Here's what I'd suggest from personal experience:

Pick a good time. The first time I got my wife to fly, we'd just come
home from Oshkosh. Even she was on an airplane high.

Have her join you for part, if not all of the pre-flight, explaining
what and why you are doing stuff. Be positive; i.e. say your

Sit with her in the cockpit and explain what stuff does and what kinds
of procedures you'll be following such as communications, run up.

Try to take some time to taxi around the airport a bit. It'll give her a
chance to get used to the sounds and feel of the airplane.

Fly to a place that she will recognize from the air. Don't buzz it.

DON'T do anything funny. Maybe someday, if she embraces flying she'll
want to see what a stall is like. Not on her first flight.

Be very, very patient. The first time I flew with my wife, I promised
we'd turn back if she was uncomfortable. We took off, got out of the
pattern and she said, "go back." I did. She was testing me. We turned
around and took off right away for about an hour of flight.

Good luck.

JJF

Eric Ross wrote:
I recently received my license and I am taking my somewhat nervous wife
up for the first time. I am aiming for a clear, reasonably smooth day.
Any suggestions for making this flight as positive as possible for her?

Thanks much,
Eric Ross