The 12 Minute Dating Secret

So, you're on a first date with a Hemsworth-level gorgeous guy who also happens to be brilliant, funny, and nice to his mom. How long do you think you have to win him over? Turns out you've only got 12 minutes, according to new research from an AXA study. It may seem like a good amount of time to make an excellent first impression, but that time can fly by. I chatted with Dr. Emily Morse, a sex and relationships expert and host of the radio show Sex with Emily, about what you can do to maximize those crucial first moments.
This is what you order:
1. Sharing is caring: Dr. Morse suggests choosing an appetizer you two can share. "It's an easy way to break the ice," she says.
2. Go exotic: See something you can't pronounce? Get it. "Not only does it show that you're adventurous, trying things together is a bonding experience," Dr. Morse notes. She's right; studies have shown that doing new things as a couple can boost hormones that make you feel more attracted to each other.
3. No fuss: Beyond what's required by dietary restrictions, don't go overboard with the meal substitutions when placing your order. "Don't have an order that's ten minutes long," Dr. Morse says. "Save that for your girls' night out."
Say a little something like this:
1. Watch the tone: "Pay attention to how you speak," Dr. Morse says. "Tone is big for both men and women, and it's easy to misinterpret." She goes on to explain that if you get too shriek-y, you can be grating, but if you're all monotone all the time, you'll sound bored. Go for an in-between area and aim to sound positive and interested.
2. Ask, ask, ask: According to Dr. Morse, one of the best questions you can raise is "What's your idea of a perfect Saturday?" Framing it that way makes it more likely that he'll really tell you about his ideal weekend day rather than just spouting off a list of hobbies he thinks you'll like.
3. Give thanks: "This is the one so many women forget!" Dr. Morse exclaims. Maybe it's because you're nervous, maybe it's because you think he'll assume you're grateful. Either way, he'll notice. If he's going out of his way for you, he wants to be appreciated for it. Wouldn't you?
Use these body language moves:
1.Sit up straight: A hunched back telegraphs the message that you're not interested or upset. "Adjusting your posture will immediately make you look more confident," says Dr. Morse.
2. Get a contact high: Making eye contact is key to expressing your interest and creating a romantic bond. "Don't just tensely stare, that can seem unnerving," Dr. Morse cautions. "Strike a balance between maintaining the contact and observing your environment."

3. Grin and bear it: It's tempting to go for the whole broody mysterious vixen vibe, don't force it if that's not your natural disposition. In those first 12 minutes, Dr. Morse says a smile is one of the most powerful tools you have. "It will immediately draw him to you," she says. "Everyone wants to be around happy people!"