Having a bad first date does not always have to spell the end.  You can bounce back and get that second date.  You just need to take some very careful steps to get that second date.

Recognize what went wrong.

The first step is to figure out what went wrong.  Way was the date so bad?  Was it a wrong restaurant choice?  Did something awkward happen?  Learn from your mistakes.  Make sure that you figure out why the date was bad because this will lead you to the next step in the process of getting that second date.

Talk to her.

You will never get that second date if you don’t reach out to her.  You need to see if she can get past the disaster.  Talk to her about what happened and explain how you can be sure to avoid it again.  If you were at fault then accept the blame and explain why you acted the way you did.  Ask her to forgive you.  If she was the problem, then don’t blame her.  Simply find out if she is interested in any further with you.

Ask her out.

If she is still interested then ask her out.  All she can is yes or no.  If you have done a good job off laughing off the first date disaster then you should have no trouble getting her to say yes.

Plan an amazing date.

You are getting a second chance so don’t blow it.  Make sure the second date is fool proof.  Choose what you do carefully.  Make sure that you are prepared for the date and that you are ready for this date.  Plan something simple, though.  Do not get too crazy.  Simple is best in order to minimize the chance of something bad happening again.  Try to do something that will put her at ease and that will allow you to really focus on each other so you can get to know her and move past that bad first date.

A Few Tips:

• Realize that nobody is perfect.  If you were to blame for the bad date then accept that and move on.  Everyone makes mistakes and has stupid moments.  It does not have to define who you are.  First dates are stressful and awkward, most are not perfect.  Don’t let this get you down.

• Be confident.  When you talk to her again be confident.  Let her know that date was not something that happens often.  Let her know you are interested in her and that you would love the opportunity to show hr what a great date really is.

• If she doesn’t agree to a second date then let it go.  Don’t beat yourself up about it.  Simply say okay and move on.  Take the lesson you learned from this bad date and be sure to never repeat the mistakes you made.  At least you will walk away having learned something.