How to deal with severe first-date anxiety

Dating is a stressful, nerve-wracking experience, even at the best of times. In fact, it’s often more stressful than an interview or a first day at work. 

When you’re on a first date, even with Adelaide escorts, the smallest things can set you off and make your heart race. But when you have severe first-date anxiety, those small jitters can become debilitating intense. 

Severe First-Date Anxiety 

It’s like having an anxiety attack in reverse. Instead of feeling calm and confident about yourself before going on a date, you become overwhelmed by anxiety once there or beforehand, feeling nervous from start to finish. 

For example, after chatting online, let’s say you make plans for drinks next week. That night before the meeting and every night leading up to it will be spent worrying about everything that could go wrong between now and then. The thoughts not only dwell on what might happen during the time together but also on how everyone else involved will react if something goes wrong at all. 

Those anxious thought patterns can lead some people who suffer from high levels of severe first-date anxiety to stay home rather than go out altogether. Others put themselves under so much pressure leading up to their encounter that they end up ruining their evening by getting sick beforehand or overreacting once they get there.

The good news is that just like any other form of anxiety disorder, if not more so than others due to its highly subjective nature, you can overcome it. All you need is to be prepared for the date and a lot of self-care afterward. 

Prepare What To Talk About

If you know you could be better at coming up with conversation starters, it’s time to prepare. Think about what kind of things interest you and make sure that they’re things that your date will be interested in as well. 

For example, if your date loves hiking and camping but hates video games, don’t try to convince them otherwise by talking about the latest game release. Instead, talk about how great it feels to be outdoors or how much fun it would be if they went on an adventure with you sometime soon.

Practice talking about these topics so that when the time comes for conversation starters during the first date, everything will feel natural rather than forced and awkward. You don’t want things like this hanging over your head, so take charge now so that later doesn’t have any surprises.

Use Relaxation Techniques 

Breathe, relax, and take a walk. The main benefit of walking is that it can help calm the nerves, but it also provides an opportunity to get some fresh air and exercise.

Go somewhere quiet. If possible, find yourself a quiet place where you can sit down with no distractions for a few minutes or longer if needed. This will help you focus on what’s ahead of you instead of worrying about what happened during the date or what might go wrong next time around.

Keep Your Expectations In Check

Don’t expect too much from the first date, to be perfect, or a long-term relationship. Most importantly, don’t expect to fall head over heels in love with your date on that first night. 

Don’t let anxiety ruin a good time. First dates are stressful. There’s a lot to be nervous about, such as if they will like you. 

In Conclusion

You can overcome first date anxiety with some planning and a little relaxation. But note, even if you manage not to screw up the whole evening, there’s still the possibility that your date will end up being someone who just isn’t for you.