Where to Go on the First Date

First date ‘rules’ or advice usually centre around what to wear and what to say, but research shows that the success or failure of that crucial first date is largely determined by the choice of venue or activity for the meeting, so put your mind to making this decision with forethought and wisdom.

Choose somewhere that:

You like

Obvious, you might think. But it’s easy to select a venue or activity that you think will impress the other person or that they will like without thinking about yourself. On a first date, you need to be as relaxed as possible and comfortable as who you are so do pick somewhere that suits you. And if the other person suggests something that you know you won’t enjoy, there’s no shame in politely diverting them to another idea.

You know

Again, the more comfortable that you feel on a first date, the easier it will be to show off your best side. It’s handy to be somewhere that you know – you won’t have to worry about how to find it or what the dress code is. Or choose an activity that you enjoy and that you seem to share with your date – it’s a chance to firm up a connection that you have.

Suits your bank balance

Don’t go out of your financial comfort zone on a first date. It’s not about impressing the other person, and if the date isn’t a success you’ll be left out of pocket with little consolation.

Where you can talk

Venues or activities where you can manage and hear a conversation are rather key. The cinema is still an option as you can choose to meet up before or after for a drink or dinner but beware of choosing a date where you will end up seeing very little of your actual date.

You can leave if you want to

So, not an all-night drinks cruise on the river. Aim for your first date to last no longer than about two hours then if you are really getting on, you can always find time for another drink or two, or leave with them wanting more. The worst thing is to find out 10 minutes into your all-day prebooked date that you are massively incompatible and that their perfume brings on your hayfever