I know this is nothing related to plants or plant tips but I just wanted to share. its an idea so read on and let me know what you think.

So you matched or met someone, had interesting conversation online and exchanged contacts. After some banter, you both finally decide to meet in person. It can be nerve wracking to pick a plan that builds the momentum! Should you take the lead, or let them?

Going on a first date is like venturing into the unknown which can be scary. Even the most confident person has experienced anxiety or nervousness before a date. Your best bet is to be open and lean into the new experience! It can be terrifying, and risky, but a ton of fun. Here are some first date tips to keep the vibes high and the conversation flowing!

First things first, let’s get grounded. . It’s absolutely okay to be nervous on first dates, your date is probably as nervous as you are. It’s advisable to deal with the anxiousness before heading out on a date. Here are some great ways to extinguish anxiety before your date.

• Mirror talk: if you’ve seen Insecure, you’ll know how much mirror talk helped Issa Rae—not just concerning her flings, relationships or work-life, but with her own self esteem. Look at yourself in a mirror before heading out and tell yourself “You Got This”.

• Pump up the jams: Listen to your favorite playlist: it’s been proven that music can boost your moods mood and lower stress levels. You’ve probably confirmed this theory by listening to music before an exam, flights or just walking down the street.

• Hype-men! Text a close friend and let them hype you up!. What’s a better way to boost your confidence than being gassed up by the people who know you best?

Second things second: the rendezvous point.The classic movie-dinner date is overrated and boring. At this age or time, you don’t want to waste money or time in what you don’t see progressing. Times are changing and so should our date plans. Also, there’s been debate about who should pay for the movie or dinner. My advice? Expect nothing and always bring your wallet. Some ideas for a creative first date that’ll surely land you a second date are as follow;

✔ Paint-balling :- Talking about a major way to bond is by being active together is no lie. You get to choose what part you want to shoot at. Choose your spot wisely.

✔ Wine tasting :- If the other person is into wine, they’ll definitely appreciate a wine tasting event and if they aren’t, this is your opportunity to lay new interest on them and be a fake one day sommelier.

✔ Visit a farmers market :- This is one of the most amazing thing, walking with your date in the midst of fresh fruits and vegetables. You can ask how big they like their bananas, aubergines or how sweet they like their peach or cantaloupes. Just know you have to buy whatever fruit or veggie you mention.

✔ Plan a trip to go apple picking or whatever fruit seasonal activity it is.

✔ Picnic in the park

✔ Browse a bookstore

✔ Check out an art exhibition

✔ Go to a jazz, comedy or poetry night

✔ Visit smorgasburg

✔ Do karaoke

✔ Walk a dog, cat or if the other person is into lizard, then walk that buddy.

✔ Visit a place that’s on your bucket list. Pro tip. Learn about the place ahead and spit the history and facts to the other person

✔ Learn how to make cider or beer together.

First date isn’t for anything extreme. You can always time your date. If it’s going well, there’s the option of extending the date or make plans for a second date. If you’re not feeling comfortable, you can cut the date short or better, have a friend call you about a fake emergency. So here you are grounded, groomed, confident and if you’re the romantic type ”bouquet-ed”. You’ve thought of everything, except what the hell you’re going to talk about when you finally see your date in person. If you’re both shy, then it’s going to be a meeting of hermit crabs. Your date plans can shape the conversation--take an intimate dinner date versus a little friendly competition of mini golf for example. Chatting it up with new people can be difficult sometimes, especially if you’ve got butterflies. The key to a great conversation is asking great questions. Start on common ground and pick ideas and things you’ve we’ve discovered and shared. My best move on a first date is to ask open-ended questions that invite people to tell stories, rather than give bland, one-word answers. So pee first, suit up and fasten your belt because we’re taking the scenic route on these awesome conversation starters.

• What’s your idea of a perfect Sunday (or whatever day is your best of the week)?

• If you could have anyone (past or present) as a dinner guest, who would it be?

• What did you learn about yourself during the lockdown? Covid.

• What’s your favorite tasty but unusual flavor combo?

• What’s on your bucket list?

• Where’s home?

• What’s the most interesting thing you did this past week?

If all goes well, you two will have enough to talk about for date number two! Be sure to maintain a good balance of talking and listening to keep things going smoothly. The purpose of this conversation is to get to know each other better and frankly, to gauge your interest in the person. Take a mental note of red flags if you come across them. Here are some tips to keep yourself on topic during your chat.

Some don’ts of a first date.

⮚ Don’t fawn

⮚ Don’t bring up conversation about past relationship

⮚ Don’t excessively talk about yourself

⮚ Don’t hog the spotlight

⮚ Don’t agree to everything, avoid being obsequious.

If you’re still tongue tied, I read from a book that footwear is the ultimate conversation saver. If your mind ever goes blank during a date, just look down and say, “tell me about your shoes”. Ask about a recent purchase or their all-time favorites.

PRO TIPS

❖ Silence is acceptable

❖ Make an effort with your appearance

❖ Always be yourself

❖ Realize or set boundaries and don’t overshare

❖ Listen more than you talk

❖ Talk about intentions. What are you both looking for?

❖ Be respectful of the other persons views. Ask questions and don’t interrogate.