Although there are some people who tend to use the word “old-fashioned” as if it’s a bad thing, we couldn’t disagree more. In a time where things are ever-shifting, culturally, it’s nice to keep some traditions around---some values that can help people to feel good about themselves. This is especially the case when it comes to dating.
No, we’re not saying that every man has to open up a restaurant door or that every woman should wait for a guy to ask her out. At the same time, there are some things about how our grandparents used to date that should still at least be considered. Because from where we sit, some of the “old-fashioned things” were actually quite romantic and ultimately helped to set the foundation for a lot of healthy, happy and committed relationships. (Just ask your grandparents.)
Plan some old-fashioned dates. Say that you hired a professional matchmaker to help you to find a date. If you were to share with them that you were looking to have an old-fashioned experience, they would probably be all over it! There is something to be said about going dancing, having dinner and then desert at an old-fashioned ice cream parlor or even going to the fair. Yep, one of the best things about old-fashioned dates is that it’s not about “getting physical”. It’s about creating an atmosphere where you and your date can simply get to know each other better.
Dress up. You know what they say about first impressions, right? So, why wouldn’t you want to “wow” someone on your first (and second and third) date? Sure, you need to dress in a way that fits the date that you have planned, but try to veer away from T-shirts and jeans every single time (especially the first time!). If you’ve got a nice suit or show-stopping dress, a date is the perfect time to pull it out and put it on!
Fellas, be chivalrous. Personally, we don’t know too many women who would throw a fit about a man coming to her door with flowers or opening up the car door so that she can get in (yeah, please don’t sit in her driveway and honk incessantly). Chivalry is a sign of romance and that always puts a smile (and blush) on a woman’s face. At the same time ladies, it’s a wise man who once said that chivalry is not dead; it simply went wherever being ladylike went. Being kind and appreciative when you see a man making these types of efforts is more than appropriate too.
Be technology-free. It would be nice if this particular rule could go without saying but…it must go on record. Having a smartphone is basically a way of life now. We totally get that. But what could possibly be so important that you can’t set your ringer to vibrate and you can’t turn off your social media notifications? Your date deserves your undivided attention. One of the best ways to demonstrate that you agree is to go on your date, technology-free.
Flirt. Ah, the art of flirting. By this, we don’t mean making crass sex jokes or gawking at one another’s body parts the entire night. We mean giving each other sincere compliments, winking an eye a time or two and “accidently” bumping your hands into each other’s. Flirting is also about sending a sweet text following the date. No doubt about it, flirting can be fun when it’s “above board”. When it’s subtle and not too aggressive or overt.
Follow-up. If after your first date, you realize that you are in no way interested, that’s one thing. And honestly, even then, you should still send a text saying that you appreciated meeting your date. But if you would like to see them again, we wrote an entire article on follow-up etiquette (you can read it here). The “cliff note version” is basically to follow-up, no later than the following morning with a text or call, express how much you enjoyed spending time with them and ask if they would be interested in going out again. If they would, ask them about what they enjoy doing. Showing that you are truly interested will help to put them at ease and set a really warm and comfortable tone…which a really great foundation for a dating relationship. One that now has a few special old-fashioned elements to it.