It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking the only way to impress someone on a date is by being as elaborate and flashy as possible. Romantic dinner (check!) Slick outfit (check!) Sharing a laundry list of your accomplishments (check!) However, in reality, impressing your date isn’t about the flashy “big stuff” but rather, paying attention to small details that make the other person feel comfortable and valued.

Want to impress the person you’ve met online? Here are few easy, simple things you can do that you might not have thought of before –

1. Text or call before the date to reconfirm plans and let them know that you’re excited about meeting them –

I absolutely love it when guys do this – and no, I’m not talking about a text that says, “SUP. CU in 10 mins. Later.” I mean sending the other person a polite and thoughtful message that lets them know that you’re looking forward to seeing them. Want to really impress them? Show that you’ve put in some thought to your date and the things that they’re into. If they’re a wine and cheese enthusiast mention something like, “I just checked out the menu at the wine bar we’re meeting at. It looks like they have a great charcuterie platter. Looking forward to this evening!”

2. Wear good shoes –

If you think you can wear your best outfit but skimp out on the footwear – think again. Ladies, this applies to you too. Don’t be the person who is wearing a nice outfit or dress with a pair of ratty sneakers or pumps that desperately need to be re-soled. Not only does wearing clean, well cared for shoes show that you’ve paid special attention to your appearance, a great pair of shoes can also be the perfect conversation piece. For example, I have this one pair of leopard print pumps that I love to wear on dates for that reason alone. They’re fun, flirty and so unique looking that they often garner compliments.

3. Do your homework –

Set aside some time before the first date to learn a bit (or review) some of the things that the other person is really into. This will help the conversation flow better once you’re face to face. For example, if they are a runner and mention that they have completed several marathons, read up on their passion and come prepared to ask them some thoughtful questions like, “what was your favourite race that you’ve completed recently?” If your date loves wine and you don’t know the difference between a Pinot Grigio and a Shiraz, do a little research online before the date (there are tons of apps and websites that help you boost your food and wine knowledge.) Also, don’t be afraid to admit that you don’t know that much about a subject, mentioning that you know they’re really passionate about it is often more than enough to show that you care and are paying attention.

4. Ignore your phone.

Ignore your phone. Always. Unless you’re James Bond or the President, there’s absolutely no reason to pick up your phone or start texting during a date. I totally don’t mind if someone checks their phone while I’m in the restroom, however I’m always quietly impressed when they immediately put it away as soon as I sit back down.

5. Ask lots of questions.

Asking someone about themselves is a great way to make someone feel comfortable and get a conversation going, while showing them that you’re not just interested in talking about yourself. Although it’s inevitable that some of your questions will cover biographical info like their job and family, targeted, thoughtful questions are a great way to impress them with your interest. This is where your homework and pre-date research comes in handy. If you know they’re really into something – ask them about it. If travelling is something they’re really passionate about, ask them about their favorite locales. These kinds of questions show that you’ve taken the time to invest in learning a bit about them before the date and that you’re genuinely interested in getting to know them.

6. Compliment them on something other than their looks.

Although it’s always awesome to hear things like, “you look really amazing!” or “I love your dress. It looks great” don’t limit your compliments to your date’s appearance – after all, you don’t want them to feel like that’s the only thing you’re interested in. I’m always super impressed when a guy compliments me on something they like about my personality. For example, tell your date that you really like their positive, happy vibe or let them know, “I love how passionate you are about ______.” By remarking on these attributes it shows that you’re actively listening, engaged and interested in them as a complete person.