5 Essential Pre-Date Rituals: Calm Your Nerves Before the Big Night!

First dates can be nerve-wracking, so having a personalized routine to prepare yourself can be a big help. These pre-date rituals, as they’re known online, are all about setting yourself up for success by calming those pre-date jitters.

These rituals can range from treating yourself to a spa day, jamming out to a special playlist, or even throwing a small party with your closest friends while you get ready.

Curious about what others do, I turned to Reddit to discover some unique and effective pre-date routines. Here’s what I found.

1. Opt for Your Go-To Comfort Outfit

Your choice of attire can significantly affect how comfortable and confident you feel on a first date. Wearing something too tight or revealing might make you spend the night adjusting your outfit instead of enjoying the date. I know from personal experience that feeling physically uncomfortable can completely distract me from my date.

Picking an outfit that makes you feel great, be it a chic dress and heels or your favorite jeans with a stylish top, can make a huge difference.

A Redditor shared their strategy: “I had a go-to first date outfit. I wore the same thing every time and felt unstoppable… Women would compliment me, and men would notice me. It made me feel awesome!”

2. Make the ‘Getting Ready’ Process a Treat

Preparing for a date shouldn’t be a rush of anxiety and nerves. Treating it like a special ritual can make the experience much more enjoyable.

One Reddit user described their routine: “I love the process of getting ready almost as much as the date itself. I take a relaxing shower, listen to music, and take my time doing my makeup while wearing a robe. If I was drinking, I’d have a pre-date drink to chill out.”

Enhancing your preparation routine could be as simple as lighting some candles, affirming positive thoughts, or watching a feel-good movie to get in the right mood.

3. Do Some Homework on Your Date

If you’re meeting someone from an online platform, it’s smart to review what you know about them beforehand. If they’ve listed their job or interests, think of a few related questions to ask. This shows that you’re interested in learning more about them.

A Reddit user suggested, “I review her profile and our previous conversations to refresh what I know about her. Then I prepare five questions or topics to ensure our conversation flows smoothly during the date.”

4. Pick a ‘First Date’ Song

When I was single, I had a playlist of songs that helped calm my nerves before dates. Each song, from Blink-182’s “First Date” to Vacations’s “Relax,” played a role in soothing me. I suggest picking a few songs that help you relax and get into a positive mindset for your date.

A fun suggestion from a Reddit user: “On my way to the date, I play my hype song: ‘I’m on A Boat’ by The Lonely Island. It’s my quirky way to calm down.”

5. Tidy Up Your Space

Occasionally, a date might end up back at your place. If there’s a chance of that happening, it’s a good idea to tidy up a bit beforehand.

One Reddit user shared their approach: “I use a scent diffuser to make my place smell good, make sure my bed is made, and take out the trash. I’m pretty neat, and I love it when a date notices the cleanliness and decor of my place.”

Even if the date ends with just you coming home, it’s always nice to return to a clean and refreshing environment.