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A first date is a big deal, especially when you are meeting someone for the first time through online dating. There is so much pressure to see if that online charm and chemistry translates into an offline date. People are busy and a quick first date can make or break your chances of a possible relationship. Many people fail to put enough thought and research into a date. I cannot emphasize how important it is to research the location of a first date. As an online dating photographer here in San Francisco, I help clients with first date suggestions. Here are some tips to consider when planning your date.
Focus on the Experience not the Best of X
Instead of the focusing on the best bar or coffee shop, focus on the experience. Often times the best place is overly crowded, too noisy or has a long line to get into. You do not want to kill the mood of the date with waiting around too long or having to yell during the date. You can side step this by going at an off-peak time, researching the venue ahead of time, calling to see if there are any private events that day and waiting in line for your date ahead of time at the location to save her a seat.
Plan B, Plan C…
Often times things may not go as planned — someone is late, the venue is closed unexpectedly, the weather takes a turn for the worst, a private event take over the venue etc. It pays to research for such scenarios ahead of time. Chemistry is killed when two people are on their phones searching on Yelp for a plan B. It pays to have backup plans. It shows you are thoughtful, creative and considerate. Ideally places that are nearby within walking distance or at least easily accessible via a cab or public transportation. Your date might be wearing non-walking shoes or have to walk up/down stairs and hills.
Location, Location, Location…
In the event your date is going well and you get the vibe that your date is into you, it is always helpful to have options after a drink or after coffee (or whatever the first date happens to be). Having options nearby after the initial plan can prolong the chemistry during a date. Always have an option nearby to go for a nice walk, grab a bite to eat, explore something artsy (museum exhibit, street art murals, architecture etc.) or have an event that you can possible crash last second. Most dates are planned for 30–90 minutes in the event it does not go well but if things are going well, why not keep things going. Making a seamless transition by foot, cab or public transportation will make the switch smoother vs. having to coordinate, research on the fly for something far away.
Timing…
Chances are your first date will be on a weekend during the day or evening during the week. Choosing a date like Thursday provides more options to extend the date in case things are going well — i.e. grabbing a bite to eat after, catching the Thursday night evenings at museums that have extended hours, etc. This is much easier to do if Fridays are a little slower at the office vs. planning a date on Sunday or Monday evening.
Neighborhoods…
Picking the right neighborhood is a key factor in selecting a good first date location. You want a location that is reasonably accessible for your date i.e. next to public transportation, not a seedy neighborhood late at night but at the same time, you probably wan to avoid dates in neighborhoods where your date works or lives. She probably has been to every place in her neighborhood and wants to explore a new place. Chances are she is someone that is nervous or shy about being seen by co-workers after work in a social setting. It is impossible reduce the chances to 0% but if you pick a neighborhood that is a little out of the way that can make your date breathe a little easier and thus feel more relaxed.
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This article originally appeared on Medium
Photo credit: Getty Images
