By Emma L. Wells
First dates can be stressful enough, but can you imagine having 30 first dates simultaneously? That’s how Chris Soules felt on Monday night during the premiere of The Bachelor Season 19. “It was nerve-racking but exciting to be in the same room with 30 amazing women and knowing that one of them could potentially become my fiancée,” Soules said in an interview with People.com. While some women handled the stress of the evening better than others (a few contestants were noticeably intoxicated by the evening’s close…), they all made lasting impressions. From motorcycles and karaoke to secret admirers and a pig nose, the women used a variety of tactics to try and catch the handsome bachelor’s eye. Some ended up being more successful than others, as the 33-year-old farm boy from Iowa eliminated eight women during the first rose ceremony on The Bachelor Season 19.
‘The Bachelor’ Chris Soules was pretty nervous Monday night. What are three ways to deal with nerves on a first date?
Cupid’s Advice:
Everyone has to deal with nerves from time to time, but you don’t want to let some overly energetic butterflies interfere with what could be a really amazing first date. Cupid has some ways to reign in those jitters:
1. Just breathe: It may seem like simple advice, but it’s often what people forget when they are under pressure. Focusing on your breathing helps in many ways. First, it helps center your mind on something else. Second, it’ll slow your heartbeat and your thoughts, and you’ll quickly start to feel less flustered and crazy. Being in control of your breathing will help you feel in control of your situation. Try counting to five as you inhale and counting to seven as you exhale; repeat this ten times, and you’ll be calm again in no time!
Related Link: ‘The Bachelor’ Season 19 Premiere: Chris Soules Meets 30 Bachelorettes
2. Remember you’re not the only one: You’re not alone! It’s good to keep in mind that the person sitting across from you is most likely feeling just as nervous as you are. Believe it or not, shared nervousness can even be something you two can bond over. Try joking about it and see where the conversation takes you.
Related Link: ‘Bachelor’ Chris Soules Opens Up About Finding His Future Wife
3. Understand your anxiety: First date nerves can have many causes. They might just mean you’re really excited. Or perhaps you always get restless when you meet new people. The jitters could also be your body’s way of telling you that you already know this isn’t a good match. Diagnosing the reason behind your butterflies will help you figure out how to handle the situation. Most importantly, remember that nerves are normal; don’t let them stand in the way of your happily ever after!
What are some ways you deal with nerves on a first date? Share your thoughts below.
