Dating can be nerve-wracking, but project the right amount of confidence and you will put yourself, and your dating partner, at ease. This is easier said than done, however, there are some tried and tested methods of dating with confidence.

DO: wear clothes you have felt confident in before

While it may be tempting to buy a whole new set of clothes to impress a new dating partner, our favourite clothes really can have a magic affect, making us feel relaxed and confident, instantly. It’s always important to wear clothes which are appropriate for the occasion but, whenever possible, choose clothes which you know make you feel good about yourself. Most of us have a favourite top, dress or suit which never fails to put us in a good mood.

DON’T: fidget

One of the main indicators that someone is nervous is if they constantly fidget. Repeated adjustments of clothing or tearing up a napkin into smaller and smaller pieces are two examples of how your hand movements can betray your nerves when dating. To prevent your hands from showing your anxieties, clasp them together or keep them out of sight.

DO: look into their eyes (but not all the time)

Eye contact is crucial when dating. It shows you are comfortable with your date and interested in them and what they have to say. Lack of eye contact will either come across as rude or imply that you are intimidated by them. Keep eye contact while either of you are talking, but be careful, an uninterrupted gaze can come across as creepy, so it is important to look away from time to time, as well..

DON’T: slump in your seat

Your posture will play a large part in how your dating partner perceives you. If you slump forward in your seat, or (if you are upright) walk or stand hunched, looking constantly at the floor, you will not just appear unconfident, but inevitably feel it, too. Practice keeping good posture when sitting and standing. One way to do this is to count the chimneys as you walk down the street