What I Wish I Knew: A Practical First Date Checklist for Men

First dates are exciting, but they can also be stressful.

As a man, I’ve had my fair share of first dates — some good, some not so much.

Over time, I’ve learned what works and what doesn’t. Instead of going in blind, I created a checklist that’s helped me stay confident, prepared, and more at ease.

I’m sharing it with you so you can avoid the same mistakes I made. Follow this simple guide to make your first date more enjoyable for both you and your date.

1. Plan Ahead, But Don’t Over complicate It

Preparation is key, but you don’t need to map out every second.

Decide on a casual, comfortable place that allows you both to talk.

A coffee shop, a park, or a low-key restaurant are good choices. From my experience, keeping things simple shows that you’re focused on getting to know her, not impressing her with extravagant plans. Over-planning can add unnecessary pressure. It’s about creating an atmosphere where conversation flows easily.

2. Dress Well — But Be Yourself

How you dress says a lot about how much effort you’re putting into the date. But you also need to be comfortable. Pick something…