Four signs you’ve clicked on a first date

None of us really need to be told what to look for in a good date. Knowing you like someone isn't a case of ticking off a list of signs, it simply happens. That said, it's nice to think about the things that help show a date is going well. And while it can usually take a few dates before you know for sure that you've clicked with someone, the things we've listed below are usually good signs for a first date.

It should be noted that a good date isn't always a date which leads to someone becoming that 'special someone' long term. It could simply be a date that is very enjoyable in and of itself, and might not lead to anything more permanent. Maybe you'll become friends, rather than partners, or simply appreciate the fact that you've met someone nice but not keep in touch long-term.

In other words, you don't have to meet your next boyfriend or girlfriend to declare a date a success!

In any case, here are four signs things might be clicking, in on way or another…

Laughter

Laughter is a signal that people get on. When we are with people we're really comfortable with, that's often when genuine laughter – not just the odd polite, half-laugh, but real, delighted chuckles – can be heard. People often say they look for humour in someone who could be their other half, and if your date seems to find you funny (in a good way!) it will often help you to relax, especially if you're the sort of person who likes to use humor to help yourself get on well in social situations.

That said, it can often take some time for people to 'get' someone else's humour. Types of humour that can sometimes take a little time for people to tune-into can include particularly ironic humour, for example. So if you're usually-hilarious routine is failing to get more than a slight smile on a date, don't worry too much. It doesn't have to mean your date doesn't like you – and there's still time for them to click with your style of humour.  

It should be noted, too, that though humour is a really great technique to roll-out on a date, people will often soon tire of someone who's looking only for laughs. Remember to take things seriously and ask heartfelt questions, as well as having a joke or two.

Eye contact

Looking into each others eyes and smiling – one of the main romantic gestures humans make. If this starts to happen naturally it can be a sign that a pair is experiencing attraction to each other. A date who touches you on the arm is also often being flirtatious and showing that they like the person they're spending time with.

Whenever we're on a date, we'll tend to look out for the little signals, like body language, some of which we're not even aware we're noticing, in order to access our progress with the person we're meeting. When things are going well – or not so well – you will likely become aware of the situation because of these small signs.

The extended date

As a general rule, the longer a date goes on, the better it is going – at least to the extent that dates that really don't go well tend to be cut short by one party or the other.

Moving onto a new venue is often a sign that a date is still interested in seeing more of you, particularly if they have a lot of experience at dating, and know how to excuse themselves politely when things aren't going well!

Going to three different places – say a gallery, a restaurant and the cinema – can be an even bigger sign that a couple are enjoying their time together and aren't at all anxious to cut the date short!

The instant text

Does your date text you within an hour of saying goodbye? It's a often a clear sign they think things went well and that they like you – unless of course the text suggests you should just be friends.

Although it's possible to think about the exact meaning of a few texted words for hours, it's often best to take texts at face value. If it seems to point to the fact someone wants to see you again, the chances are it does, and it doesn't hurt to find out whether this is the case or not by asking.

Most of us don't like to seem too 'keen' after a first date, even if we're head over heels, as this can prove off-putting to the other person. If you want to send a signal that you'd like to take things further, though, it's a good idea to text a few hours later or the next morning, to show enthusiasm. Don't be afraid to be direct enough to say that you would like to see someone again if that's the case.

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