I’m not someone who likes rules. Okay, I kind of like rules, but only when they benefit me. But other than that, I enjoy beating to the sound of my own drum. Isn’t that usually how it goes? After my experience with first dates, I’ve learned a couple of things. Something like first date rules.
First of all, before you go on a date, you should understand what you’re looking for. Trust me, you’ll save yourself a lot of awkward conversations if you’re honest with the person from the beginning. If they want something serious, and you don’t or vice versa. It’s going to be drama.
And as Mary J. Blige said, no more drama in my life. If you don’t know who Mary J Blige is, I’m getting old.
# Land a first date
I don’t care what dating platform you use, but at the end of the day, you need to get yourself past texting and calling. Meet this person. If you don’t, this is just a big waste of time. So, my first rule about the first date is to make the date a reality.
# Follow your gut instinctEveryone has a gut instinct, but most of us aren’t in tune with it. If you’ve talked to someone online and you’re not getting a good vibe, don’t meet them. Maybe you get a fishy feeling about them, or they seem boring on the phone. It’s not going to magically improve when you meet them in person. Follow your gut always.
# Send your friends their infoI know I sound like a fifty-year-old mother, but this is really important. Before you go on any first date, you should always give your friends or family members the photo and phone number of your date. And don’t forget to tell them where you’re going. I’m not trying to make you paranoid, but you need to stay safe.
# Take it easy on the alcohol
You’re probably nervous, so a drink to calm down isn’t such a bad idea. But you need to know your limit. Firstly, you don’t know this person, and secondly, no one wants to see their first date completely wasted. Your date may be drinking the same amount as you, but everyone is different. So, just be mindful.
# Put your phone awayYou’re not five, you can sit for an hour or two without touching your phone. Honestly, if your date is on their phone half of the time, leave. Yes, that’s right. Get up and leave. You don’t even need to say anything, in fact, they probably won’t even notice. But seriously, on a first date, you’re getting to know the other person, not your phone.
# Make it a weekdayYes, I know. A weekday. But really, if this is your first date, you have no idea how it’s going to go. So, make the date on a Tuesday or Thursday. This gives you enough time to meet them but with a way out. You have work or school tomorrow. Plus, if things go well, you can meet each other at the weekend.
# Be on time
Yes! Do you know how many times I’ve had to wait for my date? Countless! Okay, probably two times, but both of those dates never went anywhere. Just be on time. It’s a horrible feeling having to wait for someone, and it shows a lack of respect. Now, if something happened, like an accident, that’s different. But focus on respecting you and your date’s time.