This question seems almost as old as dating itself. You've probably seen old movies where a young couple goes on a date—perhaps to a carnival, a dance, or the local malt shop. Afterwards, the boy drops the girl off at her door and leans in for a kiss. Sometimes he gets one, but sometimes the girl rejects his advance and shuts the door in his face, leaving him flustered and embarrassed.
Do you attempt a kiss on the first date or do you leave the other person wanting more?
While dating has changed over the years, the principle of romance has always been a topic for discussion. A first date can be incredibly awkward for most people. Even as adults, it can be as intimidating as a job interview. How should you dress? Where should you go? What should you talk about? How should you act? Who should pay?
These are all great questions that will be covered in future articles on The Esteemed Gentleman. For now, we will focus on the end of the evening when you say your goodbyes. What should you do?
There's no right or wrong answer other than listening to your heart and communicating with your date. If you two are sharing a lot of laughs, seeing a sparkle in each other's eyes, and feeling a strong sense of chemistry, then the mood may be right for a kiss. Watch your date's body language. Are they looking deep into your eyes, leaning forward, or buying time before saying goodbye?
These are positive signs that your date likely wants to end the evening with a kiss. If this is the case, be sure not to go overboard. No make-out sessions or shoving your tongue down their throat. A gentle kiss is more than enough to show you appreciated their company.
If you would like to learn more about how a gentleman should act, read How Does A Gentleman Act In The Modern World?
A first kiss is a strong sentiment. There are no take-backs when it comes to romance. So if you and your date are ready, do it. If not, don't ruin the moment by pressuring your date to do something that makes them uncomfortable.
While a kiss doesn't necessarily mean that the relationship is ready to go to the next level, it is a sign that you and your date are ready to be more serious than before.
Respect is one of the fundamental pillars of being a gentleman. If the other person doesn't seem comfortable with sharing a kiss on the first date, don't force it. They may be shy, they may not be ready, or they may not share the same feelings you do.
If you try forcing a kiss against their will, they are unlikely to want a second date. If your date doesn't end with a kiss, that doesn't necessarily mean that they're not into you. It might just need more time, and that's okay.
It's always good to be prepared just in case you do have a kiss on the first date. Brush your teeth thoroughly, floss to remove any foodstuffs stuck between your teeth, and keep some gum or breath mints with you. For a more thorough list on hygiene, read our checklist guide. Try to avoid meals with lots of garlic or onion. Those scents will cut through your breath like a hot knife through Styrofoam. Instead, consider a different food option or chew a stick or two of gum after the meal.
Being prepared also means knowing who is going to pay for the first date. Our article Who Pays On The First Date? goes into more depth.
First dates can be challenging, even for those who have been on many. Knowing how to act on a first date, and subsequent dates, is a skill every gentleman should have. It takes practice, so don't beat yourself up if you have a couple bad first dates.
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