Here is how to have a successful first date

Dating can be a thrilling adventure, filled with excitement, anticipation and the possibility of finding lasting love. Yet, it can also be a maze of uncertainty, leading some to question whether they are on the right track or merely wasting time.

According to Godfrey Kakuru, a counsellor, the first date sets the tone for any potential relationship. He tips that to make a first date a triumph, partners should be realistic in order to avoid disappointments in the future.

“They should show their genuine personalities. Pretending to be someone you are not will only lead to disillusionment in the long run,” he says.

Julia Nazziwa and Mark Kisuze’s love story began with a promising first date where they immediately connected over shared interests and aspirations.

Their subsequent days were filled with adventurous outings and heart-to-heart conversations. By communicating openly, being patient with each other and supporting each other’s dreams, they built a strong foundation that blossomed into a beautiful relationship.

Kakuru says partners can set the stage for a successful relationship on their first date by listening actively to each other.

“Engage in meaningful conversation and show genuine interest in your date’s thoughts and feelings as it demonstrates respect and fosters a deeper connection,” he advises.

www.womenshealthmag.com tips that open ended questions invite more than yes or no anwers, which makes someone want to talk about themselves and so, these can be asked on the first date.

Patience

For Herbart Kalembe and Sarah Keza, their first date was tense, with awkward silences and nervous laughter. However, they both sensed something special beneath the surface. Determined to make it work, they took the time to know each other better and discovered their shared passion for volunteering.

“We were willing to give the relationship a chance despite initial obstacles, which helped achieve a love story that has continued to flourish,” Kalembe shares.

Kakuru is quick to add that in the same way, partners must manage expectations.

“Remember that a first date is about getting to know each other. Do not put undue pressure on the encounter,” he says.

Rebecca Nantege, a counsellor and mental health advocate, mentions focus areas after the first date.

The subsequent days

After a successful first date, it is vital to build upon that initial connection. Maintain open and honest communication. Share your thoughts and feelings while being receptive to your partner’s needs as well.

Plan thoughtful dates while considering your partner’s interests and plan dates that reflect your shared passions. Thoughtful gestures can also help to strengthen the bond.

“Be patient. Rome was not built in a day and neither is a lasting relationship. Allow the relationship to unfold naturally and give it the time it needs to grow,” Nantege advises.

Red flags

It is important to recognise warning signs as not every connection will lead to a successful relationship. It is essential to identify signs that indicate potential incompatibility or a lack of genuine interest. For example, if one partner consistently avoids communication or shows disinterest in the other’s life, it may be a sign of underlying issues.

Also, fundamental differences in values and beliefs can create significant challenges in the long term. Therefore, partners ought to be cautious about their values and principles by viewing it from the mutual angle.

Emotional baggage from past relationships can hinder the growth of a new one. Recognising and addressing this early on is crucial in order to avoid abrupt misunderstandings.

Learning from experience

Michael Baguma and Peace Kabera’s first date seemed perfect on the surface but as they progressed, they realised their values and long-term goals were not aligned. They learned the importance of discussing core values early on to avoid heartache later.

John Wekesa and Lisa Tukundane’s initial chemistry was undeniable, but they rushed into the relationship without truly understanding each other’s needs.

The lack of communication eventually led to misunderstandings and frustrations, prompting them to take a step back and reassess their approach to dating. www.womenshealthmag.com states that if the conversation does not progress, it is probably not you.

“It probably has nothing to do with you and everything to do with the other person not being your match.”

“Remember, every experience, whether a blossoming romance or a valuable lesson learnt contributes to growth and understanding of what it takes to find true love,” Nantege notes.

Date safely

According to ramseysolutions.com, safety should always be your priority, especially in the online dating scene. To be safe on a first date, meet in a public place where other people can see you. Tell a friend where you are going and what time you expect to be home. You could even share your location with them so they can check in and see where you are if they have not heard from you by a certain time. And unless you already know the person you are going on a date with really well, do not share personal information such as your home or work address.

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