So what is the best first date? Drinks, coffee or dinner?
Obviously being the urbane single in London you have myriad options at your disposal. But I’ve only got space for about 600 words so let’s stick to the classics.
Allow me to indulge in a little compare and contrast of the relative merits and demerits of these traditional dating options.
Drinks
Pros: Relaxed, traditional and with the narcotic assistance necessary to help stem any first date nerves.
Choice of venue is fairly key here but as long as it’s relatively busy without being crowded, the conversation can flow easily, drink options can be used as a last resort conversation kicker and, should an exit be required, an early morning is the perfect excuse. I mean, try leaving a juice bar using the same excuse.
Cons: While alcohol can help reduce nerves, too many nerves can lead to too much alcohol. Enter stage right – sliding scale of inebriation. A) Mild slurring and slightly inappropriate comments and actions. B) Increased slurring, repetition and constant apologising for what you’re ABOUT to say/do C) Almost incoherent, possibly angry, constant repetition and probable sexual propositioning. D) Vomit. Unconsciousness. E) Death. Please note, death is highly unlikely to result in further dates.
Dinner
Pros: Good food is the perfect relaxant and aphrodisiac. Sharing a good meal is one of the most pleasing and intimate things we can do and displays a level of trust and curiosity that cannot fail to impress.
It also helps line your stomach should the date go well enough to move on elsewhere. Should an end need to be called to the evening, meals have a definitive end at which point it’s easy to politely escape.
Cons: Table manners, or at least bad ones, can make the most astonishingly attractive individual look like a Neanderthal. Also, food can be a highly individualistic affair. One person’s delicacy is another's stomach churning chunderbus.
Coffee
Pros: This is the perfect option for the perennially unsure. Coffee, at least for those not teetotal, brings with it no expectations beyond the immediate.
It’s also the perfect meeting device for the ridiculously busy or those for whom dating is an interaction best undertaken in the manner of a business exchange. Quickly, efficiently and with clearly defined parameters.
That said, I know a number of people who have met at an event, texted the next day and decided to meet up as soon as possible. In this instance, coffee becomes a representation of just how much you want to see that person. And should all go well, you have the rest of the day to continue your date.
Cons: Suggesting a coffee date can seem a little too efficient. You may feel it’s an efficient use of your time but your date may get the impression you’re a little professional when it comes to this dating malarkey.
And, although nowadays rare, there are some individuals for whom coffee has a rather unfortunate side effect. Cue much rambling, raised heart rate for all the wrong reasons and a sudden panic attack. Never a good look when trying to impress.
For my money, relatively early drinks with the suggestion of dinner should things be going well. But then, each to their own.
Good luck.
And how about trying one of our events if you're on the lookout for someone to date. Check out our dating event listings here.
WORDS BY JOHN DAVIS