14 Tips to Survive Your First Dating Mixer

You have signed up. Now you are probably panicking a little, with butterflies in your stomach, wondering what you have gotten yourself into 😭

“What if I run out of things to say?”
“What if I see someone cute and I start fumbling?”

It is okay to feel nervous. 41.8% of our participants said they were “nervous but curious” too. You are probably walking into a room with people having the same thoughts as you.

Well, the good news is: you do not need to become an extrovert overnight. Here are a few tips from us to help you settle in, meet people and enjoy the night.

1. 1. Check the details. Do not be that person at the wrong venue & time 😭

   Seriously, save the location so you are not panicking around the wrong building five minutes before it starts (based on a true story). Give yourself time to settle in and leave a good first impression.

2. 2. If you hate heels, do not wear heels!!

   Do not torture yourself in shoes you cannot stand or walk around in. Wear something you feel good in. You shine the brightest when you are confident and comfortable with yourself <3

3. 3. Give your Mystery Match a clue.

   Dropping them a text like “Hello, I am wearing a white turtleneck!” can save you from awkwardly scanning the place and wondering whether every person making eye contact is your match.

4. 4. Go beyond the work talk. This is not a job interview.

   You are more interesting than just your job, so do not talk about it all day (unless you are the founder, then we take this back).

   Questions like “Is this your first mixer?”, “What made you sign up?” or “What are you most excited about tonight?” are good enough to start a conversation. If they mention a hobby, ask what got them into it and continue from there.

   Check out our conversation card for guided questions that go beyond the surface chat.

5. 5. The easiest way to join a new group is by asking, “Can I join you guys?”

   Everyone is here to meet new people! Just introduce yourself and ask, “What were you guys talking about?” to catch up on the conversation.

6. 6. Do not forget to share your name!!

   It is so easy to get caught up in a conversation, then realise 30 minutes later, “Wait… I do not even know your name 😭” Start with “Hi, I am ___!” and ask for theirs too. Make an effort to remember it. A little “Hey, Sarah!” when you see them again goes a long way.

7. 7. Give them something to remember you by.

   Wear something special, share something you are passionate about, a fun fact… or your shoe size, if you want to throw them off a little.

8. 8. Share about yourself!!

   Have you just started running? Make it interesting: “I cannot even run past 3 km, but I have just signed up for a half marathon. Is anyone here also training for it?” Share a little about yourself and give them something to ask you about.

9. 9. The best conversationalists are the ones who ask questions.

   Let others finish, ask follow-up questions or direct a “What about you?” to someone who has not spoken. Being inclusive and engaged in a conversation is attractive af. Pro tip: you can also direct that question to your eye candy in the group ;)

10. 10. Someone caught your eye? Go say hi!!

    Start with “How are you finding the mixer?” or pick up where you left off: “Wait, you have not told me how that story ended!”

11. 11. Grab a wingman if you are feeling shy.

    Come find the Type Team and we will play Cupid ;) That is what we are here for!! Or you can help a friend out and play wingman yourself. It is really fun.

12. 12. Sometimes, the most mature thing is to say no.

    If you are not interested, it is okay to say, “It was nice meeting you, but I don’t think I’m interested.” Being clear saves you and the other person time. It works both ways, so if someone says no to you, respect their answer. Give yourself a round of applause for taking the shot, take a breather and go meet someone else.

13. 13. It is cool to leave a conversation.

    If a conversation feels awkward, has gone dry or you have lost interest, it is totally fine to move on. Try “It was really nice talking to you! I am going to check out something else” or “I am going to join my friend.” No guilt tripping here. Leaving does not have to be a big thing. If someone makes you uncomfortable, come find the Type Team.

14. 14. Give yourself credit for showing up.

    You do not have to leave with a date for the night to count. We have seen strangers become friends, go to the beach, take a road trip to JB together, become besties and even start their own social clubs. You never know who you will meet or where a friendship might go. Give yourself a round of applause for showing up, and see what happens <3

You have everything you need to know now. You got this, and see you soon!

xoxo,
The Type Team 💘