9 Signs They’re Worthy of a Second Date

It’s easy to become jaded with the whole dating scene. This is especially true if you’ve been down on your luck; you may subconsciously look for faults and negatives right away so you don’t feel like you’re wasting your time. Which begs the question: How can you tell if someone’s worth a second date?

First dates are nerve-wracking enough on their own—never mind when it comes to sussing out your date’s body language, red flags, and potential green flags. And though everyone is different, there are key green flags that will tell you whether you should give someone a second chance.

Allow me to introduce to you the 9 green flags to look for on a first date. These signs mean they’re worth a second date, and knowing them will make navigating the dating world so much easier. Keep scrolling to learn more.

---

Signs They’re Worth a Second Date:

1. They have good manners

Someone who says “please” and “thank you,” avoids checking their phone, chews with their mouth closed, etc. demonstrates good manners. And someone who is polite and kind to others is more likely going to be polite and kind to you as well.

2. They’re punctual

Punctuality is also a green flag. Being on time shows that they value and respect your time. Of course, things can happen in life (think: traffic jams, appointments that run late, etc.) that can make you run behind. And that’s OK! However, if this does happen, your date should have the decency to give you the heads up beforehand so you don’t have to sit around wondering what happened to them.

3. They take things slow

First dates are all about breaking the ice and getting to know each other, but they’re not job interviews. Nor are they the right time to unveil each other’s deepest, darkest secrets. There’s nothing wrong with taking things slow, and it’s a good sign when a date doesn’t probe too much. Likewise, not expecting too much too soon is also a green flag. If they’re serious about you, they’ll want to ease into things and enjoy the process of getting to know you, which can continue on your second date.

4. There’s no ex drama

Everyone has a past, but a date who trash talks their ex is a major red flag. In addition to being incredibly awkward, this could also mean that they’re not fully over their ex. And someone who’s emotionally unavailable is not worth pursuing. Needless to say, it’s a good sign when they refrain from discussing their ex altogether, and could mean they’re worth a second date.

5. They pay attention to you

In the world of first dates, this is a huge green flag. Someone who’s genuinely engaged in the conversation—listens to you with their undivided attention, nods along, isn’t distracted on their phone, etc.—is someone who’s trying to get to know you. Plus, this is also super polite, which is another green flag.

6. Conversation flows easily between the two of you

A first date where conversation flows naturally is definitely worth exploring more. Admittedly, things can be a bit awkward (especially in the beginning), so try your best to make an effort and talk to your date. If they’re worth a second one, they’ll reciprocate, and in no time, conversation won’t feel forced.

7. They put you at ease

Few things are more exhausting than energy vampires or being around people who make you feel tense and anxious. So if you feel calm around your date and like you can fully be yourself, take that as a sign to give them a second chance. Chances are, there’s a deeper connection waiting to be explored.

8. They check in with you

Someone who’s ready for a relationship won’t disappear after the first date and start playing hard to get. In fact, they’ll do the complete opposite—they’ll follow up and let you know how much fun they had, and that they’d like to see you again.

9. They make plans to see you in advance

Making plans to see you in advance is also another green flag. Someone who’s serious knows that your time is valuable, which is why they’ll make plans to see you ahead of time instead of dropping the dreaded “u up?” text at 2:00 a.m. If they ask to meet up with you again and you had a good time, go for it! You never know what can happen, and dating is all about being open and having fun.