Believe it or not, a great first date depends on how you feel about yourself.
In this practical and powerful video, Shan Boodram, clinical sexologist and author of The Game of Desire, breaks down the ways low self-esteem can sabotage a first date.
We’ve rounded up a few tips for bringing a healthy sense of self-esteem to the first date.
- Find new ways to make your uniqueness shine
Comparing yourself to others is just one of the many ways that will lower your self-esteem. Everyone is going through life at their own pace, and to compare yourself to others minimizes who you are. Seek out new ways to show off your personality and skills. Maybe you’re not as outgoing as your friends who go on plenty of dates, but you’re good at keeping conversations alive. Your traits hold a lot of value and using to them your advantage will help you appear more confident.
- Celebrate small accomplishments and your strengths
Don’t overlook the small things you’ve accomplished. There will be occasions where you need to be your own number one fan, and that’s okay. Just because your progress goes unnoticed does not mean they are not important. Did you learn a new skill? Did you reach a set goal? Be proud of what you can do and how much potential you have. Your date will notice too.
- Despite any shortcomings, always strive to do better
Making excuses to not go further than you already have will put you in a state of feeling sorry for yourself which will ultimately lower your confidence. On a first date, negative reactions tend to stand out more. They are like red flags which may not land you a second date. For example, if you haven’t received that promotion, don’t make excuses about why it hasn’t happened yet. Instead, hold your head up high, accept your flaws and try to do better.
