There are nearly 35.4 million American users online dating every year. With so many people looking for love in the same place, it’s not hard to blend into the crowd. Potential partners may be talking to one or more suitors at a time.
If you make it to the stage of seeing each other in person, you need to find a way to stand out. Anyone would love for their date to swoop them off their feet with a few chivalrous acts.
Want your first date to go well? Maybe get a second date? Try using these 10 chivalrous acts to sweep your date up in the romance.
1. Be Prompt with Calling
There are many societal “rules” about when to call. If you call too early, you may look too eager. If you call too often, you look too desperate.
The truth is, you should forget all those rules. Most people don’t enjoy playing dating games, especially if they know what they’re looking for. And with the on-demand aspect of online dating, it may look like you’re wasting their time.
Instead, be prompt when it comes to calling. If you say you’re going to call, follow through on that promise.
2. Go to The Door When Picking Up
Pulling up to your date’s home and honky the horn is not only obnoxious, but it’s also rude. As easy as texting your date that you’re outside and to come out is, that may also be seen as inconsiderate.
Unfortunately, both of these actions are quite common. Show your date that you can be a gentleman from the start and walk to the front door when you’re picking up your date.
3. Hold Doors Open
This is a common chivalrous act that may be second nature. But it’s also so common that many guys may forget about doing it when there’s so much else to think about on a date.
You should make a conscious effort to open doors throughout the night. Open the car door, whether they’re riding or driving. Any place you go on your dates, like a restaurant, museum, or bar, take the initiative to hold the door open.
4. Pull Out Chairs
If you really want to set the mood for a romantic evening, then you should pull out your date’s chair. While this chivalrous act is well-known, it’s not always so common.
You don’t have to pull out their chair every time or rush ahead of them to do it. But if you’re in the position to pull out your date’s chair, it’s a nice act that can make you stand out.
5. Give Genuine Compliments
Compliments will let your date know how you feel about them – but don’t give empty compliments, be genuine with them. Many people can tell the difference from flattery.
Don’t always complement their looks either. Tell your date that they are smart, funny, or witty if they show those traits. They will appreciate the personalized compliments and show you’re interested in more than looks.
6. Offer Your Jacket
This chivalrous act is straight out of a romantic comedy. If the evening is chilly, offer your date your blazer or jacket, whether they visibly look cold or not. This is a very caring and gentlemanly act that won’t go unnoticed.
Remove your check and drape it around your date’s shoulders if you’re ever walking outside.
They may offer to give it back at the end of the night. But if you really like them, you can let your date keep the jacket and use it as a reason to see them again.
7. Walk on The Outside of the Sidewalk
This gentlemanly gesture has historical origins. Walking on the outside of the sidewalk would keep the woman protected from any chamber pots emptied from a second story. It also prevented getting hit by splashes from the street.
While these aren’t pressing concerns in modern years, walking on the sidewalk’s outer edge still represents protection. It’s an effortless way to show how much you care about them.
8. Offer to Drop Your Date Off
Is this your third time circling the block trying to find a parking space close to your date location? Instead of circling around all night, offer to drop your date off at the front, so they don’t have to walk a long distance.
If your date is wearing heels, this will definitely be appreciated. They may not always take you up on the offer, but the gesture will show that you’re caring and thoughtful.
9. Be Respectful to Strangers
If there’s one piece of relationship advice for guys you should take, it’s to be respectful to strangers. This seems like it would go without saying, but you’d be surprised at how rude some people can be.
Be respectful to waiters, workers, valets, and other patrons. If you’re rude to these strangers, your date will probably spend the evening wondering how you’ll treat their friends and families.
10. Be Sure Your Date Gets Home Safe
It’s an unfortunate fact that the evening can be a dangerous time, especially for women. Take the extra effort to make sure that your date makes it home after you’ve finished the evening’s activities.
You can offer to walk or drive them home to ensure they make it home. Reiterate that it’s about getting your date home safe by not expecting anything in return.
If you arrived separately and leave separately, taking the chance to call or text to make sure they got home safe can go a long way.
First Date Chivalrous Acts You Need to Try
First date jitters are all too common, especially for anyone who’s dating online. You want to make a good impression and show the best sides of yourself. If you really like the person, you’ll be vying for a second date.
Stand out from the dating crowd by trying these chivalrous acts on your first date. Your potential partner will love the thoughtful and sweet behavior. It shows your genuine interests and presents the best version of yourself.
Dating can be hard, but you can make it easier by following these relationship tips. Looking for more lifestyle advice? Check out more articles on the blog today.
