If you’ve got your eye on a potential partner, making a good first impression is an important milestone you must achieve.
For most people, going to a bar is a go-to strategy when seeking a chance at companionship – and, potentially, love. But if you truly want to make it work, planning a movie date may give you a better shot.
This article discusses why the movies are excellent venues for leaving a great first impression and some tips on how to make the most out of it.
Why a movie date?
Some may say that movie dates are overrated. However, the usefulness of this kind of experience in getting to know a person cannot be denied.
Watching a film that you both like will immediately give you a topic for conversation throughout your date. It also offers a chance for you to leave a great first impression while assessing your compatibility with a potential partner.
Aside from that, there are three more reasons why film viewing is better than other first date ideas:
1. Movies offer a good kind of silence
With plenty of issues complicating life itself, experiencing a good kind of silence spent with another person can become extra special. Just imagine simply enjoying each other’s company without the need to make small talk.
2. Movies make it easier to read each other’s body language
Movies also offer a chance for you to read your date’s body language well. Is she or he sitting comfortably? Does she or he look like they’re enjoying the movie? Or do they seem bored and sleepy?
Since you’re shrouded in darkness, you will be more in tune with what the person beside you feels. Plus, you should also get the chance to assess your compatibility just by seeing her reaction to a movie you probably chose for the occasion.
Remember, a person’s actions speak louder than her words. Beyond the cliché, this statement holds true and is most applicable in dating.
3. Movies create memories
Ever wondered why you think of the person you went to the cinema with whenever you see the movies you watched at another time? For some reason, the person you’re with becomes a permanent part of your memory once you’ve shared a film with them.
While there has been no study that can explain this phenomenon, most people would agree that films evoke memories of the people whom they watched these with.
4 Tips to Make a Good First Impression on a Movie Date
After deciding to invite that special person on a movie date, the next step is to plan for it to make the experience memorable – in a good way. While this may seem nerve-wracking, you can get by unscathed if you follow these four tips in making a good first impression:
1. Pick the right location
The location will play a role in setting the tone of your date, so you have to choose wisely. Unless you already have an idea of what they like, you should consider going on a more neutral place where the pressure is low, like a cinema.
But if you’re looking for a more private kind of get-together, you should try booking premium seats at a boutique cinema. Not only do these venues offer you a chance to be closer with your date, but they also provide an immersive-yet-comfortable film-viewing experience.
Plus, they also have exemplary food service, so you won’t need to leave your date alone just to get popcorn and soda. On top of that, offerings lean more on the luxurious kind, so you’d be able to treat your date to a restaurant-grade meal during the film.
2. Prepare to engage conversation
Although silence is golden in this modern age of distractions, going to the movies is a good chance to engage your date in meaningful conversations.
If you’re someone who’s not very fond of starting a conversation, this can be a nerve-wracking task. Luckily, there are key points you can use to start perfect conversations with your date.
Based on studies, pick-up lines don’t often work on women. In fact, they look at empty compliments poorly and prefer conversation starters that show how curious, cultured, and intelligent their dates are.
Of course, you have to get a feel of the ambiance first to see whether your date is more comfortable watching in silence or if you can insert a short talk. Some people prefer to watch movies in silence, but there are cases when saying the right thing at the right moment can leave a significant mark. This can then lead to a favorable outcome for your date.
3. Dress properly
While movie dates are more casual than dinner dates, it doesn’t automatically mean you shouldn’t dress well. A button-down shirt paired with jeans is one good example of a casual-yet-dressy attire that works for movie dates. This will show that you’re cultured and approachable at the same time.
Of course, you shouldn’t just dress to impress. Make sure you feel comfortable in whatever clothes you’re in. This way, you would naturally exude confidence that can help you create a better impression on your first date.
4. Be aware of your facial expressions and body language
Communication while watching a film leans more on the nonverbal side, so make sure to be aware of your body language and facial expressions.
This might seem difficult at first. After all, body language may often feel beyond your control, and trying to be aware of it can make it difficult to act natural.
However, you must remember that this is not an impossible task. All you need to do is identify negative body language and learn how to tweak it.
For instance, if you’re interested in something your date said, you must never fold your arms. Instead, tilt your head towards your date and lean in. This will assure your date that you’re listening and interested in what they have to say.
Alternatively, you should find similar signals in your date’s body language if the situation is reversed. If you see that her arms are crossed and feet are directed away from you, it’s probably time to change the subject or stop talking altogether.
Leave an Impression That Lasts
Watching a film together and leaving an impression that will last beyond your first date is possible, no matter how nerve-wracking it may be. To make the most out of the experience, use this article as a guide in planning for your movie date.
AUTHOR BIO
Paul Fox is the Director of Roxy Cinemas under Meraas Group/DXB Entertainments. Roxy Cinemas currently has five Dubai locations: The Beach, La Mer, City Walk, Box Park, and Bollywood Parks.