Seven seconds. That’s all it takes for first impressions to form.
According to Time, when we encounter someone new, our brain quickly processes details about them. In a matter of seconds, we create immediate conclusions about their life and personality. These are only assumptions. But they stick around and set the tone for our future interactions (or lack thereof).
This is why it's important to make a good impression on a first date with a Bangkok woman. If you don't know how, we’ll show you the ropes.
Are First Impressions Usually Accurate?
First impressions are often shallow, meaning they’re not necessarily accurate. Regardless, they affect romantic outcomes.
According to a UC Davis study, first impressions tend to linger and influence people’s decisions on maintaining contact with potential matches after first meetings. Even when faced with evidence, many still let their cognitive and implicit biases take the lead. Some even refuse to see the world through any other lens but their own.
If a match sees you as a friendly and easygoing person, she’s more likely to feel comfortable around you. This may even encourage her to match your energy and open up.
First impressions aren’t always accurate, but they last, and changing them will take time and effort.
How to Make a Great First Impression on Your First Date
Making a great first impression starts before you even meet for your first date. It starts the moment you show up on each other’s radar, online or offline.
Before the Date
Why should someone match with you instead of others in the dating pool? Your dating profile should answer this.
Make yourself stand out with these tips:
#1: Upload a good profile photo.
Upload a decent picture that shows your whole face. Swap a hilarious pouty face for a simple and genuine smile for a better impression.
#2: Write a compelling bio.
Avoid writing clichés in your descriptions. Instead, highlight a passion or an admirable quality to give potential matches a good glimpse of your personality.
#3: Make your first message count.
Let’s say you’ve matched with a Bangkok woman. Message her, but avoid coming off as too intense or desperate. Also, personalize your opener. Point out something from her profile (her photo or a similar interest) to show you’re paying attention.
During the Date
What can I do on a first date? Make a great impression with these tips:
#1: Mind your own and your match’s body language.
Words alone don’t always say everything we want to deliver. Sometimes, our bodies do the talking for us. So, ensure your gestures align with your words and intentions.
Body language also includes facial expressions. Something as simple as a smile can say a lot about how you feel.
To tick this box, we recommend you display an open posture. Angle your body toward the other person and stand or sit straight. Keep your arms at your sides and your legs straight to avoid appearing defensive.
Did you know Thai women tend to communicate indirectly? Observe your match’s nonverbal cues to meet her needs.
#2: Dress the part.
A first date doesn’t always require a fancy dress code, but you should put some effort into how you look. Wear an outfit that showcases your identity. There’s no rule in dressing up; as long as it’s neat, comfortable, and makes you feel confident, then there should be no problem.
But there’s also what we call the right time and place.
Let’s say your first date is at a Thai temple. You should wear pieces that cover your shoulders and knees to show respect for your match’s culture and religion. You don’t want to make an offensive first impression.
Don’t forget proper grooming and hygiene before you go out!
#3: Choose your words.
Words have power. One misspeak can be enough to topple all your efforts.
You don’t have to throw in all the fancy words you know from the dictionary. Even the simplest statements can make the most significant impact. Your language should be polite, respectful, and open-minded.
Also, you don’t want to make your date feel like you’re interrogating her. A little small talk here and there won’t hurt anybody. Those icebreakers may even lead to more meaningful conversations.
#4: Practice active listening.
Friendly reminder: you’re not the only one on the date. Your match should also have room to talk.
When she’s speaking, show genuine interest and listen. People will always remember how others make them feel. You don’t want to come across as a narcissist.
#5: Look for common ground.
The same Time article above mentions that people who easily connect with others are usually quick to find common ground.
Use this strategy if you only know a little about your match. Get talking points from your shared settings, like the weather or food. You’ll eventually find something to connect with.
After the First Date
Stay on your match’s mind through these simple yet effective ways:
#1: Follow up.
How long after the first date should you text, you ask? We advise popping into her inbox later that night. If you need more time to compose your thoughts, you can send a message the next morning.
Make a quick follow-up to avoid giving the impression that you lost interest in her or didn’t like your first date.
#2: Say your thanks.
Many don’t know what to say after the first date. But it’s simple: Show your appreciation for her acceptance of your invitation. Let her know you had a great time with her company.
#3: Don’t clog her inbox.
Don’t bombard her with constant messages. Give her time to sort out her feelings if you want to up your chances.
How Do You Know You Left a Good First Impression?
Leaving a positive first impression is one of the signs that a first date went well. But the question is, how can you tell? Here are some signs:
Your match tells you she enjoyed the date.
Let’s say you’ve thanked your match for accepting the date after it’s finished. And as luck would have it, she responded with equal enthusiasm. She thanked you for taking her out and told you she had fun. If that’s not a good sign, then we don’t know what is!
She indicates her interest.
Continuing where the earlier scenario left off, her text doesn’t guarantee an endgame, but it does show some interest. The fact that you gave her your number and she followed through with a message means she’s interested enough to keep things going.
She’s open to a second date.
If you checked the previous two boxes, a second date may be in the cards. She enjoyed your company and made her interest known. All you have to do is ask her out again.
How to Save a Bad First Impression After a First Date
Good conversations, assessment of compatibility, and enjoyable moments—these are some of what to expect on a first date. But sometimes, nerves can get in the way and create a horrible impression on your match.
Does this mean you just blew off all your chances? Not necessarily. You can still turn things around. Here’s how to recover from making a bad impression on your first date:
#1: Apologize immediately.
Be quick to salvage your connection. Regardless of whether it’s face-to-face or online, acknowledge what went wrong during your date and apologize. If you have legitimate reasons for your behavior, share them. You don’t want to cause further misunderstandings.
#2: Make it up to her.
Demonstrate your sincerity by taking accountability. You can ask her out again or send a gift to her doorstep. If she accepts your apology, shake off your nerves and show your more favorable side.
#3: Be consistent.
As mentioned, changing a first impression takes much time and effort. Here’s where consistency matters. Play the long game and prove that you’re not a bad person; you simply made a mistake.
***
First impressions on first dates are pivotal to a relationship’s development. Make yours count in just a few interactions.
References:
Shortsleeve, Cassie. 2018. “How to Make the Best First Impression, According to Experts.” Time. https://time.com/5374799/best-first-impression-experts/.
Nikos-Rose, Karen. 2022. “Looking for Romance? That First Impression Matters.” UC Davis. https://www.ucdavis.edu/news/looking-romance-first-impression-matters.