35 Must-Knows to Impress a Girl on the First Date & Win Her Over in 30 Minutes

If you learn how to impress a girl on the first date, you have a much better chance at planning the second. Is it more than just being yourself?

You only get one chance to make a good impression on the first date. Of course, some lovers have an awful first date and still end up staying together! But in today’s hectic and fast-paced world, most people don’t have the time for second chances – that’s why it’s important to learn how to impress a girl on the first date.

It may be unfortunate, but it’s a bitter pill that you need to swallow whether you like it or not.

For sure, the most important thing is to be yourself, but what else do you need to know if you want to secure date number two? [Read: 30 first date rules for guys and girls that’ll make your date adore you]

How to impress a girl on the first date and leave her hooked

Use these helpful hints to ensure you have an awesome evening and score a chance for that second date you want so badly!

1. Avoid turning the date into an interview

While it’s good to have a few questions prepared in case the conversation goes dead right at the start of dinner, do not come off as an investigative reporter.

Ask a question casually, let her answer, and feed off that original question with a few more if she seems interested in talking about it.

Do not shoot a line of rapid fire questioning from the hip. It will not end well for you. [Read: 25 of the biggest dating deal breakers for women!]

2. Take the time to build sexual tension

If there isn’t at least a mutual physical attraction right from the start, this relationship may not last long. You won’t have the time to find the other qualities you find attractive enough to spark the fire.

So, take the time to build sexual tension. Don’t come off too strong, but never for one moment should you forget that you’re on a date that tests your sexual compatibility. [Read: Ridiculously easy moves to get a girl horny while sitting next to her]

3. Keep your phone in your pocket

Nothing kills a first date more than checking your text messages while your date is talking or interrupting them to take a call. If you can’t keep your phone in the car, at the very least, put it away in your pocket.

You’re not showing her the respect she deserves if you’re more interested in texts and social media notifications.

4. Be interesting

Don’t be boring! Learn to ask good questions that keep the conversation interesting. You are not interviewing someone to hire them for a job, and this person is not going to be your personal assistant.

Ask engaging questions about her life, her job, and things that truly make her happy. You will be surprised how much you will not only learn about your date but how much you’ll enjoy it too. [Read: 40 perfect first date questions that’ll make you appear interesting and fun]

5. Choose personal stories wisely

Women love men who can laugh at themselves. Now telling a story about you wetting the bed when you were 5 is cute and funny. Telling her how you wet the bed when you were 25 just comes off as immature and a bit sad.

Keep the stories classy and fun! [Read: The art of using self deprecating humor to make her fall for you]

6. Understand that it’s fine to disagree

You may disagree with a political view she has, or maybe something as simple as the best type of pasta, but keep those negative comments to yourself.

It’s fine to disagree, but to go on an all-out crusade to prove why you’re right definitely won’t rub your date the right way.

7. Don’t go overboard with the alcohol

Getting started with drinks is a great way to loosen up a bit and relax in your surroundings.

However, make sure you’re drinking just enough to unwind, and not so much that you either come off as an alcoholic or just an asshole with a loose tongue. [Read: How to calm your nerves in any situation you’re walking into]

8. Be who you are

Just relax and be yourself. Your date obviously showed up because of something you were already doing. Maybe it was your looks that worked for her, maybe it was your sense of humor, or something else.

The fact is, she came because she found you interesting. So, do not pretend to be somebody else to try and impress her.

At best, she buys your fake persona and now you’re stuck being someone else every time you’re around her. At worst, she sees right through this fake persona *or simply doesn’t like this new version of you* and declines to meet up with you again. [Read: Tips to watch and know if a girl likes you on a date]

9. Avoid one word answers

Try to avoid giving direct answers, especially the word “no.” Those single-word answers really kill a conversation.

Instead of saying a flat out “no,” try saying something along the lines of  “No, but I really do like this instead…”

Not only does this keep the conversation flowing, but your date gets to learn more about you in the process. That could give her the opportunity to ask you more questions so both of you can feel engaged in the conversation. [Read: Easy ways to avoid awkward silences during a date]

10. Choose your volume setting wisely

Having to shout and yell over loud music or just hundreds of other humans is not the ideal setting for your first date. While we don’t recommend somewhere extremely quiet and secluded, just keep in mind the setting of where the first date will be taking place.

