How to Bolster Your Self-esteem Before a Big Date: Steps to Boost Your Confidence Pre-date

You pace the floor in your dorm room, anxiously watching the clock. You look in your closet for the tenth time, still unsure of what to wear. We’ve all been there. That nervousness before a date happens to all of us. Fortunately, there are ways you can reduce this anxiety and enjoy yourself on the big date!

1. Put on your favorite music or TV show Sometimes distracting your brain can help you stop overthinking on the date and keep you in the moment. Remind yourself to focus on the now. I like to put on a TV show that I have never seen before, as it captures my attention better than something I have watched multiple times.

2. Pump yourself up Sometimes relaxation techniques don’t work. In this case, you can try the opposite. Pump yourself up. Get outside and go for a run. Go to the gym and lift some weights. The release of endorphins will help boost your mood and exercising will give you something else to focus on. Plus it’s good for you! Just make sure you have enough time to shower before your date.

3. Wear something you feel comfortable in You might have a lot of nice clothes in your closet, or maybe you just have a few key pieces. Regardless of what you own, make sure you choose something that you feel comfortable in for your date. You could be dressed to the nines, but if you don’t feel comfortable, you won’t be putting your best foot forward. Look nice, but don’t hesitate to wear your favorite shirt or that comfy dress. 

4. Remind yourself that your entire future does not hinge on this one night It can be so easy to overanalyze and overthink before a date. However, this is just one date. Focus on having fun and enjoying the moment. Don’t put too much pressure on the date and make it something it is not. You are not planning a future or deciding if you are going to marry this person. You’re simply getting to know them as a possible romantic partner. Have fun and relax!

We all know how difficult dating can be. Those pre-date jitters can be intimidating and cause you a lot of stress before the date even starts. Try some of these pre-date ideas to help you calm down, refocus and put your best foot forward.

Kaitlynn Toay is a Senior

English Major from

Edgeley, North Dakota