So you’ve just met – maybe online, through friends, or if you’re old fashioned, then possibly even at a bar. You’re at that stage where everything is perfect and decisions like sending one ‘x’ or two take an embarrassingly long amount of time (go with one).
With those sort of heavy decisions already weighing on your mind, it’s understandable that the thought of choosing a location that turns first-date sparks into fireworks is nothing short of terrifying.
Luckily, you don’t have to navigate it on your own. We’ve asked the dating gurus at Date Night Agenda for their top tips on choosing a perfect first date location.
1. Meet in the middle
Arranging to meet at a place that is ‘conveniently’ around the corner from where you live is not the way to get someone into bed! If you live miles apart then try to find a location that is mutually beneficial – not only is it fair for both parties but what happens afterwards is a little more exciting that way.
2. Research the venue by ‘night’
By this stage you’ve probably had every friend you know recommending places to go – but it’s important to remember that a buzzing venue on a Friday night may absolutely tank midweek. Make sure that you research your venue with the day of the week in mind – if you need to, call them and ask if them how busy they get. There are few things worse that being the only customers in a restaurant or bar on your first date.
3. Share plates
If you’ve decided that food (and not just drinks) is the way forward then you’ve made the decision to commit yourself to some serious talking time. Good for you – this is by far the best way to get to know someone. If conversation doesn’t always come naturally to you however, choose a place with sharing plates or tapas dishes – sharing food is the perfect way to ensure conversation flows on a restaurant date.
4. Music
Music is essential on a first date – at least, background music is. You want noise but not noisey. Just enough so if the dreaded awkward silence occurs it’s nowhere near as awkward. A bar or restaurant with a live band is perfect as that leads to the next essential point…
5. Talking points
Really talking points should be top of the list. Being in a place where there’s some kind of action going on is essential for a first date. It’s like having ice breakers thrown at you! Talking points can be as simple as being in a restaurant with unusual décor or a bar with staff that flair cocktails. It can really be anything that is slightly offbeat.
6. The bill
Okay, so this doesn’t really have anything to do with the location. But the ol’ bill debate inevitably rears its ugly head at some stage and you want to be prepared.
After much trial and error we have the discovered that the best situation is this:
Let’s say you’re on a dinner date and suggest going elsewhere for dessert afterwards. The person who instigated the date should offer to pay and the other person should offer to put their share in. If the offer to split the bill is turned down then suggest shouting dessert or drinks elsewhere. In this situation everyone ends up feeling good. However, if the offer to split the bill is taken up, then don’t judge – after all, this is technically the fairest outcome.
Check out Date Night Agenda: Sydney to find all the best dating spots in your city.
Rescu. Recommends: Tried your best but the sparks just didn’t fly? Happens to the best of us!
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