Say that someone you’ve asked out, gotten set up with, or found on an MY dating app in Malaysia has suggested going on a second date. Considering how much can happen on a second date, you may have cause to be both excited and nervous about it at the same time.
Second dates can oftentimes feel tricky to navigate, given that they serve as in-betweens from the time you first get to know someone to the time that you discover things about them on a deeper level. The stakes are also higher on a second date because you’re both figuring out how compatible you are and trying to see if all the good things you learned about each other hold true. In other words, a second date may reveal whether the two of you have actual relationship potential—and whether your date may truly be the right one for you.
If you’ve agreed on a second date, take advantage of the fact that you’re a little more comfortable in each other’s presence and that you’ve established some common ground. Then, use the opportunity to assess whether you’re a good match or whether you’re better off returning to the dating pool. To help you figure things out, here’s what you can expect on a second date and how to tell if you and your companion have a real shot at love.
You May Get to See Another Side of Your Date
Most singles agree on a different setting for their second date compared to the first one. If your first date consisted of a laid-back meal in a restaurant, it’s wise to plan your second date around going to the park or seeing a movie. This will allow you to see a side of your date that you may not have encountered when the two of you were in a quieter and more controlled setting.
While you’re on your second date, you may learn something new about how your companion acts in front of other people, such as how kind and considerate they are to strangers, or what gets them to laugh or joke around more. Perhaps you can look forward to these moments on your second date, as the best ones can build your attraction towards each other.
You’ll Get to Practise Your Communication Styles
On a second date, you’ll also be able to practise different communication styles more extensively than you did on the first one. You can figure out whether the two of you tend to have your best conversations when you’re being spontaneous or when you’re following a particular structure, for example, when asking each other interesting questions.
Have you and your date gotten to converse in a way that feels natural and engaging to you? If so, you may consider your second date a success—and perhaps even a window into a fulfilling romantic relationship.
You’ll Get to Know More about Each Other’s Passions and Dreams
Your second date may also be your first opportunity to speak in a less guarded way around each other about what you really love in life and what you aspire for. In addition, you may be able to tell as early on as during the second date whether your companion’s goals and interests match up with yours.
For example, if you went on a sporty or outdoorsy second date that you really enjoyed, you and your partner may have discovered a way to bond with each other in the coming future. If your conversation veered towards studying or working abroad someday, you may have discovered important life goals that you have in common with your date—which are, of course, crucial in a long-term relationship.
You May Get to Broach Deeper Topics, Like Finances and Family Upbringing
You may also get to delve into topics that are usually not brought up during the first date, when two singles are still getting to know the basics about each other. On your second date, you and your partner may end up broaching your family lives, religious and cultural beliefs, your approaches towards your personal finances, and what financial goals you’re striving to fulfil.
In the midst of learning about these things during your second date, do you feel as if you’re more connected to your partner? Or does it seem like you’re worlds away from each other and will have difficulty finding common ground for your non-negotiables in life? The answer will determine whether the two of you are truly a good match for each other.
You May Get to Interact in a More Physical Way
Lastly, while physical intimacy is off-limits for most first dates, some second dates may involve a little physical contact like a hug or holding hands. On your second date, you may be able to pay a little more attention to your partner’s body language and gauge how comfortable they are with physical touch.
You can also decide whether you like being closer to your date in a physical way. Consider it a green flag for a potential relationship if you can be close, but remain observant and respectful of each other’s boundaries.
Takeaway
Remember that a second date doesn’t necessarily come with the promise of a relationship. There’s no hard guarantee that a successful second date could put you and your partner on the fast track towards lasting romance.
But what you learn on your second date can definitely help you achieve clarity about whether it’s right to move forward with this person. Treat the date as a learning experience, as well as an opportunity to reveal more about who you are and what you want out of your ideal significant other.