So you’ve got the girl (or guy), but where to go next? As a high school student, it’s time to pick up your dating game. Gone are the middle school days when simply exchanging text messages would suffice. This is the big league we’re talking about here, and the big league requires real, actual (gasp), dates! Follow this guide for a foolproof time.
Preparation
Call. Ask your date for their home phone number and make arrangements to call their parents or legal guardian at least three days before the big night. Helpful tip: write out a script before getting on the phone to avoid awkward lulls in conversation and to make sure you don’t miss any important details. Make sure to cover pick up and drop off times, your parents’ phone numbers (plus a trusted backup number in case they don’t pick up), address and numbers of the restaurant/movie theater, etc. In this case, nothing is too much information.
Visualize. One cannot stress the importance of this step enough. At least two hours before the date, close the blinds, turn off your cell phone, and breathe. Walk through the night and visualize exactly what will happen as it progresses. Picture every detail, including but not limited to the hair color of the host or hostess, the sweatiness of your palms if/when waffling, and the number of buttons on your date’s coat. Do this and we guarantee the night will run smoothly.
Primp. Since brushing your teeth is overrated and I’m not one for showering, I find that the best way to primp for a date is to focus on your inner beauty. Instead of primping your hair, it is best to primp your brains. Run through the dictionary a few times or complete a Sudoku or two and you’ll be set. Nothing is more beautiful than a vast knowledge of the Seychelles Sheath-Tailed Bat.
During
Present your date with a present. Preferably something homemade that lets your personality shine through. Once I sketched Hayley a self-portrait that she could hang in her room.
Open doors. Only for yourself, of course. Let your date fend for him or herself. You’re doing them a favor this way by preparing them for the real world.
Pay for your date. Paying for their Chicken McNuggets is the least you can do. Plus, by doing this you can also show off your chivalrous side to your date.
Keep the conversation going. To avoid awkward gaps in the conversation, make sure to talk about yourself all night. Questions can be deadly, as they give your date a chance to say something about themselves you might not have wanted to know. To be safe, start by talking about what you think is your best trait or physical feature, and why. This can probably get you through dinner. Your proudest moment can be discussed on the ride home.
Make eye contact. With yourself in the mirror. Or in the reflection of your soup spoon. Either way, checking yourself out periodically during the night can act as an easy confidence booster.
After
Follow up. Let your date know about the great time you had by following up with a text or phone call. Quick tip: To make sure your date never forgets your time together, send them a personal, autographed photograph of yourself. This special memento is sure to touch the heart.
