In online dating the most nerve racking part is going to be the first date. For those who have been dating online know it has the potential to be what I call a “disaster”. My best friend was on and off online for 2 years and when I recently became single she gave me some tips from what she learned. From my own experience I even added to some simple rules for an online first date.
Rule #1- Meet for drinks or coffee. I made the mistake of going out to dinner with someone when I first started. He didn’t look like his profile, and we didn’t connect. I had to spend the most awkward 45 of my life finishing my meal. Drinks or coffee allow you to leave if it is not going well. However, if the date is going well you can hang out for longer.
Rule #2-If you do stay for longer reminder do not get drunk. Alcohol does lower your inhibitions, and lets face it you don’t want to reveal any sort of crazy just yet. Its like an interview. You don’t want to reveal you got written up a lot and were late all the time. Keep in control.
Rule #3-Keep everything positive. Nobody want to go out with a debby downer. No need to talk about your dysfunctional family, how you hate your job, and how you’re broke. You want to put the best foot forward. Again all of your crazy will be revealed in due time. Think of it like sprinkling a cupcake, you only want to reveal your crazy a sprinkle at a time.
Rule #4- Whatever you do do not have sex. I spoke to a coworker who tried online dating and he called it the hook-up express. Ladies if you never want to hear from a guy again, sleeping with him too soon is the way to go. Remember there are players online too.
Rule #5-Never on a first date let someone know where you live. Its online people you don’t know if you got a stage 5 clinger on your hands. Go out a couple of times before you reveal residency.
Although there is not one rule to fix all. However, I highly recommend you take advantage of the rules that some of us learned the hard way.