What Should I Expect After Our First Date?

It’s the day after your first date. You had a great time and you think you both hit it off – but what now?

Unless you arranged a second date at the end of your first one, it’s now up to one of you to make the next move.

In the past, it was usually the man who made the follow-up call. Many women are still apprehensive about making the first move, in case they give the impression that they’re too eager or desperate.

If you’re the man:

• Keep in mind that your date may be waiting for you to respond first. If you would like to see her again, then send her an email or get on the phone and tell her that you had a good time. If she seems equally friendly and open, then this is a good time to ask her on a second date
• The woman may call or email you first; in which case you should be prepared with an answer. If you would like to see her again, then you can ask her out when she calls. But if you aren’t interested, then you need to be upfront with her now – don’t string her along

If you’re the woman:

• You may prefer to wait for him to contact you – in which case, you should have an answer prepared, based on whether or not you’d like to see him again.
• Or you may prefer to call him first, in which case you can either just call to thank him for the first date (and hope he’ll invite you on a second one) or ask him outright on another date. He could be waiting for you to show whether you’re interested, by making the first move.

Whether you’re the guy or the girl, and regardless of who initiates the first contact, keep in mind the following when you talk:

• Be friendly and sincere but don’t assume that you’re now officially a couple.
• If you had to chase the other person and they don’t seem very friendly or enthusiastic when you do finally get in touch with them, it’s likely that they’re not interested in you. Most people feel awkward when they have to reject another person, so their way of saying ‘no’ may have been to avoid you. Take the hint and move on.

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