B1 Preliminary - Reading Multiple Choice Exercise 10

First Date Nerves

First dates can be nerve-wracking experiences. Everyone wants to make a good first impression, and the pressure to do so can cause anxiety. But the good news is, it's completely normal to feel this way, and there are ways to manage these nerves.

Claudia Mason, owner of the dating agency "Love Connects", offers her insights. "First dates are a bit like job interviews. You're trying to see if there's a good match," she says. "It's only natural to feel nervous when you care about the outcome."

One simple way to overcome nerves is to change your perspective. Instead of viewing the date as a high-stakes situation where you must impress, consider it an opportunity to get to know someone new. Remember, your date is probably feeling the same nerves!

Preparation is another key. Think about topics you'd like to discuss. This could be anything from hobbies, interests, or your favourite movies. Having some ideas in your mind will help the conversation flow.

It's also essential to set realistic expectations. Not every date will lead to a lasting relationship, and that's okay. "Dating is a journey," Claudia reminds us. "Sometimes it takes a few tries to find the right person."

One of the biggest causes of first date nerves is fear of awkward silence. If this happens, don't panic. It's perfectly normal for there to be quiet moments. You can use this time to think of your next conversation topic.

Breathing exercises can be very helpful in managing anxiety. Slow, deep breaths can have a calming effect and help you stay focused. Try practicing some deep breathing before your date to get in a relaxed state of mind.

Finally, be yourself. Authenticity is attractive. You want your date to like you for who you are, not who you're pretending to be.

First dates may be nerve-wracking, but they're also exciting opportunities. So take a deep breath, and remember to enjoy the process. As Claudia sums it up, "It's all about meeting new people and having fun."