Using an online dating site or professional dating service to help you meet someone new can be an effective way to get to that first date. Whichever method you choose will help match you with others who have the potential to be attractive to you and compatible with you. But, once that date is set, what should you and your match do to spend time together and get to know each other?
There are some definite benefits to choosing a simple workday lunch date for your first meeting. Here is what a lunch date does and does not do.
* A lunch date in St. Louis, particularly one on a weekday, has a specified time limit. Most people are taking time away from work to meet for lunch, and only have about an hour. There’s no pressure to have a long conversation or spend two or three hours together, because it simply isn’t possible. If you have a terrible time, at least you know it’s only an hour of your time. If you have a great time, it will leave you wanting more so you’ll be more likely to make an effort to see each other again.
* You will get to the point. Another benefit to the short time limit of a lunch date is the fact that it forces the two of you to get to the point of getting to know each other. You have a simple goal, which is to decide if you want to see each other again, and you only have one hour to get to that goal, making the whole experience very efficient.
* A lunch date doesn’t feel so much like a date. This benefit is purely psychological, but it is powerful. Lunch just doesn’t feel like a romantic date or have the same level of expectation attached to it as a dinner date. Even happy hour is more fraught with expectation because there’s always the question as to whether you should stretch happy hour into dinner. Lunch is quick, easy and casual, so it takes a lot of pressure off the date.
If lunch during the workday is not possible, a weekend lunch or brunch is a good option, too. Just be sure to set the expectation that the date will be short and casual by letting the other person know you have an appointment or plans after lunch.
There are many ways to have your first date with a new match. But, for a fun, relaxed time with the expectations already set, there’s nothing better than choosing a workday lunch date in St. Louis.
