Date number two: Are they for you?

Many of us find that it only takes one date to get an idea of whether someone could ever be for us or not.

By the time we're on date number two with someone, chances are we've spotted that there's perhaps some potential for things to go well with them. That said, it's important to remember that there could still be a long way to go before that impression turns into true love!

Thinking about a second date is a little different to thinking about a first for a variety of reasons. Here are some of the things that you might want to consider when it comes to meeting up for the second time.

Are you besotted or just seeing what happens?

There are really two possible outcomes for a first date: One is that you think you see a lot of potential in the person you've met. You don't yet know them well, but from what happened over that first drink, it seems like they're the sort of thing you're after.

Often, when things have gone well, it's hard to put your finger on exactly why. Sometimes it's partly to do with the fact that, well, you just fancy them! Sometimes it might be that you seem to have a lot in common, conversational fuel for a second encounter.

There is another reason people sometimes opt for a second date, though. And that is that they're really not sure what their feelings about the person in question are. They haven't been put off by them, nor do they feel like they've met someone they know for sure they feel excited by.

The thing to remember is that both reactions can lead to love further on. That person you're simply willing to give another chance might turn out to be the perfect person for you once they've come out of their shell, just as someone you're very enthusiastic about at first could seem less impressive on date number two.

Remember that you only have first impressions to go on so far. And the second date is often just as much about learning new things as the first. It can also sometimes have a very different atmosphere.

Where to go?

One good thing about a second date is that you'll have a little more idea about what the person you're meeting is into – this could be great when it comes to knowing where to suggest as a meeting place.

Heading to somewhere similar is often great, of course. But remember to consider other options this time around. The good thing about doing something different is it might help you see your date in a new light. You know what they're like over a drink, but how will your relationship work over a meal or during a walk in the park?

How should I keep things going between dates?

Straight after you say goodbye to your date on that first evening, you may already know you want another date. But how do you make sure that you stay in touch before the next chance to meet comes up?

Without rushing things, it's a good idea to arrange date two so that it falls relatively shortly after your first meeting – you don't want to run the risk that things will become stale before you get a chance to see what else your date has to offer!

In the period between dates, don't worry if messages become a little less frequent. Though it's a great sign if you both want to keep chatting a lot, someone not messaging all the time doesn't have to spell disaster. Do, however, keep communication up to some extent, so you both feel you're staying in touch.

Short, well thought-through messages that ask about their day are often easier to answer than long messages, so this might be something to keep in mind. But as always, use your instincts based on what you know about the person already.