Dinner Date Delight: How To Plan The Perfect First Date
You’ve got a first date lined up, and you’re debating what to do or where to go. Heading out for dinner is always a classic option - it gives you a chance to get to know your date and spend some valuable one-on-one time.
In theory, a dinner date is easy to plan and shouldn’t go wrong, but that’s not always the case. Lots of things can turn your delightful date into a catastrophe, so here’s how to ensure it goes as smoothly as possible.
Book a private table
Other people have ruined many dinner dates. It’s hard to have a good first date when there are rowdy customers and loads of noise around you. You need to find a quiet place where the two of you can relax, chat, and enjoy the meal.
Try to book a private dining table at your chosen restaurant. Many of the best private dining rooms offer enclosed spaces with so much privacy and quiet. It helps the two of you relax, and it feels like you’re on your own rather than surrounded by so many loud noises. You don’t have to shout to hear one another, and there’s no awkwardness of constantly asking your date to repeat themselves.
Always check for dietary requirements
There’s genuinely no bigger dinner date faux pas than forgetting to ask about dietary requirements. If you’re planning the date, you need to see what type of food your date likes - and if they explicitly can’t eat anything.
This level of care and attention is crucial when dating to show that you actually care. Imagine booking a table at a seafood restaurant, and your date turns around and tells you they hate seafood. It’s completely on you for not checking, so be sure there’s something they can eat before you book!
Offer to pay for the meal
The end of a meal often creates the most awkwardness. Who’s going to pay the bill? It’s always best to offer to pay for the meal. Let your date know that this was your treat - if they insist on splitting it, then you can give in.
As a general rule, if you organized the date and asked the person out, then it makes sense for you to at least offer to pay. Otherwise, they may think you’re a bit rude, and it can leave a sour taste in their mouth.
Make your intentions clear
You should always make your intentions clear before, during, and after your dinner date. Let the other person know that this is a first date and you’d love to get to know them and maybe go on more dates in the future. You can say this before the date and then reiterate it during the date.
It takes the pressure off the other person when they know what they’re getting into. They know this isn’t simply a one-night fling, and you’re hoping to go back to theirs or yours. As the date comes to a close, be sure you tell them how much you enjoyed it and would love to arrange another one. It takes away any awkwardness of “what happens next,” and you can both go home with smiles on your faces.
These tips will help you plan the perfect dinner date, but it’s up to you to ensure it goes according to plan. Be yourself and talk to your new date - ask about their life and get them talking about themselves instead of hogging the conversation.
