Dating Hacks Handbook. Hugo Villabona
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You met a cutie and now you’re ready to go on that first real-life outing. First impressions are really nerve-wracking. What do you wear? Where do you go? What should you talk about? Do you kiss? It’s enough to make you want to cancel and wait for a future where mates are assigned to each other by a supreme overlord. But never fear, we’ve got you covered:
Ace the Date
Location.
Grab a drink, coffee, or a low-key dinner. If you’d like something more elaborate, check out the list below.
What to wear.
Dress like yourself and for the activity you chose. And take a shower.
What to do.
Talk! Make sure you go somewhere where you can talk to each other. If you have a mutual interest, like theatre, watch a play together and talk about it afterward.
Time.
Don’t plan a long, drawn-out affair. Be specific about what you want to do and don’t overextend your date.
What to say.
Get the usual questions – where you work, where you went to school – out of the way quickly. Talk about things you care about and mutual interests. Bring up a contro-versial question or two to spice things up.
Listen.
Don’t dominate the conversation. Ask genuine questions and listen to your date.
First Dates
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Who pays?
Forget boring gender norms. If you initiated the date, you pay. If your date wants to split the bill, go ahead. Always plan ahead to pay for two.
If they paid?
Don’t feel obliged to do anything you don’t want to just because someone bought you dinner. If you want to even things out a bit, offer to buy drinks.
Awkward is okay.
All first dates are a little awkward—embrace it. Laugh off the tension by admitting you’re a little nervous.
Keep your head.
It’s your choice, but maybe avoid getting very drunk on the first date. You’re trying to pay attention to this person and decide if you like them.
Kiss?
If things are going well and your date seems open to it—go for it. Wait until you’re closer to the end of the date. And if your date is a guy, don’t necessarily wait for him to take the lead.
A little more?
Up to you and your date. There’s no rule as to whether it’ll work if you wait to have sex. You may celebrate your 80th anniversary decades after that night. Or not. Life’s a gamble.
Part two?
If you had a good time (or if you didn’t), say so. Be direct, but not pushy, about wanting to see your date again.
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Beyond Basics
You can go beyond the simple coffee or drinks, but run your ideas by your date first. Showing you care about their interests will make a good impression before you even leave the house.
• Bowling
• Aquarium
• Amusement park
• Art museum
• Zoo
• Rock climbing
• Sports game
• Theatre
• Arcade
• Observatory stargazing
• Concert
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Looking for Lovin’ //
Date Two?