Let’s face it – first dates can make us nervous. The thought of meeting someone new, knowing they’re evaluating us on a simple first impression is intimidating. That’s why we often spend so much time preparing for a first date – from our hair to our dresses (ladies) to our belts and our shoes (men). Preparation is real – but first date nerves are next level.

So when you’re preparing for a first date and you’re feeling those nerves, how can you calm them? Or better yet, how can you avoid them completely?

ROVR has some tips for you!

Here are three tips to help you avoid the first date nerves.

Give yourself plenty of time to get prepared

With anything in life, whether it’s a first date or an interview for a new job, it’s important to give yourself plenty of time to prepare. This means that you need to allocate enough time to get ready for your date, whether it’s planning your outfit, doing your make-up, washing your car, or buying flowers.

Allowing yourself enough time to get ready will not only make you feel more at ease as you venture out, you will also feel more confident as you meet your prospective partner.

After all, how many times have you forgotten to pack gum or remember lipstick simply because you were rushing out the door?

Make first date plans in advance – and plan ahead.

Men, nothing is more impressive on a first date than planning the date ahead of time and making the necessary arrangements, so that the date goes off without a hitch! Whether it’s making dinner reservations at that new hip restaurant or arranging a couple’s cooking class, always plan ahead.. That means calling ahead (often a few days before), which typically requires you making first date plans in advance. Showing you put thought and effort into planning your date will definitely earn you “brownie points!”

And ladies, if you prefer to call ahead, go for it!

With that said, making first date plans in advance will help ease your first date nerves. We’ve all been in situations where the best bars and restaurants are packed, meaning that you either need to wait 45 minutes for a seat, or walk across town to find a spot that has space for two.

Have topics of conversation ready to discuss.

Do you have questions prepared to ask your date? Do you have topics of conversation ready, in the event that there are one too many silences throughout the night?

Topics of conversation on a first date can include:

• Asking him or her about their career, family and friends
• Chatting about their hobbies – do they love to run? Do they enjoy hiking? What do they do on weekends?
• Asking about their favorite food or restaurant – this should give you hints for the second date (wink wink!)

As you’re preparing for your first date, remember that it’s natural to experience first date jitters; however, with preparation, you will be able to battle those nerves, and perhaps avoid them altogether!.