Anyone with experience of the dating scene has more than likely been on an amazing first date, with a hot crush, that had the potential to promise everything. But the actual outcome was…you never heard from your date again!

This thoughtless behaviour is common practice, and it leaves the recipient feeling disappointed and questioning what is wrong with them. Days and weeks of self-analysis and introspection often follow.

There is however, a magic dating formula that can put an end to the misery of ghosting…

While it’s not a remedy for a broken heart, or a quick fix for those personal issues that you continue to ignore, this foolproof formula guarantees that you’ll be asked on a second date, should you wish to explore the next connection further.

Practice makes perfect

Before we reveal the magic dating formula, it’s definitely good practice for you to test out your communication skills and flirting techniques on Chat2Date. The UK’s biggest dating network is a friendly and inviting place where you can be yourself, or chat in total anonymity.

It’s easy and quick to engage in flirty banter with anyone you fancy, on Chat2Date. Chat one-to-one live, 24 hours a day, and send messages to anyone who catches your eye. You’ll be able to check if your communication skills need tweaking, or your chat up lines require updating, by the instant responses that you receive for your efforts.

The harsh reality

Even if you believe in destiny, fate and love at first sight, the harsh reality is that someone you meet in the flesh will make up their mind about you in the initial moments of the first date. That’s because we’re all conditioned to form opinions in the blink of an eye. Sometimes though, the decision that’s made in a moment becomes a lingering regret later on.

If your first date didn’t progress to date No.2, the reason has nothing to do with how lovable, attractive, funny, intelligent etc you are. It’s simply because your date decided that you weren’t the one for them, within the first few moments of meeting.

Maybe your date felt a stirring in their gut that told them something was ‘off’ about you. Or your natural nervousness, about finally meeting in person, made them feel uncomfortable in your presence. Whatever the reason, it halted the progress of the connection and put an instant stop to any potential romance.

Honing your skills, on Chat2Date’s chat line, can free you of feelings of dating anxiety and make you a better catch.

First impression counts

You only get one chance to make a great first impression. That’s a fact worth remembering.

Although our magic dating formula can help you move beyond the first date, you still have the responsibility to do your bit.

Let go of emotional baggage, identify negative patterns of behaviour, shift your mindset into a positive gear, and work through any personal issues that may affect your love life later down the line. Being free of those issues allows you to be more authentic and real. You’ll then possess the natural self-confidence that it takes to make a lasting first impression on whomever you meet.

The magic dating formula

Drum roll please!

The dating formula that works like pure magic is… a shift in your focus.

You don’t have to wear the sexiest, hottest or trendiest outfit to get your date’s full attention. You don’t have to have comedic talents that rival any professional stand-up’s to make your date think you’re great. You also don’t need to be on-trend with hot topics or current affairs to dazzle your date with your knowledge or social savviness.

All you have to do, is to focus all of your attention on THEM.

When you make your date your focus, you instantly make them feel good. And that’s powerful!

Hook ‘em

To hook your date right from the get-go, smile warmly and be enthusiastic about getting to know what makes them tick. Greet your date as if they are already a friend, and offer up a genuine compliment. If you’re naturally a touchy-feely person, ask them if it’s ok to give them a hug.

Pay attention and keep conversation upbeat and positive for the first few minutes of your introduction and meeting.

Instead of worrying about what they think of you, let your body language convey that you’re approachable. Hold an open and relaxed posture with your body angled in their direction, and maintain eye contact when asking questions.

Mirror the movements of their body, to demonstrate that you’re in sync. Playfully touching their arm is a flirty gesture that won’t go unnoticed. When they gently touch you back, you’ll know you’re on the right track.

Show ‘n’ tell

Ask your date to tell you all about themselves. Be attentive and really listen to the answers they provide to your open-ended questions. Imagining yourself as a TV interviewer questioning a famous celebrity can be helpful, if you’re feeling a little nervous or over excited. Of course, you’re going to want to discover all of their secrets!

Making a mental note of something that your date shares with you, like a memorable experience or a special song, can score you extra brownie points on date No.2. It’s also nice to let your date know that you love X, Y or Z about them, and that you’re fascinated by their interests, passions or hobbies (but only if that’s true for you).

The more friendly and welcoming that you are, the more easily your date will relax and feel comfortable with you. They’ll know that it’s safe to let their guard down, and to open up and be more authentic too.

Leave them wanting more

At the end of the date, give them a warm hug and tell them how much you’ve enjoyed getting to know them.

When they eagerly contact you to arrange date No.2, it will be entirely up to you if you want to progress the connection.