We may not want to admit it, but first impressions are very important in getting to know someone and deciding if we want to continue getting to know that person. When we meet someone for the first time, we silently judge them (whether we want to or not!). And after we make those judgements and form our first impression opinions, it's hard to be swayed away from those first ideas we've already made about them.
Whether it's a for a first date, an interview, a client, or a big event, we only get one chance to make a good first impression. Here are a few tips to make sure you nail it.
Have a sense of humor
A good sense of humor is one of the most attractive things a person can have. Humor also improves your mental & physical well-being, and makes people see you as the leader of the pack. Think about the funniest person you know. Doesn't he always have a crowd around him? Aren't people always fighting to get his attention? So remember not to take things too seriously, and try to bring humor into the conversation.
Smile
This goes hand-in-hand with having a good sense of humor. Smiles are contagious and when you smile, it shows the other person that you are enjoying their presence.
Give your hands some TLC
You may not realize this, but your hands are often one of the first things noticed during a first date or meeting. So be sure to invest in a high quality hand cream*, give yourself a nice manicure and push back those cuticles before applying a fresh coat of polish.
*I'm a little OCD so my hands are always super red, and very dry. This is literally THE only cream I use. I put this on my hands before bed and the next day my hands are like a new woman (if my hands were a woman 🤪). I HIGHLY recommend this cream if you want younger looking & softer feeling hands
Wear special earrings
As women, earrings are a great way to express who we are. My son got me these cutest little dolphin earrings one Christmas (because I adore dolphins), and even though these earrings were super cheesy, they mean so much to me. So, I wear them every single day (in my second hole). Then I leave the first hole for hoops or diamonds or whatever I'm feeling 🥰
Wear nice shoes
Most people (both men & women) notice what shoes you're wearing. They might not even mean to, but the type of shoes you wear determines your whole vibe. While heels will make your legs look longer & leaner (and gives off a sexy vibe), flats will give you a quiet, sophisticated look. Sneakers or flat boots will show you're more laid back and/or sporty. So choose your shoes wisely!
Have a vibrant attitude
This means no complaining. You do not need to complain about anything on your first time meeting someone. Instead show your exuberance and be someone who is light and fun to be around. If you need a little help getting into the right headspace, try listening to some upbeat music before you walk in.
Make your eyes pop with eyeshadow, liner, & mascara
Eyes are usually the first thing people notice. So play around with some makeup before you head out, and they won't be able to take their eyes off of you. I like putting a dab ofshimmery eyeshadow right on the center of the lid. Then add take a dark brown and make a sideways v on the outer corner of the lid with the bottom of the v going along the lashline, and the top of the v heading into the crease. Make sure the v only goes about half way across the eye though. Finish it up with some shimmery eyeshadow on the brown bone and then add your eyeliner and mascara! I will have to create a post on how I create my date night eyes. So, stay tuned!
Maybe you think your eyebrows are good enough and you don't think guys will notice. And honestly, maybe they won't necessarily notice your brows, but you will look more put together if you have nicely manicured brows. So learn how to pluck the right way, or go get those bad boys waxed. You'll feel better after you do! But don't stop there. Even though we just worked on getting rid of some of the (unruly) hair, we don't want to look like we have thinning brows, so grab your favorite brow pencil and fill those bad girls in!
Make eye contact
Making eye contact can be a difficult thing for some people. I know it is with me! But you need to try and make eye contact. This shows the person you're with that you are truly interested in them and what they have to say.
*Big NO-NO's - don't check out other people while you're out with someone else, and don't be staring at your phone the whole time.
Be warm in your "Hello"
Let the person know that you are excited to be meeting them for the first time. If it's a date, go in for a hug. If it's an interview or a client, give them a warm, firm handshake with eye contact.
Treat others kindly
This shouldn't have to be a tip in this "first impressions" article, but sadly it is. If you're out at a restaurant or somewhere where others are serving you, be kind to those servers and whoever else may be around you. If you're at a restaurant and the service is slow or the food comes out wrong, be understanding and patient with the waitress, even if you feel she doesn't deserve it. Be respectful to cashier's and treat everyone with respect. This shouldn't be a first impressions thing, this should be a lifestyle thing. So if you find yourself treating others poorly, maybe we should try to understand why. You don't want to be unkind to those around you. If you are, the road ahead will be a lonely one.
Be expressive
People can tell when you're not having a good time. Sadly, sometimes you are having a good time, but you're too embarrassed to express this to the other person. This can kill the chance of a second meeting altogether. Try not to look down, or carry your darkness around with you. And if you see someone else is having a rough time or not looking the happiest, send them a compliment to help bring a smile to their face.
Note: Even if you are having an awful time, there is no need to let the other person in on that. Finish out your meeting with the best attitude, and then you can decide if you never want to see them again. We shouldn't be trying to make others feel bad about themselves just because we're not feeling it.
Whiten your teeth
I'm sorry. I know this was a straight-forward one, but I really want you to make the absolute best first impression you can! I've met a lot of people who said "teeth" were one of the first things they noticed on a person. And depending on how well they take care of their teeth determines if there's a second date or not. So unleash those pearly whites, and make sure you get to the dentist regularly.
Laugh at jokes that are told
Some people just really aren't all that funny, but you can tell that they think they are. So throw them a bone and laugh with them. Make them feel good and let them know that you're easy & fun to be around. Everyone loves a sense of humor (and someone who can appreciate a sense of humor).
Give a solid handshake
One of the biggest factors in getting a job is the quality of the handshake. A solid handshake shouts confidence. Don't underestimate this small exchange.
Make them feel special
As the quote goes, "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." So treat them with the utmost respect. Tease them if the situation is appropriate for it, laugh with them, put a hand on their shoulder, and let them feel truly listened to and understood.
*Please note: DO NOT TOUCH YOUR POTENTIAL NEW BOSS IN AN INTERVIEW. That rule only applies to first dates.
Say their name
There's something about hearing your name be said that gives you a warm feeling. It also let's them know that you know who you're on a date/interview with, and that they mean something to you. It may seem small (and even awkward), but it's important.
And there you have it, 17 ways you are able to make the absolute best first impression. Now go out there and nail it and let me know how it goes in the comments below!
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