Dating

The First Date

The most important part of a first date is getting to know each other. Plan your date for a time and place that lends itself to easy conversation. Don't arrange your first date somewhere noisy.

Arrange to meet somewhere where you are the central focus. If you attend a concert or a show they will be a distraction. Similarly don’t go to the cinema. Either was you won’t get the chance to talk or get to know each other. Make sure you have time and space to be relaxed and to talk.

When you are dating someone for the first time, it can often be a good idea to do it during the day. Pick a venue where there is no pressure over what you should be wearing or who might see you. A coffee house or a casual lunch venue will work well. Pick somewhere central – somewhere you can both reach easily.

The Second Date

You know each other a little better now. You know about each others personality. About likes and dislikes. Time to be a little more daring and aim for something more romantic, something more intimate.

A small local restaurant or wine bar can often be a great place to generate a nice romantic atmosphere. Steer clear of chain restaurants or those with open plan kitchens and dining areas. They can often be noisy, impersonal places that attract families.

It’s hard to be romantic when you are surrounded by screaming children or clattering dishes.

A second date should almost always be in the evening. Not only do you reduce the likelihood of sharing your venue with children, but a romantic evening opens the door to intimacy and the chance to get to know more about each other.

Make sure that you know the restaurant well. – don’t book a restaurant for the first time. You need to be confident that the food and service are good, that the atmosphere is right – and that you know where you are going.

Friday’s and Saturdays are the best days for a second date. You will both have something to look forward to for the whole week. You don’t have to worry about getting up early for work the next morning. And you can avoid the depths of Ant and Dec’s Saturday takeaway or Hole In The Wall on TV!

Robbie Burns