First Date Check List

By Geanice Gee, M.A. 

Let's say, you've met someone online and now the two of you would like to meet in person. You're excited and anxious at the same time, but then you look over at your laptop and have an epiphany. You've never met this person before; you've only texted and talked over-the-phone. Negative thoughts enter your mind.  

You're probably questioning if the person on the other end is actually who s/he claims to be. In fact, you're probably stressing and wondering if your online dating story will end with you being featured on the next season of MTV's Catfish or Swamp Murders on the ID Channel. Either way, it doesn't look good to you.  

However, you should be just fine as long as you plan ahead. Before you meet this person, there are several steps you may want to follow. The first step is to conduct a background check to verify the person's identity. The  second step is to set up an Oclub App account by visiting http://www.oclubapp.com/.

The third step is to video chat with the person to make sure s/he meets your standards…remember to get a close up and a full body shot of your future date. In addition to conducting a background check, signing up for the Oclub App and using the video chat feature,  you should follow the steps below when preparing for your first date. 

Hygiene and Personal Care

• Bathe using soap/body wash and water; make sure no dirt residue is left on your skin.

• Brush and floss your teeth and keep a pack of mints handy.

• Shampoo and style your hair and pack mini products such as a comb and brush for touch ups.

• Put on some of your favorite fragrance, but not too much; please, don't forget to put on deodorant.

 Clothing 

• Pick out an outfit a day or so before the date; wear an outfit that you're comfortable in…dress to impress, but don't show too much skin or overdress for the occasion. To eliminate being overdressed, know ahead of time where you're going for the date.

Date Location

• Write down directions before you leave for your date. If the meeting location is unfamiliar, you may want to do a test run a day or so before the date.  

• If you don't want your date to know where you live, suggest a place where the two of you could meet.

Dating  Etiquette

• Be on time for the first date. 
• Be a good listener.
• Be yourself.
• Smile throughout the date.  
• Be polite by using words such as please and thank you. 
• Maintain eye contact. 
• Laugh at jokes, but only when they're funny.
• Silence your phone or turn it off completely; no texting, taking calls or checking your phone.
• Don't talk about past relationships.
• Don't drink too much alcohol.
• Don't use profanity.
• Don't be too talkative. 
• Don't force anything, especially a connection that isn't there.