Summarize this article in one sentence.
Now that you've gotten past the flirting stage, you'll need to have that first date. A good way to win his heart is to have a successful first date that you both enjoy. It'll will make him want to spend more time with you. Make sure that you have topics to talk about, because it can be awkward during a first date not to blurt out something that is more appropriate for a closer relationship (probably not a good time to go into your anxiety problems). Some conversation starters might be: what are your typical Sunday activities, what is a band or album that you loved, what was the last movie that you saw and what did you think about it, what is the funniest thing you've ever seen in public. Dress appropriately. This means that you wear something that you feel comfortable in, but which also suits the occasion. So if you're off to a 4-star restaurant, something a little fancier is in order (a dress, or nice slacks and a nice button-up or blouse). If you're going to a coffee shop, dress just a little nicer than your usual attire (button down instead of t-shirt, no ratty jeans, etc.). Remember that you want to be yourself for the date. You don't want your guy to be expecting you to be someone you're not further in the relationship. That's not fair to either of you. You don't have to bring all your quirks out into the open right away, but you shouldn't be hiding things. A good way to let someone know that you're interested in them and care about them is to take an interest in their interests and in their opinions about things. You don't have to understand those interests and you don't even necessarily have to enjoy them, but being interested enough to talk with your guy about them, will show him that you are interested in him. For example, if your guy is super into skiing and you're more the bookish type, that's okay! Make sure to ask him about his ski trips and even offer to go a few rounds yourself. Pick up on some of the terminology so that you're able to converse more freely. Make sure that he's also respecting and interested in your interests and hobbies. If he isn't, that's a pretty good sign that he's either a narcissist or not very committed to having a relationship with you. There is nothing that makes someone feel good and cared about than by showing them that they are not being taken for granted. Find ways to demonstrate to him that you notice what he does for you and that you appreciate him in your life. Flat out saying "I am so glad you're in my life" is a good and easy way to make sure he knows that you value him. Do some little things that show you appreciate him. If you're crafty you could make him something (knit a hat, carve a special little box, paint a picture). Also, you could do something thoughtful for him, especially if he's having a really busy or difficult time. Bring him some special cookies, or help him by editing his resume or essay, offer to drive his sister to the airport so he can get some extra studying in. This step is important for both of you. You don't want to enter into a co-dependent, can't-breath-without-you kind of a relationship, as much as the movies make it look nice. Make sure that you're both getting some space from each other and from the relationship. Maintain your relationships with your friends. Hang out with them. Have sleepovers and movie watching parties that are just with your friends, no significant others allowed. Pursue your hobbies and interests. Go on ski trips by yourself or with your family, go to knitting workshops, learn karate. This way, when the two of you are together again, you'll have so much to talk about! Maybe in the beginning he seemed like such a great guy, but it's a good idea to check in with the relationship before you start doing a bunch of stuff to win his heart. You want to make sure that his heart is actually what you want, or even if it's possible to win his heart. Obviously if he's emotionally, physically, or sexually abusive, you should get away now. If he isolates you from friends and family, if he demeans you or tears you down either in private or in front of people, if he manipulates you or forces you to have sex when you don't want to, if he says he'll kill himself if you ever leave him, any of these signs mean that you should get out. Some questions to ask yourself about your relationship: are the two of you open and honest with each other? Do you feel better with him, or do you feel like you're walking on eggshells? Does he respect you? Do you feel like you're the best version of your self when you're with him? Does he? You shouldn't ever feel like you need to "fix him" or "make him better." You should be in a relationship with someone who doesn't need you to be their therapist or their mother. Sometimes the absolute best way to get what you want in a guy is to tell him how you feel and ask him if he feels the same way. Often you can hint and hint for ages and do everything you're "supposed" to do and still you won't know whether you've won his heart. Be open and direct. Tell him that you really like him and that you want to see how he feels about you, or how he might feel about you in the future. Be ready to hear the answer, even if it isn't one that you want to hear. He might not feel the same way about you that you feel about him and that's okay. Remember, it's his loss not yours.
Have a successful first date. Pay attention to his interests. Don't take him for granted. Maintain some space. Decide if he's truly worth it. Tell him how you feel.