Our Top Date Night Dos & Don’ts
Dating is hard – everyone knows it. But there a few handy tips that can transform any date from train wreck to triumph. Here are our top date night tips, and trust us, we’ve seen it all!
Do’s & Don’ts
DO: Make a booking
Planning ahead is sexy! It means that you care enough about your date to create a fun experience. Plus, nothing is a greater mood killer than when you have to walk in your not-very-comfortable heels from restaurant to restaurant, trying to find somewhere that isn’t fully booked. And there’s no excuse when we’re leaving a booking link right here…
DON’T: Leave your date waiting
There’s no such thing as fashionably late on a date! You can be fashionably late for party’s but not for a date. Don’t let them start the night waiting at the table on their own feeling awkward and embarrassed wondering if they have been stood up.
DO: Mix it up to make it a special occasion
To mark a special occasion, venture outside of your normal order with special treat. Why not indulge in a lake side picnic with your SO. Leave the food and drink to us and pre-order your romantically themed grazing hamper prepared fresh and ready to pick up from First Edition Canberra Restaurant on Sunday 14th. Pre-Order Now or find out more.
DON’T: Chew with your mouth open
No one, I repeat, no one, wants to see your half chewed food. The only thing worse than that is talking with a mouth full of food.
DO: Dress to impress
You want to look your best, but make sure your best is something you can walk, talk and eat in. Besides, putting effort into your appearance before the date will boost your confidence.
DON’T: Consume pungent foods
This ‘don’t’ starts before you’re seated and handed a menu. Check out the menu before you arrive. First Edition’s new summer menu is filled with delicious, plant-based options and fruits and vegetable are known to improve the smell of your breath! At the very least make sure you have breath mints available. Check out the new menu here.
DO: Have discussion topics ready before hand
A foolproof way to keep the conversation flowing is to ask questions about your date. Keep the topics light-hearted (family, friends, hobbies, pets). Here are some ideas; Where is the nicest place you’ve been?, Do you have a favourite author?, If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?, If there was an Olympics for everyday activities, what activity would you have a good chance at winning? Where would your first holiday be when international travel opens?
DON’T: Talk about politics, work or controversial topics
Avoid discussing topics like work, politics and social issues unless you know you and your date enjoy these topics and see eye to eye. Tensions can easily build with these discussions and quickly get out of hand. Save discussions about deeper or more controversial topics, at least until the second date.
DO: Compliment your date
When complimenting your date, aim for something more personalised than “you look nice”. If there’s a particular feature you really like about your date, whether it’s the colour of their shirt or the smell of their cologne, let them know!
DON’T: Check your phone
It’s hard to go 2 minutes without checking your phone let alone 2 hours. But what’s even harder is having to sit through a date with someone who clearly thinks their phone is more important and interesting than you. Put it on silent or leave it in the car.
DO: Bring a small gift – flowers or chocolates
Chivalry isn’t dead. If this is an anniversary, birthday or other special occasion you should not turn up empty handed. For a first date or budding relationship something small like flowers or chocolates is nice. However, if you’ve been dating for some time, you know what they say… “diamonds are a girl’s best friend!” and while “food is the way to a man’s heart” you can’t go wrong with nice watch or pair of cufflinks.
DO: Be honest
Make sure you have the best start to your relationship by being honest. It’s natural to want to impress your date, however saying you make the best Pad Thai because your date loves Thai food when you don’t even know the key ingredients can leave you stuck when she says “I’d love to try it sometime”. You should always be proud of expressing who you are and what your interests are and if it doesn’t sit well with them, they may not be the right person for you. You’ll feel better and more comfortable and may find more interesting topics to connect with when you’re honest.
DON’T: Assume who is going to pay the bill!
This topic of conversation can often result in a few awkward moments at the end of any date and while it is uncomfortable, it’s best to be on the same page. Thankfully, lots of people seem happy to split these days but don’t assume anything. Always offer to split and be prepared to actually split the bill.
DO: ENJOY YOURSElf!!
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BONUS TIPS FOR MEN: While not essential here are some pointers to make your date feel extra special. Depending on the restaurant and your date you can choose to pull their chair out for them. If the wait staff don’t pour the water, it’s always nice to offer to pour your dates glass before you pour your own.