Where to Go on the First Date

By: Marie Richie

 

You spent a whole night putting together a profile that’s really you, and a flurry of responses came in.  You’ll be interviewing candidates, and you’re going to have a good time.  Where to go?

 

Well, for starters, it’s not really a blind date or a first date.  You’ve already met, exchanged emails, and talked about common interests.  Go someplace you can hear each other talk.  Even if you decide not to go out again, you’ll probably hear some fascinating stories.

 

You will also want to go somewhere public.  Just because you’ve communicated with someone by remote, being in the same room is another thing.  You date will probably feel more comfortable with chaperones, even if they’re strangers.

 

Movies are low-pressure.  You get to sit next to each other and long silences aren’t awkward.  Films with uncomfortable subject matter might end the night early unless you know the other person likes that sort of thing too.  An evening involving two or more activities allows you to decide how long it will be – dinner and a show, for instance. 

 

Participating in a sport or physical activity is often preferable to the nervous date than fidgeting and drinking.  Bowling, batting cages, Frisbee, hiking and ping-pong are just a few.  Try an exotic kind of food or restaurant if you’re both gourmands.  Be considerate and take your date’s budget into consideration when planning on going dutch.  Students can’t always afford the steak-house.

 

Remain positive and ask questions.  Everyone likes to tell their story.  If you’ve met online you already know a lot about each other.  Dig deeper and have a great time.