Second date: Tips for the most important meeting

A second date is coming up, and you're more excited than you were before the first one? No wonder! The first date is a kind of qualifying round, a chance to get to know each other and test the waters. The second date is about really getting to know each other and discovering each other. While the first meeting reveals whether you like each other and whether you like what you see, the second date raises the question: Could this become something really serious? With our tips for the second date, your reunion will be just as wonderful, maybe even more so than the first date.

Contents:

• 4 reasons to go on a second date

• When should the second date take place?

• 24 things you can do on your second date

• Who should ask for the second date?

• The second date at home—pros and cons

• During the date: what you should pay attention to on the second date

• A kiss goodbye on the second date?

4 reasons to go on a second date

1. Your eyes met frequently

Whether during conversation or when you both reached for the salt shaker or laughed at the same time. Your eyes always met. How exciting.

2. Your bodies were turned toward each other

Shoulders open, arms relaxed at your sides: during your conversation, your bodies were open and turned toward each other. These are all positive signs: body language adapts to the other person when there is mutual attraction and flirting develops.

3. There were lots of topics of conversation and there were no awkward silences

The conversation flowed pleasantly and time flew by: one topic of conversation led to the next and you never had to rack your brains for something to say.

Great! The fear of silence is widespread and can be paralyzing, so a lively conversation is always a good sign.

4. You laughed a lot and often together

Humor and being able to laugh together is an important basis for a relationship: This does not mean that you both always appreciate the same comedian, but that you harmonize well and feel comfortable with each other.

If you're not sure, ask yourself: Do you want a second date? If you can say no with certainty, then you don't have to go on another date. If not, then look forward to many more dates.Wann sollte das zweite Date stattfinden?

All those dating rules we know from Hollywood movies – “Don't contact them until three days have passed,” “The man always makes the first move” – please forget them. The freedom we enjoy in this country always comes with a degree of uncertainty.

You've left the clichéd dating rules behind – great! Now the question is: When is the ideal time for a second date? The answer is relatively simple: Whenever you feel it's right.

Whether you want to see your date tomorrow or next week, there's no point in generalizing this question. Everyone feels differently. The most important thing is to be honest with yourself and not torture yourself by thinking you have to wait several days.

24 things you can do on your second date

Once the initial hurdles have been overcome and you both feel like going on a second date, the next big question arises: where should you go? A nice café is often enough for a first date, as it's all about getting to know each other. The second date means more; you already know each other a little and want to get to know each other better.

No matter what time of year you meet, we have some great ideas for you:

Who should ask for a second date?

Anyone who is interested can get in touch—whether they are a woman or a man. Whether you do so on the way home or three days later, trust your gut feeling; it will tell you whether you should take action or not.

Fortunately, we have long since left behind old role clichés such as “the man makes the first move” and “women who make the first move are easy.” Women are in the same position as men and don't have to be passive and wait. It's not uncommon for men to be insecure and a little shy – and then very grateful to courageous women who take the first step.

The second date at home – pros and cons

Have you ever asked yourself how it would be if your date came to your home? Many people are torn about this.

The answer to this question is entirely up to you. If you don't have a problem with it, or would even feel more comfortable at home, then there's no issue. If you do have a problem with it, there are many alternative date options that will allow you to enjoy a nice day out.

During the meeting: What you should pay attention to on the second date

1. Be mindful of your expectations

People tend to want to add something extra to everything. It always has to be faster, better, more amazing—but no, it doesn't. Stay relaxed and enjoy every moment for what it is—unique.

2. Don't tell your life story right away

Of course, you want your date to like you and, ideally, fall in love with you. But you can't force it by telling them everything on the first and second dates. Let your date have their say and listen actively – this will lead to very individual conversations.

3. Stay authentic

You now know a few stories and characteristics about your date. Be careful not to try to adopt the “desired characteristics” and pretend to be someone you're not. Sooner or later, this will backfire. Stay true to yourself, because that's what people like. A person with rough edges.

A kiss goodbye on the second date?

You didn't kiss goodbye on the first date because you were too afraid of rejection and unsure whether you really wanted to. By the end of the second date, you have gotten to know each other much better. You have deepened the conversations from the first date and discovered new topics. Not to mention, you now have two shared experiences.

If you are unsure whether you can imagine continuing to date, you should not raise false hopes with a kiss. However, if you have butterflies in your stomach, then there is absolutely no reason not to. Enjoy it and look forward to more dates.