Matchmaker and Incredible Love Founder, Michelle G, Shares Her Top 10 Tips for a Successful First Date

MIAMI, June 1, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Michelle G is a renowned dating coach, matchmaker, and the founder of Incredible Love. She gained widespread recognition for her appearance on TLC's hit reality show "Darcey & Stacey" as a celebrity matchmaker. Her tough love approach to dating quickly made her a fan favorite, however, her no-nonsense style eventually led to her parting ways with the show's star, Darcey.

Controversy aside, Michelle G has a straightforward approach to dating. She doesn't believe in sugarcoating things and has been known to say, "If oooey, gooey, cupid love is what you are looking for, I'm not your girl. I view love, like I do life, with areas in which we always can improve."

In the spirit of improvement, here are her top 10 tips for a successful first date.

1. Dress to impress. First impressions matter! According to research, most of us form an impression about someone within the first 7 seconds. What lasting impression do you want them to have? Make sure your clothes fit properly and are suitable for the occasion.
   
   
2. Come prepared with engaging conversation topics. The purpose of a first date is to learn about that person's world and experience what it is like to be around them, so avoid treating it like an interview or discussing deep topics too quickly. Build emotional connection through storytelling. Think of it as mental foreplay. Some great topics are sharing what you're most proud of, travel destinations, family and future goals.
   
   
3. Make eye contact and actively listen to your date. 44% of people say the first thing they notice when meeting someone is their eyes. Maintaining good eye contact will make you more memorable and build trust with your date. Listening is a skill we are often not taught growing up so we do our best. A simple practice when it comes to active listening is to listen without judgment and instead with curiosity. Curiosity leads to questions, conversation, and storytelling – you get the gist.
   
   
4. Avoid talking about your exes or past relationships. Ex's or past relationship topics are inevitable on a first date – don't spend more than 3 minutes on the subject. Discussing past relationships can bring up unresolved feelings and emotions that might not be appropriate for this first date. If there's potential, there's time to learn more.
   
   
5. Don't drink too much alcohol. Most people drink on a first date to use it as a social lubricant; however, the importance is to not overindulge. Drinking too much leads to impaired decision-making. Remember, first impressions matter!
   
   
6. Be open-minded and willing to try new things. Modern dating challenges past dating trends and the tradition of the first date dinner. Today, the quickest way to get to know someone is to see them in an element where they have to use all their senses. Instead of a coffee or tapas at your local restaurant, opt for an activity date! It takes the pressure off both parties while sharing a memorable experience.
   
   
7. Avoid being on your phone or checking social media. This is a NO-NO because it's rude and screams to your date: "I don't value your time." If possible, place the phone out of sight and be present for this person, you never know, it could be your last first date.
   
   
8. Be yourself and don't pretend to be someone you're not. Enough said!
   
   
9. Be honest and straightforward about your intentions. Every person is at a different place in their dating life therefore, you can't make assumptions. Every dater needs a dating intention statement that clearly answers the question: "What are you looking for?" It saves everyone time and unnecessary heartbreak.
   
   
10. Don't be afraid to show vulnerability and express your true feelings. We are all going through this human experience called life. Sometimes conversations can go in a direction where you both have the opportunity to share about what experiences shaped you – welcome it! Vulnerability on a first date can look like sharing what you're comfortable with and saving the rest for another occasion.

In conclusion, "A successful first date is about making a connection, building trust, and having fun," says Michelle.

Bio: Michelle G is a nationally sought-after dating and relationship expert and a best-selling author. With a focus on the power of positive romantic relationships Michelle G brings a unique blend of science, psychology, and understanding of the human psyche to her work. As a Certified Dating and Relationship Specialist (CRS)®, Michelle helps guide her audiences, private matchmaking, and relationship coaching clients into discovering what love truly means to them. She has shared her expertise on numerous media outlets, including NBC, Telemundo, and HuffPost. To learn more about her or to work with her directly, visit her website at www.IncredibleLove.com or follow her on Instagram.

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SOURCE Michelle G