If noise were to become a problem, ask to be seated out on the patio. That way, you can enjoy the outdoor breeze as well as a quieter place to get to know each other. [Read: The top 50 amazing date ideas to wow your date]

11. Don’t tell her everything straightaway

While we’re sure your date would love you being open and honest when answering the questions she asks, keep in mind certain aspects of your life may be better kept under wraps until a couple of more dates down the road.

Confessing you just got out of a bad breakup that left you devastated, or that you got laid off from your job, are things best discussed on later dates.

12. Encourage her to ask questions

Many guys believe it is a great strategy to ask all the questions because a woman likes a man who loves to listen, but that is unrealistic. Though this may work on some dates, you should want to date a woman who is as interested in you, as you are in her.

If she wants to spend the whole night talking about herself without trying to get to know you, you really have to decide if this is the type of woman you want to be in a relationship with. [Read: 16 first date tips for guys to dazzle your date]

13. Own your confidence

You’re nervous, it’s normal. Take a few deep breaths to calm yourself and remember that she agreed to this date in the first place, so something is working for her.

Chin up, chest out a bit, and show her you are confident in yourself. Do that, and she will most definitely like you better for it!

14. Show up on time

Whether you’re picking her up or meeting her somewhere, make sure you’re punctual. No one likes someone who doesn’t bother enough to show up on time.

If you’re not there when you say you will be, then don’t be surprised if the rest of the date turns sour. [Read: Signs you’re ruining your first date unknowingly]

15. Dress to impress

If you’re wondering how to impress a girl on the first date, remember that looks aren’t everything, but they do count for something. If you turn up looking great, it shows you think she’s worth putting in the effort for.

However, make sure that you’re comfortable in what you’re wearing otherwise it will affect your confidence.

16. Make sure you’re listening

Take a genuine interest in her and her life if you want to make a lasting impression. Ask her questions about what she enjoys doing, what her family is like, or where she went to school.

Really listen to her answers. If you’re not that interested in her, she’ll pick up on it. [Read: All the ways to perfect your first date conversation]

17. Avoid being too cliché

It’s great being on a date with someone who’s thoughtful. But try and avoid being too cheesy with overly romantic one-liners or cliché gestures. This includes literally running to pull her chair out for her or always referring to the waiter as “Garçon.”

Be genuine, a little chivalrous, and caring, but don’t overdo it. [Read: How to be romantic and sweet, without being overly corny]

18. Bragging is a huge turn-off

Even if you live a super impressive life, don’t let your ego get the best of you, especially if you’re trying to impress a girl on the first date.

There’s nothing worse than being on a date with a dude who won’t shut up about how amazing he is, how much money he makes, or how many women want to sleep with him.

Humility is a desirable quality, so make sure she sees you have it in spades.

19. Laughter is the best medicine

Everyone loves to feel like they connect on a certain level when it comes to humor, so laughing at her jokes goes a long way. Just make sure not to go overboard. It comes across as desperate and makes her feel like you’re fake. [Read: 15 types of humor and how it affects relationships]

20. Show her that chivalry isn’t dead

Being a gentleman doesn’t mean showing up in a three-piece suit and opening doors for her everywhere you go. It just means being polite, kind, and not interrupting when she’s talking. It means showing her your kind-hearted and generous side.

The way you treat others is what you get back, so if you’re a sweetheart then she’ll reciprocate. [Read: The code of modern chivalry]

21. Don’t mention your ex

This is a big first date red flag when it comes to knowing how to impress a girl on a first date. There’s no reason to mention your ex in any context on a first date, even if it’s to tell your date you’re still friends.

It just comes across like you’re comparing her to your ex, or that you’re not over your former relationship. And if your date asks about her, mention it briefly and honestly, and then move on to another topic.

22. Make decisions

Take control and make suggestions. Don’t wait for her to make all the moves. Maybe visit that new trendy restaurant, or take her to your favorite spot in the city and show her around.

Don’t be indecisive and respond to everything with “I don’t know, what do you want?” People gravitate toward confidence, so don’t be subdued. [Read: Where to go on a date – 85 date ideas that are fun & romantic]

23. Take it slow

If you find halfway through the date that you do really like her and want something more, don’t start being too pushy or acting sleazy. If you take it slow, chances are she’ll be more interested in getting to know you on a second date.

24. Don’t sit in silence

Comfortable, temporary pauses aren’t bad, just make sure you don’t sit for extended periods in awkward silence.

