Simple Ideas for a Great First Date
So, you're planning a first date. It's exciting and scary at the same time. Maybe you connected with someone online or through another type of dating service. You may have met this person through a friend or a family member. Or possibly it's a blind date. No matter how you connected, there's already plenty of pressure surrounding almost any first date. This article provides ideas on how to plan a great first date while keeping the butterflies to a minimum. Although, a few butterflies in the stomach may be a good thing.
Low-Stress Options
A Little Light Lunch
You may have heard of dating services that set people up to meet for lunch in order to lower the pressure of a first date. It's a great idea that you can try on your own. If your and your date's workplaces are close enough, you can plan for a weekday lunch date. Or you can meet for brunch during the weekend.
This type of first date has a few good points going for it. First, you meet in a public place (always a safe and smart move for a first date). Next, you have a defined window of time allotted for lunch that allows—or requires, if it is a workday—you to end the date after a brief period of time without hurting the other person's feelings. Even if the date goes really well, it can be less stressful to keep a first date brief. If it feels as if the date ended too soon, great—call and see if date number two is in the works. Finally, a lunch date tends to be a bit more informal than a dinner date.
Common Interests
Maybe you are both interested in music or art. Why not plan to meet at a museum, art gallery, jazz club, or one of those music shows that many cities sponsor on a late Friday afternoon? This allows you to connect through something you both enjoy. Even if the date doesn't end with hearts in your eyes, you may have made a new friend at the very least. If you both like a certain sport, go see a game together. You'll get early insight into whether or not you can stand this person's inclination to wear his or her favorite team's colors, or if "March Madness” is just too much for you. Sharing an experience will provide you both with richer insights into each other, something that can't be accomplished as well when just sitting in front of a movie screen.
The More the Merrier
Group dates sound so much like junior high school. Well, hold on a minute. A more grown-up variation of that youthful idea may be a dinner with some of your friends; then ask the person you're interested in to join you. If you already have mutual friends in common, this is even better. This way you can see how the person interacts with others, and you don't have the pressure of keeping the conversation flowing. Even if sparks don't fly, you still had a good meal (it is hoped) with good company. If the flame is lit, the two of you can arrange to linger over dessert without your entourage.
Safety First
No Dark Alleys
While this may be obvious, it really is a good idea to meet in a public place for a first date. You don't have to meet in the lobby of the police department, but while the chances are good that your date is not dangerous, why risk it? Whether you are a man or a woman, it is just best to meet new people within the safety of the public eye. Now, if you already know your date (say she's your best friend's sister and you've known her for 10 years), that may be a different story, but always consider your safety first.
No Need to Belly Up to the Bar
A glass of wine may be acceptable, but watch your alcohol intake. First of all, it's a safety issue—you do not want your awareness or judgment compromised. Also, a sloppy drunk may not leave the best impression for a second date. You don't have to be a teetotaler; just use your common sense.
Chill out.
It is just a date. It is supposed to be fun. You may end up with the love of your life or with a funny story to tell your friends. However it goes, relax, enjoy yourself, and see what happens. Keep the doors to your mind and your heart open. When the right person walks in, you may just be pleasantly surprised.
Sekora, B. (Reviewed 2017). Simple ideas for a great first date. Raleigh, NC: Workplace Options.