Something that’s awesome about hiring a reputable professional matchmaker is the fact that you don’t have to worry about selecting a venue for your first date. It is totally up the matchmaker to choose a location where you and your date will be comfortable.
But if you’re going to go on a first date with someone that hasn’t been set up by a matchmaker, then selecting a locale is going to be extremely important being that first impressions can make or break a first date.
Previously, we penned a piece on great date ideas (you can click here to read it). But if you’re curious to know about the kind of first dates that we think are absolute no-nos, we’re glad that you’re checking this out. Why? Because if you have a date coming up soon and any of these are on the list, our recommendation is to go back to the drawing board. Because again, it can’t be stressed enough, that first impressions really do matter---and these five dates usually do not impress most folks.
We’re thinking you’ll see why after we break it all down…
A double date. While initially this one might seem pretty harmless, unless your first date is with someone you’ve known for a while, it can be a train wreck waiting to happen. Here’s why: If you’re the one who suggests a double date, then that probably means you know the couple who will be tagging along. This means that you already have a rapport and connection with those individuals which can ironically result in your date feeling like the third (or technically fourth) wheel. A first date needs to be about you getting to know the person better. You’re probably going to end up being pretty distracted if there are two other people around.
A place where you’re performing. Although you might think that it would be awesome for your date to come to an open mic, an art showing or something else where you are in the spotlight, oftentimes things don’t go as planned. For one thing, it tends to translate as being a bit arrogant. Secondly, you may end up being so busy entertaining your guests/fans that they won’t get much time in with you. Plus, if they don’t know anyone else there, it could get to be pretty awkward because unless they are an uber extrovert, they might feel a bit out of place (understandably so).
Anywhere you know your ex will be. Even if you and your ex are friends and you still hang out together or in the same circles, try and avoid having your date meet them for the first time on a first date. They don’t know you well enough yet to understand the history, so you run the risk of it translating as “you’re not over your ex” rather than “it’s all good”.
Anywhere you know your family will be. Family (or friends who feel like family). No matter how much you love them and enjoy showing them off to other people, table that for a while when it comes to first (and second and third) dates. One reason is similar to what we said about exes (you’ll be familiar with your surroundings although they won’t be). Another reason is because we’re pretty sure that your family wants you to find true love, but getting them involved too soon could end up putting a lot of pressure on your date. That’s not going to translate as fun; just stressful. And who wants that on a first date?
A wedding. Or a funeral. It might seem odd to put both of these together but hear us out. Yes, weddings are a joyous occasion while funerals are a sorrowful one. However, the thing that they both have in common is they’re extremely intimate. Therefore, it sends the message that you invited the person with you because you want them to be a part of such an intricate part of your world. And how can you really know that on a first date? Yeah, leave the weddings and funerals off of the list and go with dinner, dancing, a picnic, a hike or something else along those lines instead. It will put you in a better light and the potential for a great relationship on a much better plane.