In a lifetime, a person will likely go on many first dates. Some worse than others. While a first date gone wrong may be something you laugh about in the future, in the heat of the moment, it can be extremely embarrassing and awkward. The best way to avoid dates like these is to plan something simple, short, and fun.
Don’ts:
Although common, one of the worst first dates to go on is to go to the theater to see a movie. This type of date defeats the purpose of going on a first date altogether. A first date is time to get to know the other person, test if your personalities match, and see if there is any chemistry between the two of you. Going to see a movie prevents all these things from happening. At a movie theater, guests must be quiet when watching the movie, which theaters remind you of multiple times throughout the advertisements. So, if you are unable talk to each other, then you have no opportunity to get to know one another. Based on the standards for a first date, choosing to take your date out to see a movie together is completely pointless.
Similarly, another bad first date destination is an expensive restaurant. While going out to dinner is a fantastic way to get to know one another, taking your date to an expensive restaurant is asking for trouble. First of all, this is one of the first and maybe only interactions you will have with this person. If the date goes horribly or you guys just don’t have a connection, then the date will have been a waste of money. Why spend a surplus of money on somebody you just met if there is a chance you will never make it to the second date? Along with this, imagine how awkward the table will be when the check comes. Unless the two of you already made a game plan for who will pay, it will become extremely uncomfortable when you have to decide who will pay or if the bill will be split. To avoid this interaction, take your date somewhere more affordable instead, at least this way if someone decides to pay for the whole dinner it will make less of a dent in their bank account.
Dos:
As mentioned above, the main criteria for a perfect first date is ensuring time to get to know one another, see if your personalities mesh, and test out the chemistry, or lack thereof. One basic but enjoyable option is to grab ice cream or coffee together (depending on the season). Going out for a small snack like this allows for conversation and playfulness. Another great thing about a date like this is that you can play it by ear. By this I mean that if the date is going really well the two of you can continue to chat or even continue the date elsewhere. On the other side of the spectrum, if the two of you are not getting along very well, there is no chemistry, or it is just outright awkward, then the date can come to an end as soon as the food is finished or when conversation has dwindled down to nothing. Along with this, smaller dates such as going for ice cream or coffee won’t break the bank.
Likewise, other good first date ideas are going to a carnival, pumpkin patch, or an arcade. All these options ensure you and your date will have a fun time getting to know one another. Each of these destinations have multiple activities to choose from which guarantees that, at the least, the date will not be boring. Along with this, these places are commonly associated with good memories, so the date will start off on a good note simple because the two of you will be excited for something you already know you enjoy. Therefore, the date already has a higher chance of succeeding. Lastly, these dates revolve around waiting in lines or walking around to look at items, both of which are more fun if something is being discussed – leaving the perfect opportunity to learn about a potential partner.
If February wasn’t your month in the relationship department, there’s no reason this spring can’t bring you a new love if you follow this advice!
