DO THIS BEFORE Meeting for the First Time Offline

Valeria Kozlov
6 min readMar 11, 2020

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Have you ever tried signing up on dating sites to start an online relationship?

There is no more stigma surrounding this non-traditional way of meeting. Research and experiences have shown that there are numerous significant advantages to it.

Meeting your online date for the first time shouldn’t be anything less than fun and exciting. | Photo by fung lam on Unsplash

So it is certainly not surprising that more and more men continue to join this rising trend nowadays.

Maybe a friend of yours has met the love of their life by swiping right? Or someone close to you learned the beauty of socializing through an online date?

While there is not much difference from a relationship that started virtually and one that developed in person, there are still certain rules to follow and keep in mind.

Yes, falling in love online without meeting in person is possible, but you have to make sure that you’re on the safe side.

And don’t worry, these aren’t laborious tasks.

These rules are laid out for you and your date’s sake. Remember, safety and enjoyment are equally important.

Scroll down below to discover how you can ace your first date with that special someone.

Learn about your date’s online profile.

Learn as much as you can about your online date before meeting them in person. | Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

We aren’t planting any doubts here, but it pays to be sure and out of harm’s way.

Because you are basically meeting a stranger, you have to at least set up a safety net, and the first level would be knowing who your date actually is.

Since you met online, it is only smart to read through their profile before agreeing to see each other in person.

With that, you will have a good idea about their lifestyle, likes and dislikes, and even about their work and family.

It’s not snooping around when these things are shared on a public profile.

Plus, you both understand that knowing about each other’s background is a good way to build trust and connection, right?

And, hey, who wouldn’t fall for someone who is attentive to your interests?

Simply have a review of the person’s profile.

Not only will you be certain of who this person is, but you’ll also be able to find an endless list of conversation topics.

It’s a win-win situation if you ask us.

Have your date in a public place.

Meet your online date at a safe, comfortable place. | Photo by Martin Courreges on Unsplash

As mentioned, we are not assuming that any woman you meet online is a potential romance scam artist, but it’s way better and safer to opt for a date where many people are present than in a secluded area.

It doesn’t matter if your first date isn’t that intimate. Having a picnic at the park is still something many couples do, just so you know.

This gesture is not only a good thing for you, but it also shows how much you consider your date’s comfort.

Ask ahead if they have a place in mind to collaborate on a fun idea. This way, you can both look forward to your special first date.

Another tip you might want to consider is to check in with a trusted friend or family member before and after your date.

Let them know you are fine and back home safe.

Temper those sky-high expectations.

Expecting too much from your online date can shatter a supposedly fun time together. | Photo by Rosie Fraser on Unsplash

First dates are fun, exciting, and something we all love looking forward to.

But these things shouldn’t be a reason for you to hold your partner to an incredibly impossible standard, be it in terms of beauty, intelligence, wit, or financial capability.

You may have come up with such ideas because of something you read on their profile, including what your giddy brain might have conjured.

These are entertaining thoughts, yes, but they can also spoil the event for you when you find out that reality does not always match up to your expectations.

Also, avoid starting the day with pessimism at all costs.

No one wants another person’s negativity to suck up the fun, especially on a date.

Simply find that balance between being positive and keeping it real.

Casual is always the key.

Keep it chill and casual with your online date. | Photo by Wil Stewart on Unsplash

If it is an agreed upon idea to dress up and be fancy on your first meeting, then that’s absolutely fine.

Then again, be sure to keep it simple and charming.

There’s no need to stress yourself out with over-the-top gestures and planning.

Do you think your date will enjoy the rigidity of such an experience?

Think about it, meeting for the first time can be awkward, so having to take note of strict rules at a five-star restaurant you chose to dine in can only make things more troublesome.

You want to be able to open up to each other and feel comfortable throughout your time together, so take the option of going for a light dinner and having drinks afterward. If not, you can go watch a movie or play arcade games.

The good thing about this tip is that you won’t feel any pressure to amp up your game for the next possible dates, and that there will be no regrets even if it were your first and last one.

Enjoy the experience.

Enjoy every moment you share with your online date. | Photo by Joanna Nix on Unsplash

This is an obvious rule that needs emphasizing.

Why? Because it is your reward for investing time and effort on your first date.

You may not always know what to expect on a first date, but if it’s a success, you can only have yourself to thank.

Also, meeting someone new is already an awesome treat in itself!

You get to connect with someone — a woman who could possibly build a romantic relationship with you, and you get to learn a lot of things, both from your date and the whole experience.

Stay true to who you are and what you show on your online profile.

Your date agreed to spend time with you, so that must mean that you were able to pique their interest.

Do not overthink things, relax, and simply enjoy the moment.

First dates can be exciting and at the same time, surprising.

The Takeaway

While meeting someone you have only known virtually can be scary, awkward, and nerve-wracking, there are effective steps you can take to ensure a fun, safe, and memorable time together.

Remember not to let the butterflies in your stomach take over your cool and rational thinking.

Simply consider these dating tips and rules when it comes to meeting your online date in person and we are sure that everything will work out just fine.

Good luck and we hope that this date will be the start of a happy and fulfilling journey.

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Valeria Kozlov
Valeria Kozlov

Written by Valeria Kozlov

Matchmaker Advisor for Date Sites

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