Four Tips for Winning a Meet-Up Date
By The Editorial Team Dating can be a thrilling journey, especially when you’re prepared for that first face-to-face meet-up! Here are four essential tips to ensure your meet-up is a winning experience.
- Meet in Person as Soon as Possible
Meeting in person early on can help verify the truthfulness of someone’s profile and give you a better sense of their personality. There’s nothing like an in-person meeting to confirm the accuracy of their information on their profile.
Gloria
As a woman, I like to see how a man handles himself. I’m a bit old-fashioned and appreciate it when a man opens the door for me and stands to greet me. Frank won my heart when he did both.
Interestingly, matchmakers often don’t share photos until after the first meet-up because physical attraction and first impressions are more significant than a photograph.
Frank
Check out the new interests’ credibility and meet them as soon as possible.
Before you get too invested in your new love interest, you want to make sure they are who they say they are. This is not sneaky or underhanded, it is practical and necessary for your safety.
You should encourage your love interest to check you out also! It starts the relationship on the right footing of trust. If there are no problems in our past, we should not be uncomfortable with sharing it. A simple Google search should give you some information about this new person.
- Be Yourself When Dating
It’s crucial to be authentic and genuine from the start.
Frank
Men want someone who will love them for who they are. Why present anything but your genuine self to a new love interest? You don’t want someone to fall in love with a fantasy only to reject you later when they get to know the real you. Start real if you want a relationship that can last.
This isn’t a game about attracting someone; it’s about finding someone you can love and who can love the real you. Authenticity is key for long-term success.
- Have Questions, Conversation Starters, and Stoppers Ready
Prepare some questions and conversation starters in advance, but also have an exit strategy if the meet-up isn’t going well.
Gloria
If you’re feeling unsure, practice in front of a mirror or with a dating buddy until you’re comfortable. Having pre-planned questions will make the first meeting more productive. Think of it as an interview for the most important position in your life. Don’t waste your time or theirs—use the meeting to get the information you both need.
Frank
It’s also important to have a polite turn-down message ready. If things aren’t working out, you should be able to say thanks, but no thanks gracefully.
- Maintain a Sense of Humor and Have Fun
Enjoy the process!
Gloria & Frank
Having fun with the interview process is crucial. You may not meet the love of your life on the first try, but you might find a great friend or learn something new. Every experience can make you a better and more competent dater. We all can win from these experiences.
Good hunting!
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More information and tips on dating and finding the next love of your life can be found in our book, Open to Love: The Secrets of Senior Dating, which is now available on Amazon. SilverSingles members can receive a 20% discount off of our book by entering the code 20OPENTOLOVE at checkout on Amazon.
Until next time,
Dr. Gloria Horsley and Dr. Frank Powers
About the Authors: Two years ago, Dr. Gloria Horsley and Dr. Frank Powers, both nationally recognized relationship therapists, met on SilverSingles and co-authored a new book, Open to Love: The Secrets of Senior Dating, which features their SilverSingles love story as well as tips and tricks on how those ages 60+ can not only survive but thrive in the world of dating. For more information, log onto https://www.goldendatingdoctors.com.