur at coffee shops, bars or restaurants, but don't be afraid to shake things up on date number two. Now that you aren't consumed with first date nerves and have established the things you two have in common, you can really enjoy each others company. For example, did you bond over your shared love of horse racing or bowling when you first met? The track or the lanes would be a great date idea! Have fun, and don't be afraid to think outside of the bar.
3. Ask a lot of questions.
Without sounding like you're interrogating them, ask your date questions about themselves that really matter to you. Your goal? To determine if you'd like to go on a third date, which actually sounds quite serious! Don't be afraid to dig deeper on date #2 than you did on date #1, but don't expect them to bare their soul to you just yet. And remember it goes both ways! You too should plan on opening up more on the second date than you did the first, and sharing your thoughts and feelings with your date.
4. Remain on your best behavior.
The person you're on a second date with liked you enough to agree to see you again, so don't go mucking it up by acting like a fool! This means keep alcohol to a minimum, remain respectful and don't get too comfortable-you aren't in a long-term relationship yet, you aren't best friends and you aren't guaranteed a third date. If you absolutely must "let you hair down" , do it slowly, one strand at a time.
5. Don't be presumptuous.
A second date is a great step towards building a lasting relationship, but true love it does not make. Don't assume that just because you've hung out with someone twice that you are a couple. Chances are, they are still dating other people, and you should be too, so don't go deleting your online dating profile or updating your Facebook status to "in a relationship" just yet! Enjoy the moment and allow things to develop organically.
6. Read the signs.
Pay attention to your date - do they look bored? Are you laughing and connecting? Do this without them knowing though, because asking them things like, "Are you having fun? Do you like me? Is this going somewhere?" is super clingy and annoying, and can make your date feel cornered. A good way to gauge their interest is to ask them if they'd like to continue the date elsewhere, maybe grab some food or a drink to wind down. If they decline and start listing out the reasons why they need to cut the date short, it might be time to accept that there won't be a third date in your future. If they accept however, you could be well on your way to relationship station!