A first date should be fun, and full of the excitement of discovery in a new relationship – not an awkward burden to be endured.
You don’t have to pay for the whole thing, but if you asked the other person out it is your responsibility to establish whether you are footing the bill or going dutch (for those of you unfamiliar with that term, it means that you both pay equally for the date.) Don’t spring the bill on them, or even half the bill, as they may be unprepared for that. As a side note, don’t expect anything in return for paying for the date unless you asked someone out who gets paid for such services. Then its fine, I suppose, but you might ask someone out whom you don’t have to pay to spend time with you on your next foray into the dating world.
A good date doesn’t need to be expensive. A picnic in the park is very romantic, and you could follow up with kite flying or something equally as whimsical. Don’t think that you can impress with cash alone.
My worst date was actually upset when I just wanted to go back to my apartment after the meal. He was good enough to drop me off, but a little pushy with the physical affection. However, I had ten to fifteen extra pounds of muscle, and made it to my apartment just fine.
Depending on your age, experience, background, etc., the end of the date could go in many different directions. You might just establish that you will see each other again. You might get a polite handshake, and an insincere ‘Sure, I’ll call you.’ Whether your date is eighteen or eighty-five, make sure that you listen to their wishes. If you can’t figure it out, and are of a mind to, go ahead and move in for the ‘goodnight’ kiss. You might get slapped or nervously pushed away, but hey, you might get the kiss. If you don’t get slapped, well, that brings up a whole new world of other possibilities that won’t be covered here. Just act responsibly and remember that actions hastily taken have consequences, and all that.
My last bit of advice for the first date. You have to ask that special someone out in the first place to get to the first date. That is probably the hardest step, for a lot of people, but just do it already. And you have to say ‘yes’ when they ask. Yeah, that date might end up being the worst, but there is an equal possibility that it will be the best. Good luck.
Nice article. Amusing but first date sometimes could compare with a horror movie, it has its terror, thrills, suspense and embarrassments.You are pretty courageous to tackle this subject where even I couldn’t. Thanks for sharing.
I can remember my first date. My mother set it up for me because my date was at a prominent university and would get a good job. She had me married off before the date. He was definitely not for me. I cringed throughout the date. You article really made me smile. Well done.
Might I add that a girl who has never been kissed isn’t going to be thrilled with french-kissing the first time round? This article brings up old memories…I think all of us have had one of these dates!
more than anything else, i would firstly like to say how much i enjoyed reading this. i read it several times and most probable after my comments, read it again. your writing style is so natural and entertaining. the rest is all an added bonus. first dates are always mulit-dimensional. as the article rightfully states that it’s a chance but its a chance worth taking if it works out too! there is nothing better in life than to spend it with the perfect partner. simply beautiful and very professional article. i loved every word of it 100%
First dates can be intimidating at any age! Great article, great advice too. Sounds like you’ve learned from experience!
What?
On June 7, 2009 at 1:03 pm
So, let me get this straight. First you’re pissed because your awful date didn’t completely map out the activities in advance, on his own. Ok, check….you want him to make all the decisions and plans. But then you get pissed because your date didn’t want to do exactly what you wanted to do.
Does. Not. Compute.
If you aren’t going to offer up ideas for stuff to do, don’t get upset when you end up doing something you don’t like.
…Said “What?” from the basement apartment at his mom’s house where he gets to play with his star-wars figs as much as he wants unencumbered by the opposite sex…
rutherfranc
On June 7, 2009 at 2:36 pm
dates? no thanks for reminding me of my disastrous ones… loved your article though..
ken bultman
On June 7, 2009 at 5:16 pm
I can barely remember my first date. It was in a fruit cake, I believe. You’re article was good, though.
As usual Annie your articles are always entertaining and I really enjoyed reading this one. I too remember some awful dates but back then you needed to be an octupus to keep their hands off you lol.It was a long time ago but at the time lead me to believe that the opposite sex thought with something else other than their brains but then I met my hubby, the sweet man lol.Excellent articles you have a wonderful style of writing Annie
ur prince
On June 8, 2009 at 4:16 pm
very good, though i wouldn’t want to run into someone like that anytime soon..=O
I’m with you on all except the first point. Personally, I find rigorously planned out first dates to be the epitome of obnoxious, as I’m more likely to find myself in a situation that I can’t duck out of at a moment’s notice if I decide I’d rather be doing something else. Well-planned second dates, sure, but for the first date, I’m primarily interested in making sure that my date doesn’t smell like cheese, waddle like a duck, or watch Fox News.
CorkyLedbetter
On June 9, 2009 at 2:04 pm
The guy doesn’t know how lucky he was. I’ve only had one girlfriend who was interested in the same kind of video games I was. And it was pretty awesome. We played several RPGs straight through together and it was a totally new way of bonding for me. Too bad she ended up turning into a complete nut.
It’s a shame you had to endure such a joke of a date. Truly a shame. But at least it gave you the insight to write this. I agree with you on every point, and then some. Thanks for sharing, and have a good day.
Excellent post. I can identify with this one. I went on a first date and I cannot tell you how afraid I was. It turned out to be the one of the best choices I have made in my life. Thanks for sharing.
