Choose the Right First Date Location

Choose the Right First Date Location



Dhawan

Jan

The location you choose sets the tone for your date. Unlessyou already know what types of activities your date likes, it’s best to pick a neutral, low-pressure place where you can focus on getting to know each other and figuring out how well you connect.

The last thing you want to do is go to a nice restaurant and discover before your food even has been brought out that you two don’t “click” and it’s not going to work. In this scenario, you’re stuck for the rest of the meal anyway. Can somebody say “Awkward”?

Instead of dinner and a movie, suggest trying a local bar or a hip new coffee shop instead. The casual environment serves as a convenient space to have an engaging conversation, without the pressure of dressing fancy or buying an expensive meal.

If it feels uncomfortable, you can leave after the first drink. Or better, if you hit it off, you have the freedom to continue your date for as long as you both like.

Plus, the bustle of people around you is enough to make extroverts feel at home–heir brains thrive in busy environments–without overwhelming introverts who prefer more intimate settings.

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1. Choose somewhere that will inspire good conversation

1. Choose somewhere that will inspire good conversation

When you’re online dating over 50, chances are you’ve amassed some excellent stories that you love to share with others. Steer clear of anywhere too noisy and go somewhere you can hear each other loud and clear.

The fewer interruptions the better, and anywhere with people-watching plus delicious food has got to be win-win for a first date location. If in doubt, restaurants, cafes and parks are all great picks for providing a comfortable atmosphere and ice-breaking conversation-starters.

Read our tips for dating ice breakers to get the conversation going

2. Match the location to your mutual interests

2. Match the location to your mutual interests

After exchanging a few emails and perhaps even talking on the phone, you might have discovered some mutual likes and dislikes. If you’re fans of fancy food, or a certain kind of delicacy – like cheese fondue, for example – you could score extra points for picking the perfect restaurant.

However if only one of you is a fan, or if your match doesn’t even eat dairy, that fondue quickly becomes a fon-don’t. Stick to mutual ground and save the quirky ideas for your second and third dates, once you’ve both expressed interest in trying the same new things.

See our suggestions of great first date locations

3. Pick a place that’s easy to find and reach

3. Pick a place that’s easy to find and reach

When you’re meeting someone new for the first time, you don’t usually want to travel too far from home. It’s not exactly the best time to deal with bad traffic and tricky parking – there’s nothing worse than arriving to meet someone late and flustered.

Make sure the place you agree on is reasonably equidistant for both parties, easy to find and if you’re driving, do some research to check there are plenty of parking options nearby.

Read our tips for shaking first date nerves

4. Be thoughtful but not overwhelmingIt’s lovely to want to make a first date romantic, but it’s important not to overdo things. Sure, choose a nice restaurant, but leave the chocolates and roses at home. It could make things seriously awkward if you don’t hit it off. An over-zealous approach could even put off your match before the first date gets underway. All you really need to bring is a positive outlook and witty repertoire. Timing and subtlety go a long way and if things go well, you can bring out the roses at a later date. Read more

4. Be thoughtful but not overwhelming

It’s lovely to want to make a first date romantic, but it’s important not to overdo things. Sure, choose a nice restaurant, but leave the chocolates and roses at home. It could make things seriously awkward if you don’t hit it off.

An over-zealous approach could even put off your match before the first date gets underway. All you really need to bring is a positive outlook and witty repertoire. Timing and subtlety go a long way and if things go well, you can bring out the roses at a later date. Read more

5. Try being spontaneous

If no particular first date location seems to inspire you, why not try living life on the fly? Suggest meeting your match in a public place – perhaps a park, or outside a store you’re both familiar with – and simply go with the flow. Your shared sense of adventure is a great conversation-starter and as you navigate the possibilities together in an act of spontaneity, you’re sure to create a fun date you’ll both remember, as well as some brand new memories to laugh about on your next date!

Your shared sense of adventure is a great conversation-starter and as you navigate the possibilities together in an act of spontaneity, you’re sure to create a fun date you’ll both remember, as well as some brand new memories to laugh about on your next date!