You always want to make a good first impression on a date, but did you ever consider that your suggestion for the date could be making the first impression for you? Here are a few common date suggestions, what they communicate, and how to up the ante on your suggestion to make that first impression a little more refined.
Coffee Shop: This is a classic date where the coffee is just an excuse for two people to get to know each other. On the one hand, the coffee date makes you look pretty "safe," but on the other hand, there aren't any gimmicks or distractions, so it's earnest and suggests you're confident enough to carry the date on your conversation and wit alone. HowAboutWe's stats claim that if you pair grabbing coffee with a second activity, you're four times more likely to get a response.
Dance Club: This is an exciting date suggestion and one that most women would be happy to hear. This shows that you're bold, sensual, and not too self-conscious. Plus, a rush of endorphins coupled with some flirtatious dance moves never did a date any harm… HowAboutWe's stats show that dancing dates tend to be more spontaneously posted, as one-third are posted within 48 hours of the event.
Museum/Art Gallery: This shows that you're culturally savvy and want to discuss topics a little more complex than Kim Kardashian's latest Twitter feud. HowAboutWe's stats state that the most replied-to cultural dates are the ones that suggest a specific exhibit or show.
Bike Riding/Rock Climbing: This suggests that you're healthy, adventurous and energetic. Being outdoors generally puts people in a good mood anyway, but many studies show that experiencing a thrill or an adventure with someone is likely to bond you romantically because of the rush of dopamine you both feel. HowAboutWe's stats state that more than half of the dates on their site involve an active aspect and three-quarters of those dates end with a drink — get wound up, and then unwind.
Book Store/Music Store: This is a good way to showcase that art is important to you. You can narrow down your audience even more by suggesting a specific author signing or genre of music.
Dinner and a Movie: This is the rom-com classic, but it's a tried-and-true old standard and as long as the company's good, no one will fault you for it. HowAboutWe's stats show that while dinner is generally the most popular meal for first dates, folks on the West Coast also like to suggest brunch, whereas folks on the East Coast suggest dessert.
Bar: This may allude to a little anxiety on your part, but let's be real, everyone's nervous on a first date. According to HowAboutWe's stats, 62% of dates posted involve alcohol. You're excited to get to know someone new, but you need a little help loosening your tongue. Even the more eclectic or adventurous dates often end in drinks. HowAboutWe's stats have found that "dates that mention a specific cocktail, type of beer, or location are responded to 3x as often" as those that just suggest a drink.
