Overcoming Dating Anxiety: How to Prepare for Perfect Priming

Let that first date jitters give way to a calmer, more confident you! If you're looking for advice on how to make the best of a first date and come out looking like a winner, then you've come to the right place. It all comes down to technique, timing and being prepared—especially when it comes to priming.

Before we start discussing the internal and external preparations necessary to make your date go off without a hitch, it’s important to talk about why priming is essential in order to maintain control of the situation at hand. Priming helps set the right mood, so that you can ensure your energy is channeled properly and held at a balance.

Priming isn't just about mind games; it's about making the most of the time spent getting to know someone new. It's about taking time to process information that makes their first impression of you positive and memorable. It's about making sure you have your own interests, opinions, and character laid out clearly before the date even begins.

Taking time to prepare ahead of a date is nothing to be embarrassed of, especially when it comes to dealing with one's own nervousness. Once you've sat down and taken the time to actually think about what you want to get out of the evening—and how to do it—you'll find yourself better equipped to manage the hours that follow.

Those coming into the date with a sense of assurance will fare better over those who come in with little thought or preparation. To make your date prep routine easier, here are a few tips to consider:

1. Expose Yourself to New Experiences: Before your date, expose yourself to different activities, people, and stories. This will help give you a greater sense of security while developing your own identity.

2. Ground Yourself: Focusing on your breath can be a great way to center yourself. In moments of anxiety, take time to focus on your breath, feel you feet rooted to the ground and take a few seconds to acknowledge the emotion.

3. Own Your Space: Owning your space is the key to having a fun, relaxed encounter on your date. A casual stroll through a park, for example, can be a great way to release any nervous tension. Focusing on your own body can be a great help, as well. Make sure to maintain an open posture, allowing yourself an open line of communication with your potential mate.

4. Use Positive Self Talk: Remembering to have a positive attitude can do wonders in dispelling any doubts that arise when going out on a date.

5. Have Goals: Set expectations for yourself and your date, both before and during the event itself. Even if achieving your intention isn't possible, the effort of setting goals can be cathartic in and of itself.

By following these steps, and keeping an open mind, you can ensure that the date goes off without a hitch. With the right attitude, anyone can enjoy the priming process and take away valuable lessons from each date they attend.

It takes time and effort in order to master the skill of priming, but there is plenty of advice to help you along the way. Keep your head held high, remind yourself of the reward gained from facing difficult tasks, and enjoy the experience.