Numbers game
Basically, dating is a numbers game. Research shows that you have to meet 564 people before you meet the person you are going to fall in love with. A lot of farmers go to their local pub every week, they go to the mart and they go to the local shop, so they are not meeting new people on an ongoing basis. If that’s the case, and you only meet one new person every single week, it could possibly take you 11 years to meet even one person that’s potentially a match for you.
Have a change of scenery, go to the social dancing or the races. Put yourself out there and give it a go. Set yourself a three- or four-month goal to meet as many people as possible.
First impressions
Everybody forms a first impression in the first seven seconds of meeting someone: that’s non-verbal communication. When you do get out there, be dressed up, shave, do your hair or get your hair cut. I always say get yourself a nice aftershave, something that’s pleasant and light.
Smile
Smile at someone you’re interested in and make eye contact. Look at your posture and stand up straight. Just take it in baby steps. Don’t be afraid to maintain a little bit of extra eye contact, you don’t need to look away straight away. Then chance maybe talking to them.
I would always say after chatting for a while: “Look, do you fancy meeting up again, do you want to meet for a drink, do you want to meet for a coffee?” Whatever you feel comfortable with. The more people you ask out, the more chance you have of meeting someone. There’s no point in going home if you haven’t even asked. We’re notoriously bad at asking.
Lead
I would always say to lead. A lot of guys will ask someone out on a date, but then they’ll say to them: “Oh sure we’ll do whatever you want to do.” Don’t leave it to chance. Say straight out: “Would you like to go for a coffee sometime/ would you like to go for a drink sometime/ would you like to go for dinner sometime?”
First date
For the first date, go with whatever you’re comfortable with. If you’re not too sure, maybe start with something low impact, like a coffee or a drink.
If you think this is the person you could have a future with, I’d ask straight up to go for dinner. When you do have a date, turn up in your very best. Have a few funny stories in the back of your head to keep the whole thing going.