Dating is complicated enough as it is. It takes social savvy, charm, compatibility, and good timing for both partners to have a great time on a date. So what you shouldn’t do is make it hard on yourself and choose a venue where the ability to freely communicate one on one is compromised.
Bonus Tip: You should know what you’re looking for in a partner. If you know the person you’re dating – always try to tailor the first date around what you think you’ll both enjoy doing!
Here are, in my opinion, the worst first date venues and four places you should avoid on a first date.
The Movie Theatre Date
Bad idea for a first date. When you’re meeting someone for the first time, you should want to get to know them better and let them find out more about you. You should share, tell stories, laugh, have eye contact, flirt – and you absolutely can’t do that if you decide to take your date to the movies.
While it’s true that you could do all said things after the movie ends, most first dates usually last 1.5-2 hours on average, and people have other things to do. So if you have spent 2 hours on a movie, you are at best left with a short drink afterward, which is not enough when you are trying to get to know eachother.
If you do decide to go to the movies on a first date, at least pick a good movie. A similar thing applies to long comedy shows, theater, and all other events where you will be watching something else instead of paying attention to your date.
The Club Date
What’s true about going to the movies is also true for a club or a bar with really loud music, and even a live concert is probably not the best option for a first date. Because all of those hinder your ability to talk to one another, and that’s what first dates are all about. You can hit the club when you are both better acquainted and perhaps even go to a concert on your third or fourth date. But when you are meeting someone for the first time, you should pick a venue that is more intimate and quiet than the club.
The Friends Date
Social gatherings and events are actually a good idea for a date but maybe not your first. You can socialize with your date and with others, your date can meet your friends, and you can meet theirs. All that is fine and well.
However, this is only a good idea for a date if you have already dated somebody for at least more than a week, and the relationship has reached certain milestones. For example, you have already spent quality time together, and have gotten to know each other a little bit better. Being comfortable with them first, then introducing them to your friends is key.
If this is the very first date then those other people are going to be a distraction. They will interfere in your conversation that should be intimate, and while it’s certainly possible to still have a good first date; social gatherings/parties and other similar events are just not ideal when you’re meeting for the very first time.
The Fancy Five Star Restaurant Date
Even though fancy restaurants are a place that nurture conversation, this venue wouldn’t be my first pick. Why?
Let’s get real, they can be cause for stiff interaction.
You will most likely be getting interrupted by the waiters who continually fill your water glass, you have very little freedom to move around which may cause you to sweat, and you are likely sitting opposite one another which can be intimidating for a first date. The wildly expensive bill comes and you awkwardly have to split it or decide on who is going to pay. It’s all too serious and just not free-flowing as it could be.
Some Great Alternatives
There are plenty of options for a good first date venue. And the best dates usually include a couple of different activities, where you can do things together and also talk and share yourself without interference.
The combination of a bar and a walk through the city is always good, parks are great too. Activities such as climbing/go-karting, or similar are also excellent, because they are relatively short and exciting, which will give you enough time to talk or for another activity. Going to the zoo can work, especially if you both love animals but this one is a little quirky and might be better for a second date.
- Choose an activity that you’ll both enjoy!
- Go for a walk and grab a drink
- Picnic in the park
- Go to a museum, or zoo
In conclusion, pick a venue where you’ll be able to talk freely and intimately. Try to include some walking or an activity if possible, because motion creates emotion. Other than that, try to be charming and have fun, because that’s what dates should be – having fun with another person.
