1. Meet at the restaurant
Okay, I know it's romantic in an old-school kind of way to get picked up at home, but do you really want to get stuck making small talk in traffic? And if your date doesn’t end up going well, wouldn’t it be better if stalker Steve didn’t know where you live?
2. Eat at the bar.
The atmosphere is more relaxed and you guys will be too. Bonus: If you want to bolt, you won’t have to flail madly to get the waiter’s attention (bartenders are always attentive when you order a meal at the bar because it means they’ll be getting bigger-than-usual tips). More bonus points: You can people-watch if he's boring. You'll also figure out pretty quick if he thinks you’re boring. I once went on a date with a guy who made love to the bartender with his eyes all evening long. Let's just say we didn't do dessert.
3. Ask for a straw with your water.
I love this one. You can avoid clumsy water spillage and there’ll be no ugly lipstick marks on your glass.
4. Order safely.First thing to avoid: the bread basket. Butter, knives, crusty rolls, flying crumbs—you're talking a lot of coordination here. I mean, have you ever seen someone gracefully bite into a sourdough loaf? Don’t think so. Other potential pitfalls: spaghetti (it splashes), spinach (it sticks to teeth) and coffee (bad breath). In my opinion the neatest, cleanest, and simplest first-date entree is fish, chicken or steak.
5.That said, order adventurously.
Seriously, try something new. Don’t plow through your usual Chilean sea bass. It will put you in a more exciting, risk-taking frame of mind—and consequently lend a more exciting, risk-taking vibe to your evening. (And if you end up hating what you ordered, take a minute to thank the diet fairy, eat enough to keep your blood sugar in check and look forward to tomorrow’s breakfast taco, guilt-free.)
6. Just make sure it’s not the most expensive dish on the menu.
Don’t do it. Even if you’re planning to go dutch. And especially if you’re not. It’s rude and self-centered. If he suggests the oysters, then go for it, but try to stay on the low- to mid-range of the menu.
7. Don’t clean your plate.
Few things scream lack of self-control louder than someone who scarfs down every last morsel. I’m guilty of it too. The best thing to do is realize this won’t be your last meal and you don’t need to feel uncomfortably full. You can always wrap it up and take it home.
8. Do offer a taste.
If your date is eyeing your plate, offer him a bite. It shows that you can share and sharing food is a bonding experience. So have your Lady and the Tramp moment (just remember what I said about spaghetti in tip #4).
9. Don’t ask for a taste.
I know, it seems to contradict tip #8 but asking and offering are two different things (but your mother already taught you that, right?). There’s nothing worse than someone asking for a taste of your sushi when you only have about six pieces.
10. Don’t drink too much
In the best-case scenario, you run the risk of bad storytelling, which isn’t so awesome. Does he really need to know about your first flute lesson, that you’ve read eat pray love three times or that your mom is totally going to love him? Ahem. You know your tolerance level; drink accordingly.
Related Links:
WE ASK YOU: What makes or breaks a kiss?
Dating diaries: Is it better to be cute, sexy or hot?
