Guys may not realize it, but women pick up on little tells on a first date that make them like you instantly or not.
Appearance
Clean nails, a neat haircut, and pressed clothes that fit well are just a few indicators that a man cares enough about the date to make an effort.
She can tell if he took the time to get ready for the night or just threw on some random clothes off his floor, and dressing according to the restaurant’s dress code shows that he values the date and her time.
Footwear
Shoes speak volumes about a man’s style, attention to detail, and everyday life. They’re usually one of the first things a woman’s eyes glance down to see. From dirty gym sneakers to polished dress boots to dorm-worthy flip-flops, the shoes your man chooses to wear can tell you a lot about how he carries himself and how much he cares about little things.
Teeth
A healthy, clean smile is a subconscious instant pick-up on hygiene and is one of the first things evaluated across the dinner table during your first several minutes of getting to know someone.
Making sure you have fresh breath and good teeth is letting a woman know that you care about yourself and your daily routines. It’s a huge subconscious green flag women notice when you’re face-to-face.
Scent
Spraying enough of a light, quality cologne or even smelling like freshly washed soap is a huge turn-on that creates a lasting positive association.
Too much overpowering body spray or smelling dirty is a huge turn-off. Smell is very connected to attraction and women can tell immediately if a guy overdid it or if his natural smell is inviting and fresh.
Manners
The way a man treats the servers at restaurants, valets, or busy bartenders speaks volumes about his character, humility, and compassion far quicker than all of the stories he can tell himself about how great he is.
Women notice everything about whether he says please and thank you, if he keeps his cool during a hold-up, or if he blatantly acts superior to others. This is a big tell as to how he will eventually treat her.
Attention
Maintaining eye contact and having his phone either fully face down or in his pocket are ways to show that he is interested and indicate to a woman if he is truly paying attention to her.
In today’s day and age, when a man does not have a screen pulled out or look around the room every two seconds, it shows that he is focused on the individual in front of him.
Listening
There’s a huge difference between a man waiting for his turn to talk versus one who is truly listening, processing what you’re saying, and asking intelligent follow-up questions.
Women can tell immediately whether you’re having a conversation that’s flowing both ways or a self-serving job interview where all the guy wants to talk about is himself, his career, and his hobbies.
Punctuality
Being on time, or a few minutes early, proves to her that he values her time and is looking forward to being with her. Showing up late without sending a text shows poor time management and consideration.
Explain to her as early as possible if you know you will be late. Apologizing at the door and making a lazy excuse to start the date already puts you on the defensive.
Posture
A man’s posture conveys confidence, comfort, and security instantly before he even speaks hello. Women subconsciously assess body language from the start.
They can see if a man is nervously slouching, crossing his arms defensively, or standing up straight with open, relaxed body language that makes inviting conversation comfortable and makes him look trustworthy.
Humor
Laughter that comes easy and naturally dissolves that first-date awkwardness and instantly lets you both know if you have similar energy, sense of humor, and chemistry when it comes to conversation.
Girls pick up on how fast a guy can smile at a joke, whether he’s too serious, or if he can laugh at himself. This creates the emotional atmosphere for the rest of the relationship.
Sources: Please see here for a complete listing of all sources that were consulted in the preparation of this article.