Dating is pretty nerve-wracking stuff, and it’s normal to get a little anxious when you start out. But these nerves shouldn’t get in the way of you meeting Mr or Mrs Right.

Yet, according to a study, 51.97% of people are intimidated by the world of dating. On top of this, the study found that a lack of confidence, self-doubt and fear of rejection were the main obstacles to meeting someone. So, it seems that finding ‘the one’—  53% of people in this study believe there is such a thing—  is a little less about having not yet met the right person, and more because we’re too scared to actually put ourselves out there.

Luckily for you, we’ve got a few tips to help you find your dating spark. Whether you’re stepping into the world of online dating, or braving dating in the real world, these tips are guaranteed to help you along the way with your self-confidence to make you that little bit more lucky in love- after all, 45% of people think confidence is key!

5 Ways to Become a More Confident Dater

Look at things differently

Rather than fearing the worst, shift your mindset to see each date as an opportunity to improve your dating skills. Even if this one doesn’t work out, you’ll have learned a little more about how to prepare for a date and what you’re looking for in a partner. They say practice makes perfect, after all.

Spend some time on you

Taking time to indulge in a little self-care can do wonders for your confidence. I’m not talking about luxury trips to the spa or extravagant shopping trips- just good old fashioned relaxation. Treat yourself to that extra hour in bed at the weekend or spend your Wednesday enjoying a cozy bath, rather than cleaning the house. This time you spend taking care of yourself will soon have a positive impact on your attitude, and this self-appreciation won’t go unnoticed by your dates.

Remember your strengths

If, like those surveyed, it’s fear of rejection holding you back, you’ll need to work on forgetting your insecurities. Rather than focusing on them, focus on your strengths— no matter how small— and make a mental note of them. Remind yourself of these strengths before you send a message on that dating app, or before you walk into the bar to give yourself that burst of confidence when you need it most.

Looking good = feeling good

While ⅕ of people surveyed believe wearing the right outfit can make a difference, you shouldn’t just put the effort into looking good for your date. Think about how looking good makes you feel. It’s not about buying a brand new outfit for every date, but rather putting on your favorite lipstick, wearing your favorite shirt or spending a little longer on your hair. This might sound simple, but you’d be surprised how much more confident you feel when you look good for yourself.

Own your nerves

Even the most confident daters get pre-date jitters, but that shouldn’t stop you getting out there. Don’t try to hide this fear from your date, make light of it. So what if you’re shaking more than you’d like, or that you’ve gone a little red- getting it out in the open and talking about your nerves can actually make it less of a big deal. Chances are your date is feeling exactly the same, and calling out your own nerves will put them at ease too.

So what are you waiting for? It’s time to don that self-confidence and head out into the world of dating to find ‘the one’ for you. Good luck!