Often, first dates aren’t meant to be life changing. Instead, they’re about finding out if your core values align and whether or not you have fun together.
If your date is comfortable sharing personal details about their family and friends, that’s a great sign that they’re interested in taking things further.
1. You’re feeling comfortable
If your date and you are chatting easily without any awkward pauses, that is a great sign! You may even find yourself avoiding questions that are too personal. However, it is important to share enough information about yourself that they get a good sense of who you are and your interests.
You also know your date is doing well if they seem comfortable talking about themselves. If they aren’t afraid to talk about their past relationships, they probably have a lot in common with you.
It’s also a good sign if they seem to have a similar sense of humor. Everyone likes a good laugh, and if you’re laughing together it means they probably have a similar outlook on life. However, be careful not to jump in and share your own jokes too soon! That can come off as arrogant or rude.
2. You’re having fun
If your date can make you laugh and have fun with them, that is a great sign. Studies have shown that laughing together increases rapport and connection. If your date teases you in a lighthearted way, that is also a good sign.
According to Ettin, if your date is constantly checking their phone or seems distracted, that could be a red flag. “They might be waiting on a call from family, or work and that’s fine, but they should be focused on you during your time together,” she said.
If your date is asking you about their personal and professional goals, their beliefs or morals, and their generosity with their time, money and resources, it is a good sign they are interested in getting to know you on a deeper level. Just remember, you want to focus on getting to know them as a person and not just their values and worldview. That can be discussed later on in the relationship.
3. You’re getting to know each other
Getting to know each other can mean discussing trickier topics, like politics or religion. If they are willing to go there with you, it is a good sign that they are serious about the relationship and don’t want to waste your time.
If conversation flows easily, it is a clear sign that the date went well. It can also mean that they are interested in you and have the time to focus on you rather than other things or people in their lives.
They might even ask about your hobbies or what you like to do for fun and try to find out more about you as a person. Be sure to listen to their answers. It is important that you let them learn more about who you are and not force your personality on them all at once. That can be intimidating and overwhelming. Instead, slowly let them get to know you one date at a time.
4. You’re feeling like you’re on a second date
If you are left wanting a text from them the next morning or you are doing the happy dance in your apartment, you probably want a second date. This means you both clicked and had easy conversation without awkward pauses. Plus, if they were asking you questions and really listening to the answers it’s a great sign that they are engaged and interested in you.
If they were laughing at your jokes, or even their own, and you both genuinely smiled throughout the whole date then that’s another good sign. Jokes that you both get and make each other laugh are a great way to bond and show that you have similar senses of humor.
Chemistry is important on a first date, but it’s not always a requirement. If you feel some of the other signs, like comfort and ease, and they are showing interest in you then a second date is probably a go!