Irrefutable evidence on first impressions and the banter back and forth between the pros seems a little like a dull game of tennis. Experts lob balls back and forth to each other, chatting about how long it takes for someone to generate an impression about another person when they first meet, but there’s no exciting smash that puts anyone ahead. There’s a lot of talk and very little conclusive research on the subject. Estimates say that first impressions are developed anywhere from two seconds to ten minutes after you’re introduced. Whatever the case, the point is that a first impression happens quickly and this can be crucial if you happen to bump into the man or woman of your dreams. But how do you prepare for that moment? Unless you’re arranging your dates online or you’re being set up on a blind date, you don’t! But since you’re here at CupidsReviews.com, where online dating is the topic of choice, we’ll assume that you are meeting people on dating sites. That means you’ll have full control over your first impression and be able to create a bigger impact when it really counts!

Like tennis players walking onto a court to face each other for the first time, one of the first things people generally do, consciously or not, is try to see how they stack up next to the person they're facing. Are they as physically attractive or better looking? People want to meet their match or someone a step above them. If you can’t compete at first glance, then you’ve already lost the first set. In order to get your game face on, you should seriously consider what you could do to better your chances. Getting your hair done is one way to improve a first impression. For the ladies, a manicure, new bag or pair of shoes might not leave a lasting impression on the guy sitting next to you, but it could have an effect on your level of confidence that he’ll be able to see in your eyes. For the guys, shave just before you head out to avoid that five-o’clock shadow. Pamper yourself in any way you know how before meeting your date and you’ll carry that glow with you. After all, you want to look your best so that you appear to be a solid match and not some washed up challenger from yester-year.

"Online dating evens the playing field as much as possible when it comes to first impressions."

There’s a lot of fashion in the sport of tennis today. Just like the courtside scrutiny players undergo, your date will be checking you up and down to see what it is you’re trying to say by what you wear. Dress for success! This doesn’t require an evening gown or double-breasted super-suit, unless you’re heading to the Opera. Gauge your date and where you’re going. Again, they’ll want to meet someone like themselves in most cases – someone who fits. This doesn’t mean that if you’re dating a gothic prince or princess that you’ll need to wear the deep dark colors that they tend to lean towards. Or if you’re heading out with a serious skater, it doesn’t mean that it’s baggy pants and ball caps or your walking papers. What it does mean is that you should have a degree of style that matches that of your date. You can even ask them before what they’re wearing so you can adjust appropriately. Make sure everything is clean and wrinkle-free and use a lint brush to get all the cat or dog hairs off. First impressions are important when playing center court so don’t let your attire get in the way!

Body language will tell your date a lot about you and how you play the game. If you were out the night before and haven’t slept, your droopy eyes, hunched back and blank look with ensure you’re headed back to the locker room in short notice. However, if you maintain solid eye contact, face your date squarely, lick your lips a little and do some other odd things that were mentioned in this article on body language which I won’t touch on any more here, than you’ll both impress and show interest.

If you expect a good game, then you had better come to play. Online dating evens the playing field as much as possible when it comes to first impressions. Only superstars won’t have to worry about warming up a little before the match, but my bet is they still do, too. First impressions are made quickly so you want to make sure you look like a decent match. This means making an effort as far as personal appearance, style and body language. Keep these three in mind and you can worry less about how well the game is going knowing that for both sides, it’s love-love.

Resources for first impressions:

First Impressions – A Study: Results of a study on making the best impression from Loyola University of New Orleans

First Impressions: A mix of silly and solid ideas for prepping for the first date

MSNNine First Impressions: An interesting look at a first impressions study and the results

Important Characteristics: The characteristics that people love and hate