How to improve your chances of a second date

What You Can Do on the First Date to Set Up the Second

Make the first date special

She needs to feel a spark on the first date to be really keen on a second date. You may think that chemistry it cannot be forced; you either have it or you do not. There is some truth to this, but there are some strategies to increase the likelihood of that elusive spark. Making eye contact during silences, smiling often and genuinely, and strategic use of touch will help. Give her your undivided attention on the first date. Resist temptation to use your phone, check your watch, or make eyes with the waitress.

Ask for a date

It sounds simple: in order to go on a second date, you have to plan one. There are a few ways to go about this. It is best to make plans for your second date towards the end of your first date. You could do this with subtlety when she mentions an interest of hers. For example, if she mentions she likes Indian cuisine, you could tell her that you simply must take her to your favourite Indian restaurant next time. If she likes rock music, you could invite her to a local music venue that weekend. For a more assertive method of lining up a second date, simply ask her. At the very end of the date, tell her that you would love to see her again, and ask if she would like to do something next week. Even if she was unsure about you, she is more inclined to agree to the next date if she thinks you see her as worth pursuing. On the off chance that she agrees to see you again despite really disliking you, she will probably find some excuse to cancel on you, in which case you have lost nothing.

Let?s say that you have let the first date occur without any mention of what will happen next. Your best bet is then to call her and ask her again. If you do not have the confidence for a phone call, a text will do the job.

Plan it out

You want to avoid the back-and-forth of ?what do you want to do??, ?I don?t know, what do you want to do??- this is frustrating for both parties. Take control and make a plan for your date. She will be impressed that you are willing to put in the effort. You could even make it more romantic by telling her that the date is a surprise, giving her merely a dress code and a time that you will pick her up. Of course, if you want there to be a third date, you want to ensure that you have planned out a date she will enjoy. Combining a cute couple activity and dinner is foolproof- think ice-skating or gallery opening followed by dinner, or a walk and a picnic.

Don?t be desperate

Limit your contact after the date. Do not bombard her with texts or phone calls, or go on a commenting spree on her Instagram photos. This will kill any chemistry you have and will make her want to run.