First Date Do’s and Don’ts

It’s the big night! It took weeks—maybe even months—to muster up the courage to ask, but you’re finally going on that date!

Your palms might be a little sweaty, and you might have changed your outfit and hair about five times, but you’ve got this! You are going to blow them out of the water. How do we know? Because we are going to share a few first date tips with you.

You’ve been pining after your crush for quite some time, imagining all the ways you’ll sweep them off their feet when you get the chance. We get it, this is exciting! But all that pent up energy can feel a bit overwhelming on the receiving end.

While it’s tempting, don’t try taking your date to an extremely fancy (and expensive) restaurant or setting. The first date is all about trying to get to know each other—your interests, goals, pet peeves, etc. That’s hard to do when your date is focused on how uncomfortable they feel in the formal wear cutting off the oxygen to their lungs. It’s also uncomfortable when they are trying to figure out which fork to use for which course and how to crack open a lobster elegantly (is there an actual way to do that?).

Keep things light and informal. Focus on partaking in an activity you’ll both enjoy—something fun, such as laser tag, where your date won’t feel pressured to fill in awkward silences.

We all want to put our best foot forward on a first date. If you’re trying to market something, you wouldn’t lead with the areas that need improvement. You want to be someone that your date would like to see in the future! However, there’s a difference between showing the best version of yourself and pretending to be someone you simply aren’t.

When planning out your night, think about the qualities of yourself that you want your date to better understand (and hopefully like!). Are you fascinated with mysteries and adventure? Try your luck at an escape room. Is humor extremely important to you? Laugh the night away at a comedy club. Are you competitive? Take them bowling after dark. Whatever you do, make sure it reflects all the wonderfulness that is you!

More than anything, a first date should be, well, fun! Even for those who are a bit more serious in personality, you want to make sure that you and your date have a good time. Fun can come in many different forms depending on the people you and your date are. But a first date is an opportunity to see if your ideas of fun are compatible.

It’s natural to overthink everything when you are excited for a first date. But really, it should all come down to having a great time together and enjoying each others’ company.

Whether you’re bowling, playing laser tag or enjoying a delicious meal at The Rail House Restaurant or drink at the End Zone Sports Bar, Zone 28 is the perfect destination for your first date!