Going on a first date can be an exciting experience. You get dressed up, choose a nice spot, and prepare to meet someone new. It’s like starting a brand new chapter in the book of life.
But, just like reading any new book, you might not know what to expect. And guess what? The person you’re meeting might be feeling the exact same way.
Dates can bring up a mix of emotions. Happiness, excitement, hope, but also… nervousness.
Yep, that fluttery feeling in the stomach. It’s a natural reaction, especially when meeting someone for the first time.
You want to make a good impression, and sometimes, worrying about that can make you nervous.
Now, here’s the thing. Some guys are really good at hiding their nerves. They put on a brave face and try to look calm and confident.
But, if you look closely, there are little signs that show they’re just as nervous as you might be. This article is all about spotting those signs.
Here are 14 signs a guy is nervous on a first date.
1. Fidgeting
You know, fidgeting is one of those things that’s a dead giveaway. When a guy is nervously adjusting his watch, playing with his hair, or constantly tapping his foot, it’s usually because he’s got those jitters.
It’s not always about being out of place; sometimes, it’s just that rush of adrenaline when he really wants to make a good impression.
Why the restless hands or feet, you ask? It’s just all that pent-up nervous energy looking for an outlet. But here’s the sweet part: often, it means he cares about the date going well.
Think of it as an indirect compliment to you because he wants things to be perfect.
Next time you notice this, maybe offer a reassuring smile or a touch. It could go a long way in helping him relax.
[Related: 10 First Date Signs He Wants A Relationship]
2. Overthinking Conversation Topics
Ever been on a date where the guy seems to jump from one topic to another, almost like he’s running through a mental checklist?
That’s another sign right there. It’s not that he’s scatterbrained, but he might be trying too hard to keep the conversation flowing, fearing awkward silences.
He’s likely worried about hitting a dull moment or not keeping you engaged. It’s adorable in its own way because it means he values your opinion and wants you to see him as interesting and engaging.
But it’s also okay to let him know that silences are natural and sometimes, even comfortable.
Conversations don’t always have to be filled with words; sometimes, just being there is enough.
3. Over-apologizing
Dropped a fork? Sorry. Took an extra second to pull out a chair? Sorry. You get the drift.
It’s like he’s on high alert, thinking every minor hiccup might affect how the date goes. But honestly, it’s more endearing than anything.
It’s his way of showing he’s being considerate, wanting everything to go off without a hitch. A small blunder feels magnified to him, and he’s just trying to smooth things over.
A gentle tease or a light-hearted comment can ease this. Let him know it’s okay to be human, and little stumbles here and there are just part of the dance.
[Also read: 10 Signs She’s Not Interested After First Date]
4. Talking Too Fast or Too Slow
Sometimes, when nerves take over, our pace of speech either hits overdrive or slows down to a crawl.
If he’s talking too fast, it’s like he’s racing against his own nervousness, trying to get all his thoughts out there.
On the flip side, talking too slow might mean he’s overthinking every word before it leaves his lips. He’s likely treading cautiously, ensuring he says the right thing.
Either way, it’s a manifestation of those first date jitters. Engaging in the conversation, asking open-ended questions, or sharing a fun anecdote can help him find a balanced rhythm.
5. Sweating More Than Usual
Unless you’re out on a sweltering summer day or at a spicy food joint, excessive sweating could be a telltale sign.
It’s the body’s natural reaction to stressful or nerve-wracking situations. Now, combine that with the pressure of a first date, and you get the picture.
He’s not just feeling the heat outside but also the warmth of the situation. But before you jump to conclusions, remember it’s not about you. It’s just his body’s way of saying, “Hey, this matters.”
Crack a joke, fan together, or choose a cooler spot. These tiny gestures can help lighten the mood and cool things down.
[Interesting: 7 After First Date Rules For Guys And Ladies]
6. Slight Trembling
No, it’s not cold, and he’s not unwell. If you notice a slight shake in his hands or voice, it’s a clear sign that nerves are at play.
It’s like all his excitement, anticipation, and nervousness are bundled up, and it’s coming out as a tremble.
Such moments are raw and genuine. It showcases vulnerability and the desire to be seen in the best light. For him, this date holds importance, and he’s hoping against hope that you feel the same.
A little understanding, a kind gesture, or even holding his hand can make all the difference. It’s about bridging the gap and letting him know he’s not alone in this.
7. Avoiding Eye Contact
You’d think eye contact would be natural on a date, right? But sometimes, when nerves take over, maintaining that direct gaze can be a challenge. It’s not about being disinterested or evasive; it’s more about feeling overwhelmed with the situation.
If he’s occasionally looking away, or focusing a tad too much on his drink or plate, it might just be those pesky nerves acting up again.
He’s processing the moment, trying to gather his thoughts and emotions.
But remember, eyes are the windows to the soul. Engage him, draw him out, and soon enough, those beautiful moments of connection will follow.
[Related: First Date Went Well But No Second Date: Here’s What It Means]
8. Overcompensating with Humor
Isn’t humor the best icebreaker? But sometimes, a guy might try a tad too hard to be funny or entertaining. It’s like every other sentence is a punchline, or he has a stockpile of anecdotes ready to go.
You might wonder, “Is he always this way?” Chances are, he’s not. It’s just his nervous mechanism to keep things light.
