A first date is meant to be an ice-breaking opportunity. In an ideal world you have a bit of a baseline understanding of who you are dealing with but sometimes you are throwing caution to the wind and hoping for the best.

5. Go to the Movies

Personally I love going to the movies but unless your 16 years old or have an established relationship with this personal prior to actually going on a formal date sitting in the dark for 2 hours next to a stranger isn’t the best idea.

4. The Long Walk

So unless you are planning to meet in a park or pre-plan a walking route anything that involves walking long distance is rolling the dice. Why? Because it’s highly likely the girl will be in heals or something uncomfortable that they think makes them look good.

3. Not planning things out

Confidence is sexy and while looks get your foot in the door, personality seals the deal. In meeting up for the first time with someone so many things can go wrong and you only get one chance to make a first impression.

• Research wherever you are going (a simple call can do wonders)
• Always have a back up plan in the area
• Understand the potential variables that could jam you up
• See the next #

2. Don’t be late (5 minute acceptable buffer)

A bit of a double standard here. She can be late but if you are you’re likely dealing with a cranky pants.

1. Dinner

Brunch can be fun and boozy. Lunch can be quick, cheap,  and to the point. Drinks (adult or other) is typically functional. But dinner is a rabbit hole …

I look at it like this. The goal of meeting someone for the 1^st time is to get to know them. You want to control the controllables. Dinner in my opinion is a recipe for disaster.

Here’s the breakdown:

• No matter what you are locked in for about an hour. This being a blind date you’re rolling the dice (catfish, cra-cra, extreme political or religious views, etc…)
• You might be dealing with a picky eater or food restrictions that are going to jam things up a bit
• As you guy you know your on the hook for the bill. Although if you really want to make things interesting say you want to go halfies. You will likely have a great story to tell your friends the next day.              
• Don’t be too funny. I once cracked a joke as she was taking a eat. Her face got bright red and she gets up and starts running around. I’m confused and say “I didn’t think it was that bad…” Turns out she was choking on her piece of chicken. Things went south after that, as I was trapped between close tables and the person next to us had to give her the Heimlich maneuver

So just ask yourself: Why would you ever want to commit to hanging out with someone in a difficult situation?