You met someone because of internet dating and you’re ready for your first date with them. That’s exciting, but you’re also a weight first date in the middle of a world pandemic, which could put a damper on things.
Thanks to modern technology, your first date might take place over video chat. While it seems like video calls would be the perfect solution for digital dates, you could encounter some challenges. For instance, we’re finding that Zoom calls and Face Time dates can leave us more exhausted and lonely than ever before.
More than likely, you don’t desire to be exhausted and lonely after your first date. So if you’re finding someone the very first time on the video call, listed here are three items to keep in mind for a stellar first (digital!) date.
Grab your sticky notes
Going on a first date can give you butterflies inside your stomach. But watching yourself use a first date with the digital mirror of the video call can also add another layer of stress that you didn’t expect.
Let’s say you’re speaking with your date regarding your frustration about something that’s happened during recent shutdowns. Most likely, you’d grimace or frown when sharing your thoughts and feelings about current events. But when you see your own negative facial expression, that can actually make you feel more angry or frustrated. We’re likely to have a bet that you simply don’t want to feel angry or frustrated on your first date.
However, even though you talk about subjects that bring you joy, looking at yourself having those joyful conversations can make you mentally exhausted. Throughout a video call, it’s tempting to let your vision wander to your own image. Monitoring your reflection probably isn’t how you want to spend an initial date.
So how will you combat the additional stress of seeing your personal facial expressions? If you’re meeting someone the very first time on the Zoom call or FaceTime date, grab a stick note. No, this isn’t for taking notes around the pros and cons from the date. Instead, it’s to cover up your face on the screen you’re taking a look at. This leaves you liberated to concentrate on the face of your first date and get to understand them better. That is what a first date is all about in the end, isn’t it?
You can still connect with your date with a video call, however, you won’t be hypersensitive for your own facial expressions or the way hair looks.
Remember that body language doesn’t translate well
On average, video calls incorporate a 1.2 second delay in reaction. That doesn’t appear to be too much time, but when it comes to reading the body language of the date, those 1.2 seconds matter.
When the body language and your words don’t fall into line like they would within an in-person first date, your date can be left with the impression that the not friendly or centered on the conversation together.
More than likely, you don’t would like your date to consider you’re unfriendly, or give them the sense that you simply don’t want to be there. But you may have a better digital first date when you are conscious of your general body language. How?
“Sit up straight, put both feet on the floor, then take a deep breath and exhale using your mouth to relax your neck and throat.” Carol Kinsey Goman, author of “The Nonverbal Advantage: Body Language at the office,” recommends.
When you sit up, you are taking up more space on your date’s screen. Your improved posture will help you breath better, which will help you project your voice. Plus, having good posture will even assist you to be more confident and offer in the conversation, so everyone wins.
Make conscious connection choices
If you’ve been on a piece conference call all day long, take a screen break before the first digital date. Get away from your computer or phone and recharge by going for a walk, grabbing something to eat, or taking a stretch break. Or, if you’re logging off a digital happy hour to call to your first date, it may be a good idea to schedule those two social events on different days.
Is the thought of yet another video call making you cringe? Remember, not all digital first dates have to involve a webcam. It’s best to be aware of your limitations and make conscious connection choices with regards to dating throughout a shutdown.
So what exactly are some digital first date alternatives?
You could always chat on a telephone call with no camera. Then, you can place your date on speaker phone and sit down around the couch and relax while you become familiar with them.
If both you and your date live a driving distance away, you can always request a socially distant first date. Maybe it’s meeting on their driveway for takeout, or spending time around the block for a picnic.
Have you been on a digital date during everything Coronavirus related? Tell us how it went within the comments below!