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Post CommentDeep Blue
On June 7, 2009 at 2:26 am
Nice article. Amusing but first date sometimes could compare with a horror movie, it has its terror, thrills, suspense and embarrassments.You are pretty courageous to tackle this subject where even I couldn’t. Thanks for sharing.
Christine Ramsay
On June 7, 2009 at 2:35 am
I can remember my first date. My mother set it up for me because my date was at a prominent university and would get a good job. She had me married off before the date. He was definitely not for me. I cringed throughout the date. You article really made me smile. Well done.
Christine
Daisy Peasblossom
On June 7, 2009 at 4:22 am
Might I add that a girl who has never been kissed isn’t going to be thrilled with french-kissing the first time round? This article brings up old memories…I think all of us have had one of these dates!
Joe Dorish
On June 7, 2009 at 7:45 am
This article really brings back memories.
rajeev bhargava
On June 7, 2009 at 11:09 am
more than anything else, i would firstly like to say how much i enjoyed reading this. i read it several times and most probable after my comments, read it again. your writing style is so natural and entertaining. the rest is all an added bonus. first dates are always mulit-dimensional. as the article rightfully states that it’s a chance but its a chance worth taking if it works out too! there is nothing better in life than to spend it with the perfect partner. simply beautiful and very professional article. i loved every word of it 100%
Kate Smedley
On June 7, 2009 at 11:50 am
First dates can be intimidating at any age! Great article, great advice too. Sounds like you’ve learned from experience!
What?
On June 7, 2009 at 1:03 pm
So, let me get this straight. First you’re pissed because your awful date didn’t completely map out the activities in advance, on his own. Ok, check….you want him to make all the decisions and plans. But then you get pissed because your date didn’t want to do exactly what you wanted to do.
Does. Not. Compute.
If you aren’t going to offer up ideas for stuff to do, don’t get upset when you end up doing something you don’t like.
Annie Hintsala
On June 7, 2009 at 1:57 pm
…Said “What?” from the basement apartment at his mom’s house where he gets to play with his star-wars figs as much as he wants unencumbered by the opposite sex…
rutherfranc
On June 7, 2009 at 2:36 pm
dates? no thanks for reminding me of my disastrous ones… loved your article though..
ken bultman
On June 7, 2009 at 5:16 pm
I can barely remember my first date. It was in a fruit cake, I believe. You’re article was good, though.
Joie Schmidt
On June 7, 2009 at 7:17 pm
Wishing you only the nicest dates ever starting now and going forward forever!
Blessings.
Sincerely,
-Liane Schmidt.
Betty Carew
On June 8, 2009 at 6:47 am
As usual Annie your articles are always entertaining and I really enjoyed reading this one. I too remember some awful dates but back then you needed to be an octupus to keep their hands off you lol.It was a long time ago but at the time lead me to believe that the opposite sex thought with something else other than their brains but then I met my hubby, the sweet man lol.Excellent articles you have a wonderful style of writing Annie
ur prince
On June 8, 2009 at 4:16 pm
very good, though i wouldn’t want to run into someone like that anytime soon..=O
Ruby Hawk
On June 8, 2009 at 5:26 pm
I must be lucky. I don’t remember a realy bad date.
Ask Cash
On June 8, 2009 at 10:54 pm
I never went on a date with anyone but my husband. Of course he wasn’t my husband then, but he was all I wanted. So I never had a bad date.
atozcomp
On June 9, 2009 at 1:41 am
first date horror stories
they could also be glorious!
Onlywaytobesure
On June 9, 2009 at 10:11 am
I’m with you on all except the first point. Personally, I find rigorously planned out first dates to be the epitome of obnoxious, as I’m more likely to find myself in a situation that I can’t duck out of at a moment’s notice if I decide I’d rather be doing something else. Well-planned second dates, sure, but for the first date, I’m primarily interested in making sure that my date doesn’t smell like cheese, waddle like a duck, or watch Fox News.
CorkyLedbetter
On June 9, 2009 at 2:04 pm
The guy doesn’t know how lucky he was. I’ve only had one girlfriend who was interested in the same kind of video games I was. And it was pretty awesome. We played several RPGs straight through together and it was a totally new way of bonding for me. Too bad she ended up turning into a complete nut.
lindalulu
On June 9, 2009 at 5:16 pm
Great article….
Mr Ghaz
On June 10, 2009 at 5:34 am
Great post!!..i really enjoyed reading your article..well done and thanks for sharing this wonderful work.
nirmala
On June 10, 2009 at 11:15 am
nice article i really enjoyed reading your article thanks for you. it’s wonderful job
Stickinthemud
On June 10, 2009 at 3:35 pm
It’s a shame you had to endure such a joke of a date. Truly a shame. But at least it gave you the insight to write this.
I agree with you on every point, and then some. Thanks for sharing, and have a good day.
OhSugar
On June 10, 2009 at 3:51 pm
Excellent post. I can identify with this one. I went on a first date and I cannot tell you how afraid I was. It turned out to be the one of the best choices I have made in my life. Thanks for sharing.