Valentine’s Day 2025 will be upon us soon. If, like every other year, you are expecting to spend it at home watching TV with your pet, we are here to help. Not that we are saying it’s not okay to be single. But if you want the company of someone special on V-day, take a chance.

Go on that first date that you have been putting off due to one (or several) bad experiences. To be better prepared this time, take heed of our first date tips that will ensure you won’t be single this Valentine’s Day.

7 First date tips that will ensure you won’t be single on Valentine’s Day 2025 1. Give thoughtful compliments

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Everyone loves compliments. We don’t mean to pander to them or patronise them. Give genuine compliments if you are meeting for the first time. It can set a positive tone for the rest of the date. An innocent compliment will only get you brownie points.

The more you appreciate their good points, the better. It also lets your date know that you notice things. But don’t be cheesy or creepy while complimenting. Maintain a balance and be respectful.

• I love your tattoos.

• You look really good today.

• You have a great taste in music.

• You have an excellent sense of humor.

• I like your hair like that.

2. Listen (actively)

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The key to having a successful first dateis listening. And not just pretending to listen. We mean listening actively. Be genuinely interested in their life if you want to be interesting.

Avoid interrupting them while they are talking to bring up a relatable point. Be thoughtful and a good listener if you want to score a second date. Not listening can send them mixed signals and make them believe that you may not be into them.

3. Ask good questions

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Don’t let uncomfortable silences cloud your first date. It can’t hurt to prepare a few good questions that you want to ask them. Whenever you feel that the conversation is dying, bring up something you want to know about them.

Ask interesting questions that indicate you are genuinely interested in them. Here are some examples that can give you an idea:

• What is your craziest travel story?

• What does your ideal Saturday look like?

• If money didn’t matter, what job would you like to do?

• What do you do to de-stress yourself?

4. Watch out for red flags

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Spotting red flags can be tricky on the first date, but it is not impossible. Notice their behaviour and conversation carefully to detect red flags. If you spot any red flags, end it right after the first date to avoid wasting time. They may not be compatible with your values and beliefs and that’s okay.

However, red flags like violating physical and emotional boundaries are unacceptable. Early stages like the first date is usually the best time to recognise red flags as you are not committed or emotionally attached.

5. Use decent language

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Using decent and positive language doesn’t just mean avoiding swear words. It also means what and how you talk about other people. Avoid bad-mouthing people, especially your ex, as it could hurt your first impression.

Complaining, brickbatting, and whining says a lot about your own mindset, values and sense of self-worth.

6. Dress for confidence, not just looks

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Before the first date, one of the biggest questions on your mind is—‘What should I wear on my first date?’ One thing we’re sure of is that you can’t go wrong with something comfortable and that makes you feel good and confident.

Don’t buy an overpriced outfit just to impress your date. But it does not mean you should not put effort into how you look. Be well-groomed and wear clean and ironed clothes to avoid looking sloppy. Also, be mindful of the place and occasion of your first date.

7. Follow up after the date

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It’s good manners to check in after your first dateand thank the other person for spending time with you. This is also the time where you are honest about your long-term intentions. Yes, you can let them down gently by saying that you don’t see a future or the chemistry isn’t right.

Do not ghost them. That’s just cruel! On the other hand, if you like them and see potential, you could say something that indicates the same and encourage a second date.

Social and lead images credits: Excel Entertainment, Kanzaman Productions