Be confident and strike up a conversation or share a witty joke to break the ice. It loosens the atmosphere and hopefully makes her smile. [Read: 20 questions to ask on a first date for the best conversation]

25. Don’t be awkward when the bill comes

When you get the check, make sure you show at least an indication of willingness to pay for it, even if you expect her to pay for some of it. If she’s a decent person she’ll offer to split it with you or pay for her half.

Don’t just sit back and tell her she’s paying for all of it. You wouldn’t want her to be presumptuous about you paying for all of it, so don’t do it to her. [Read: Proper social etiquette rules that redefine modern manners]

26. Don’t be afraid to do a little pre-date research

It’s perfectly fine to get to know her a little over text before meeting for a date. You can use that time to do your research and look for subjects you can talk about in person.

Now, research doesn’t mean stalking her social media and using your knowledge when you meet her. If anything, you’ll freak her out and the date won’t lead to a second!

27. Compliment her outfit

Rather than complimenting her physical features, compliment her choice of outfit. She’s no doubt spent a long time trying to figure out what to wear and your compliment will make her relax. She’ll feel more confident and will find it easier to open up and be herself. [Read: How to compliment a girl]

28. Accept her compliments with grace

Arrogance is a huge turn-off. If she tells you that she likes your outfit, don’t brag about where you bought it from or that it’s a designer name. By all means, accept her compliments but do so with grace and humility.

29. Choose food you feel comfortable eating

If you’re going for a dinner date, make sure you choose something that you’re not uncomfortable eating. You might want to impress her with your spaghetti twirling skills, but remember the major scope for food-related disaster!

If you feel comfortable in your food choice, you won’t be distracted and you’ll find it easier to open up. [Read: Romantic dinner date ideas – 17 fun dates you both will never forget]

30. Control your wandering eye

You’re on a date, so at least show her the respect to avoid looking at other women! We get it, sometimes you don’t realize you’re doing it, but keep it in check by being very mindful of your actions.

That’s one way to learn how to impress a girl on a first date – when your attention is only on her.

31. Consider giving a small gift

The key word here is “small.” Don’t go overboard and buy her jewelry or something super-flashy. She’ll feel uncomfortable and it will come over as you showing off.

We’re talking about something very small, such as a keyring you saw that reminded you of something she mentioned in text, etc. [Read: 19 gift ideas for your girlfriend that are creative and thoughtful]

32. Plan an activity but don’t be too rigid

If she wants to go for a moonlit stroll, orders a few extra shots, or wants to catch a last minute movie—go with it. The more open to trying new things and being spontaneous, the better.

Being closed off or unadventurous is a surefire way to turn her off. So be fun and daring if you want to win her over. [Read: 33 awesome date ideas every couple should try]

33. Keep cursing to a minimum

It’s easy to curse a little when you’re feeling nervous. But, it’s a good idea to be mindful of it and keep it in check as much as possible.

While she may not mind the odd curse here and there, she will mind if your sentences are constantly littered with the f-bomb.

34. Smell nice but not overpowering

A small amount of cologne is good. It shows you made an effort, but practically taking a bath in the stuff isn’t the way to go.

You don’t want to kickstart her allergies or make her breathless in all the wrong ways because she can’t breathe for your scent! [Read: How to smell good and attract almost anyone you deeply desire]

35. The question of intimacy at the end

If you feel the night went great for both of you, or even if you feel like the night was just so-so, there is no bigger way to make the night a success than with a kiss at the end of it.

If you feel like you’ve nailed the first date, this move becomes a lot less scary. But if you are unsure about how your date feels, read her body language.

A simple peck on the cheek is a good way to go if you’re not totally sure how she’s feeling. [Read: The man’s guide to making out with a girl at the end of a date]

Remember that first dates are just a chance to get to know one another

It’s so easy to place a huge amount of pressure on the first date. We get it, it feels like it’s the be-all-and-end-all. But, it’s not.

Learning how to impress a girl on a first date isn’t about putting on major moves. It’s about being yourself and letting her see who you really are.

Relax, you’ve got this!

[Read: Texting after a first date – the complete guide to doing it right]

Learning how to impress a girl on the first date can be that simple. Just remember to be yourself, and keep these tips in mind. Do it, and it’ll be very hard for you to make a mistake that you’ll come to regret later!