Blind dates can be tricky. After all, it’s the first time you’re actually meeting and getting to know a person. Whether you’re finally going out with your Tinder match or letting a friend set you up, a blind date can only go one of two ways — it can either be a great, fun experience with a person you really enjoy or a completely unpleasant, awkward disaster. So how do you move past that initial barrier from acquaintances, to friends, and then even potential lovers? Easy– just follow these tips!

1. Do Your Research

Before you agree to a blind date, you’ll first want to do your research. Beyond just reasons for safety and validation, scoping out their Facebook, Instagram, or even their Twitter profile will allow you to get a quick glimpse into their life. From searching, you’ll be able to gather a better understanding of their likes, interests, and hobbies, which is useful information during your date.

2. Pick an Ideal Location

Since you’re going into the date blindly, it’s crucial to choose a location that’s reliable and full of other people. To keep the date casual, rather than going out for a picnic or going to a fancy restaurant for dinner, consider having drinks and appetizers at a local pub or tavern. Choosing one of these locations will take off the initial pressure that comes with any first date. If the date doesn’t go as well as you planned, neither person has to commit to an entire night out with the other for the rest of the day. Furthermore, adding alcohol in the mix alleviates the awkwardness and anxiety of blind dates. If you do drink, however, be sure to not get overly intoxicated. Nobody needs that kind of liability.

3. Keep Things Moving

Research has shown that the more places people travel together, the stronger the connection they feel. If the vibe between you is good around the 30-minute mark, don’t sit at the same bar all night, change venues. My favorite second venue is simply to walk around and talk. A park, boardwalk or promenade is perfect for this. This will allow you guys to experience the city together and take in the surroundings. It also won’t cost you a dime, unless you want to grab a bottle of wine or a couple of beers and enjoy them together in a park. This is where I’ll usually go for the kiss.

4. Expect the Unexpected

The idea of sex on the first date remains a polarized topic of discussion in society today. While some people believe that you should have sex on the first date, others argue against it, making the subject a lingering debate. No matter your stance, coming prepared with the essentials in case you find yourself taking your date to that next level is crucial for reasons like health and well-being. For starters, always have a condom readily available — neither of you will want to run the risk of transmitting or catching an STD or STI. If you’re packing for pleasure, it’s important to think of any special steps you need to take and whether or not you want to keep them private. Men who struggle to maintain an erection might want to think about bringing along a generic erectile dysfunction medication that they can keep in their pocket. It can give you an added sense of confidence and really make that first time something she’ll remember.

5. Make Sure Your Hygiene is in Check

When it comes to preparing for the date itself, hygiene should be your top priority. With your brain only taking 1/10th of a second to form a first impression, it’s vital you fixate on your physical appearance.

Let’s start with your smile. 48% of people find someone’s smile to be one of their most memorable features. That’s almost half of the population! That said, before you leave for your date, make sure those teeth are brushed and properly flossed to avoid bad breath. Once you’ve taken care of your teeth, you’ll be confident that your breath is minty fresh, and she won’t feel like she’s kissing Aunt Sally’s dog. Don’t forget to also bring gum or tic-tacs, especially if you’re drinking wine.

Next comes grooming. You’ll want to maintain your look by having your hair and beard well-kempt. In doing so, you will feel and appear more confident on your date. When grooming your beard, always make sure to apply an adequate amount of shaving cream to avoid razor burns, ingrown hair, and irritated skin. Once the process is complete, apply an aftershave product to reduce skin irritation and provide you with a clean, fresh facial scent. To learn more about other tips for shaving your beard click here.

6. Dress for the Occasion

Once your hygiene is in check, it’s time to choose the perfect outfit. Similar to having good hygiene, dressing your best will improve your level of confidence and reflect it on your date. Before you can pick out your outfit, figure out your plan for the blind date. Where are you going? How long will you be out for? What’s the weather like?

Depending on these answers, what you actually wear may be different than what you had in mind. You don’t want to end up underdressed or overdressed for the occasion, and you definitely do not want to wear something uncomfortable for hours on end. The trick to figuring out what to wear on a blind date is simple, the outfit must include layers and compliment the rest of your look.

Layers: By adding layers to your outfit, you won’t have to worry about how the weather and temperature will change throughout the course of your date. It will also help to dress up or dress down your attire. Whether it’s a vest, light sweater, or a cozy jacket, the extra layer can be both functional and still show off your unique style.

Clothes that Compliment: Complementary clothes support your style, your personality, and your body shape. Try choosing an outfit that flatters your body or brings out your eyes. Paying mind to this will allow you to be self-assured that you’ve optimized your appearance and are ready for whatever your date has to offer.

Blind dates may be difficult, but with these tips, you’re guaranteed to have a good experience and be well-prepared. Good luck!