Cracking jokes and making light of situations is his way of easing into the moment. He hopes that the laughter and shared giggles will help in forging a connection.
It’s ok to let him know it’s okay to have serious or mundane moments too. After all, genuine conversations, not just laughs, create lasting memories.
9. Hesitating Before Speaking
If he takes a deep breath or a noticeable pause before diving into a topic, it’s not necessarily because he’s lost in deep thought.
There’s a good chance it’s the nerves making him double-check and evaluate every statement in his mind before voicing it out.
He wants to articulate his thoughts without blunders. The hesitation is him mentally previewing the conversation, trying to gauge how it might play out.
It’s all about wanting to present the best version of oneself. To make him feel at ease, maybe share a light-hearted story or two.
It’s a sign that you’re both there to enjoy and understand each other, not judge or evaluate every spoken word.
[Also read: Who Should Text First After A Date?]
10. Getting Easily Distracted
Now, here’s the thing. If he’s nervously glancing at his phone, looking around the place, or getting distracted by the slightest noise, it’s not necessarily a sign of disinterest.
More often than not, it’s the nerves making him hyper-aware of his surroundings.
Being on a date, especially a first one, can be overwhelming. And sometimes, to cope, the brain seeks momentary distractions. It’s his way of taking mini breaks, processing the date, and gathering his thoughts.
Your best bet? Engage him in a story or ask about his passions. It’s about creating a bubble for you two, where outside distractions fade into the background.
11. Asking for Reassurance
If he frequently seeks validation or asks questions like “Is this place okay?”, “Did you like the food?”, or “Are you having a good time?”, it’s a hint.
He’s not fishing for compliments but seeking reassurance that he’s making the right choices.
It’s sweet, really. He wants to ensure you’re comfortable and enjoying yourself. Every decision he made for the date, from the venue to the cuisine, he’s hoping aligns with your taste.
If you sense this, offer genuine feedback. It’s not about showering him with praises, but letting him know that his efforts are noticed and appreciated. It’s those little affirmations that can turn the date around.
12. Involuntary Voice Changes
Ever heard someone’s voice crack unexpectedly? It’s not always a throwback to puberty. Sometimes, when a guy is nervous, his voice might fluctuate, going an octave higher or occasionally getting deeper.
It’s not a conscious choice; it’s just one of those things that can happen when anxiety rears its head.
Imagine being on stage and suddenly feeling all those eyes on you. The pressure! That’s kind of how a first date can feel for some.
The voice is a dead giveaway because, while you can control your words, modulating nerves-induced pitch changes is a tad harder.
If you notice this, maybe share a funny story about a time your voice gave away your feelings. It’s a subtle way of saying, “Hey, we’ve all been there,” and offering some comfort.
[Read: 10 Signs He’s Interested After 4 Dates]
13. Repeatedly Clearing the Throat
You’re in the middle of a conversation, and he keeps clearing his throat. No, he’s probably not coming down with a cold.
It’s more like that lump-in-the-throat feeling you get when you’re anxious or nervous about something. It’s a physiological reaction, where the throat feels a tad tight or dry due to nervousness.
The date environment, the need to converse and impress, it all adds up. Clearing the throat is almost like hitting a tiny reset button, giving him a momentary pause to collect himself.
The next time this happens, suggest grabbing a drink or even sharing one. It’s a simple gesture but one that can ease the moment, providing relief both literally and figuratively.
14. Offering Too Many Compliments
While it’s always lovely to receive compliments, there’s a threshold where it can feel a bit much, isn’t there?
If he’s showering you with praises every other minute, commenting on everything from your attire to your laughter, it’s not just flattery at play.
He could be using compliments as a defense mechanism against his nerves.
It’s like he’s throwing out these positive affirmations, hoping they stick and make an impact.
He wants to show appreciation and perhaps, in his nervous state, thinks that the more he offers, the better the connection.
Should you feel it’s getting overwhelming, steer the conversation towards mutual interests or experiences.
It subtly shifts the focus from just you, balancing the dynamic and offering him a break from over-complimenting.
Why would a guy be nervous on a first date?
For many guys, the desire to make a good impression can be overwhelming. Then there’s the fear of awkward silences, and the anxiety of whether or not there will be a connection can all combine to make the situation tense.
Moreover, societal expectations often dictate that guys should lead the date, which adds another layer of stress.
Ultimately, wanting the date to go well and the potential for a future relationship often lies at the heart of this nervousness.
How do you make a guy feel less nervous on a first date?
To make a guy feel less nervous on a first date, aim to create a relaxed and non-judgmental atmosphere.
Engage in light-hearted conversations, share stories, ask open-ended questions, and listen actively. Showing genuine interest in getting to know him can ease his anxiety.
Also, choosing a casual and comfortable location for the date can help reduce the pressure.
Remember, simple gestures like a smile or a light touch can go a long way in making someone feel comfortable and at ease.
Does him feeling nervous means he likes you?
While nervousness can indicate that a guy is eager to make a good impression and perhaps has genuine feelings of interest, it’s not a definitive sign that he’s head-over-heels.
People get nervous for a myriad of reasons, including personal anxieties, past dating experiences, or even unrelated stresses from their day.
That said, if his nervousness is accompanied by attentive behavior, efforts to connect, and genuine interest in getting to know you, there’s a good chance he’s smitten.
- All photos from freepik.com