How Do I End A First Date?

Make no mistake, first dates have but one aim, which is to ensure a second date.

Our natural instinct is to complicate the first date by imbuing it with too much stuff: There's no way to convey just what a beautiful/worthy/honest/sexy fox with exemplary hygiene you are in a few minutes. So don't even try. Do. Not Try.

Instead:

1. Smile.

2. Listen.

3. Ask follow-up questions as if you are listening.

4. Be gracious.

5. Talk honestly - and briefly - about yourself without filtering.

That's more than good enough. Remember, you have both probably decided upon second-date worthiness within the first five minutes, so all we're attempting at this point is to not mess up.

Now for the parting. Recognize that whatever socialization your dating partner has undergone in their life will determine how they behave. Folks from smoochy and huggy families will tend towards more physicality;more stand-offishly trained individuals might not.

Frankly, if you can't see immediately which way to move, I'd ask. Make a joke of it. Say something like...

You know, I wonder if it's okay with you if I say good-bye with a hug?

...or whatever works for you and the vibe.

Believe me, men, communicating something like that will be deemed cute, gentlemanly and self-deprecating, all qualities that will stand you in good stead where it matters most - in the eyes of her girlfriends.




Bottoms Up, Hug-Monsters.