Fighting the First Date Jitters

By Ashley Yenick, Student at Merrimack College

Congratulations on your first date! Dating is a fun and exciting time to get to know people on a one-on-one basis.

Since dating (especially in college) can be nerve-wracking, I've made some rules to help you beat those first-date jitters.

Rule #1: Breathe
Relax, girl! You were asked out for a reason! Clearly there is something special about you that someone else sees. First step is to take a deep breath.

Rule #2: Cinderella, don't stalk your prince!
In this day and age, social media rules the dating scene. Twitter, Facebook and other social media outlets have the power to provide information about your crush or future significant other, but should you take a peek? The simple answer is no! Cinderella did not stalk Prince Charming on Facebook! Less is more in this sense. The less you know about your crush, the better. Knowing less about your crush will make conversations more interesting. Stalking your crush on Facebook can alter your feelings toward that person and change your whole persona. You shouldn't have to change yourself for anyone!

Rule #3: Be yourself
Being yourself is the best advice I can possibly give you when going on a first date. I remember my first date with my boyfriend, and I was pacing around thinking of what I could say if our conversations happened to flop. I worried too much, but when he actually picked me up at my house, I dropped my jitters and it was the best date I've ever been on.

Rule #4: Have fun
The whole point of a date is knowing that you can see yourself with that person and having a good time with them. Don't concentrate on the little things, just look at the big picture and be yourself!

Girls, jitters can be solved easily ... just follow these steps. Also, check out this playlist I created to help you beat first-date jitters. So sit back, relax, be yourself, and the rest will follow!

Killer Confidence from Ashhyen on 8tracks Radio.

Image courtesy of photostock / FreeDigitalPhotos.net