How To Tell If Date Went Well (step-by-step Guide)
So, you’ve survived another date. Hooray! Now comes the tricky part. Did it go well? Or did you just spend an hour nodding politely while silently planning your escape route? It’s a minefield out there, folks. But fear not, for I am here to guide you through the murky waters of post-date analysis. Forget all those complicated dating coaches and their fancy algorithms. We’re going back to basics. We’re going to get real. We’re going to figure out if you should be mentally dusting off your best shoes for a second encounter, or just… not.
The "Did It Go Well?" Survival Checklist
Let’s start with the immediate aftermath. You’re saying goodbye. What’s happening?
Step 1: The Goodbye Hug (or Lack Thereof)
This is crucial. Was it a quick, awkward pat on the back? A hurried, barely-there embrace? Or did you get a full-on, genuine hug? If it felt like they were trying to subtly hand you a business card for a taxidermist, that’s probably not a good sign. A good goodbye hug is like a warm blanket on a chilly evening. It lingers. It says, “Hey, I enjoyed your company.” If they practically leaped into their car like it was a getaway vehicle, well, you do the math.
Step 2: The Text Message Gauntlet
The golden rule, in my humble, unpopular opinion: the immediate text. Did you get a "Great meeting you!" text within 15 minutes? That’s a good sign. It shows enthusiasm. It shows they weren’t secretly checking their phone the whole time, planning their escape. If you’re still waiting by 10 PM, and it’s 8 PM, you might have a problem. Unless they’re a brain surgeon performing a complex operation, in which case, maybe give them a break. But for most of us, a timely text is a sign of life.
Now, what about the content of the text? Is it a generic “Had fun”? Or does it mention something specific you talked about? “I’m still laughing about that story you told about the rogue squirrel.” That’s gold, people. Gold! It means they were listening. They remembered. They cared enough to recall a detail. Generic texts are the dating equivalent of microwave meals – functional, but lacking soul.
The "Mental Replay" Edition
Okay, the initial contact is done. Now it’s time to rewind the tape in your head. Be honest. No sugar-coating. No wishful thinking.
Step 3: The Conversation Flow
Was the conversation like a beautifully choreographed dance, or more like two people trying to breakdance in a phone booth? Did you interrupt each other? Did you have long, awkward silences where you could hear the crickets chirping (even if you were indoors)? A good date has a natural flow. You bounce off each other. You find yourselves finishing each other’s sentences, or at least understanding what the other is trying to say without a decoder ring.
Did you laugh? Not polite little chuckles, but real, gut-busting laughter? Laughter is a powerful connector. If your date made you snort-laugh into your drink, consider that a major win. If you were the only one laughing, well, that’s a different story. Maybe you just have a very niche sense of humor. Or maybe they’re just not that into your jokes.
Step 4: The "Did I Talk Too Much?" Panic
Let’s be honest, we all do this. You leave a date and immediately launch into an internal interrogation: “Did I ramble? Did I talk about my ex too much? Did I reveal my obsession with collecting antique spoons?” If your date managed to get a word in edgewise, and didn’t look like they were slowly being suffocated by your monologue, that’s a positive. A good conversationalist knows when to speak and when to listen. If your date was constantly trying to steer the conversation back to themselves, or looked like they were taking notes for a lecture, it might be a sign.
Step 5: The "Eye Contact" Meter
Were their eyes on your face, or were they scanning the room like a hawk searching for its next meal? Consistent, comfortable eye contact is key. It shows engagement. It says, “I’m present, and I’m interested in what you’re saying.” If they were looking at their shoes, the ceiling, or a particularly interesting dust bunny, it’s not a great sign. Unless, of course, you have a particularly fascinating dust bunny situation going on. But generally, eye contact is good.
The "Future Potential" Guage
Now, let’s look ahead. Beyond the immediate glow of the date.
Step 6: The "Future Plans" Hint
Did they mention anything about a future activity? “We should go see that new movie sometime.” Or, “I know this great little Italian place, we should try it.” These are hints, people! They’re not outright proposals, but they’re certainly more than a polite farewell. If they avoided all mention of future plans like it was a contagious disease, you might have a dead end. Unless, again, you’re talking about a secret agent rendezvous. But for normal dates, hints are good.
Step 7: The "Second Date" Vibe
Did you walk away feeling energized and excited, or drained and defeated? A good date leaves you feeling good. You feel seen. You feel heard. You might even find yourself humming a little tune on the way home. If you’re feeling like you need a nap and a strong cup of coffee just to recover, it was probably not a resounding success.
And here’s the real unpopular opinion: if you’re still thinking about them a week later, and not in a “why did I agree to that?” way, then congratulations. You probably had a good date. It’s the lingering, the little smile that pops up when you think of something they said, the anticipation of a potential next step. That’s the stuff of good dates, my friends. Don’t overthink it. Trust your gut. And if all else fails, just remember: there’s always another date. And hopefully, better snacks next time.