Checklist: Text-First Dating Before You Meet in Person ― Because Love in the Time of Swiping is a Real Thing!
Are you tired of swiping left and right, only to end up on a date with a serial killer? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Here’s a pre-meeting checklist to ensure you’re not, well, dinner․
Check if they’ve done a background check on you (just kidding, that’s not a thing․․․ or is it?)․ Seriously though, do your research and follow these simple steps to avoid a date disaster!
“I told my wife she was drawing her eyebrows too high․ She looked surprised․” Don’t be surprised if your date goes wrong ― be prepared!
- Verify their identity (Google is your BFF)
- Don’t be too eager (save the enthusiasm for the actual date)
Follow these simple rules and you might just avoid a Hot Mess Express!
The Pre-Game Show: Getting to Know Someone Online
Before you meet in person, it’s a good idea to get to know someone online ― but don’t get too comfortable, you’re not married yet! Keep the conversation light and fun, like a Netflix and chill․․․ with your grandma kind of vibe․ Ask them about their favorite hobbies, or what they like to do on a Sunday afternoon (bonus points if they say “watching Netflix”!)․
- Don’t pry too much, you’re not a detective (yet)
- Keep the emojis to a minimum ― you’re not 15
- Be yourself, unless you can be a unicorn, then be a unicorn (just kidding, be yourself)
- No excessive complimenting (you’re not a salesperson)
- Don’t be too pushy (it’s not a timeshare presentation)
- Avoid being too negative (nobody likes a Grinch)
- Shower, dress, and groom yourself (no, really, do it)
- Plan a fun activity (not a funeral or a root canal)
- Arrive on time (or slightly late, but not too late)
- Keep it light and casual (no need to reveal your deepest secrets․․․ yet)
- Ask open-ended questions (bye-bye, yes/no answers)
- Be yourself (or a slightly more charming version, remember?)
- Tell a friend about your date (and by friend, we mean your mom, your BFF, and your cat)
- Meet in a public place (no, your garage doesn’t count)
- Keep your personal info personal (don’t spill the beans, or your address)
As the great philosopher, Dolly Parton, once said, “If you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain․” So, get ready to weather the storm and have some fun getting to know someone new!
Dating App Etiquette 101: Don’t Be a Creep
Don’t be that person who sends unsolicited dick pics or asks for “nudes, pls”․ That’s just not cool, dude․ Keep it classy and be respectful․
Remember, you’re trying to win them over, not scare them off!
As the saying goes, “You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar․” So, be sweet, be kind, and for the love of all things good, don’t be creepy! Be genuine, be funny, and maybe, just maybe, you’ll score a date!
First Date Preparation: Don’t Be a Hot Mess
It’s the day of the big date, and you’re freaking out! Relax, take a deep breath, and remember that you’re not trying to win a Pulitzer Prize for “Most Interesting Conversation”․ Just be yourself, unless you can be a slightly more charming version of yourself, then be that․
As the great philosopher, Ferris Bueller, once said, “Life moves pretty fast․ If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it․” So, take a moment to chill out, and enjoy the ride! And if all else fails, just pretend you’re on a coffee date with your BFF – it’s all about faking it till you make it!
Pre-Date Communication: The Secret to a Successful Date
Pre-date convos are like the CliffNotes of your potential relationship – they give you a sneak peek into what’s to come! So, what to talk about? “What’s your favorite hobby?” is a good start, but “Do you like pineapples on pizza?” is a great conversation starter (just kidding, don’t ask that)․
As the saying goes, “The way to a person’s heart is through their stomach”, but we think it’s more like “The way to a successful date is through good conversation”․ So, chat away and see where it takes you! And if you’re feeling stuck, just ask: “If you were a pizza topping, what would you be and why?” (just kidding, don’t do that either)․
Safe Online Dating Practices: Don’t Be a Victim
Online dating can be a wild ride, but don’t get too wild! Keep your wits about you and remember: if it seems too good (or bad) to be true, it probably is․ As the great philosopher, Fernando Pessoa, once said, “Love is a temporary madness․ It erupts, and then subsides․ And when it subsides, you have to make a decision․” Make a decision to stay safe, that is!
By following these simple steps, you’ll be safer than a kitten in a blanket fort! And if your date turns out to be a creep, just remember: “There’s a fine line between love and a restraining order․” Stay on the right side of that line!
“If you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain” is my new life motto! Thanks, Dolly Parton, for the dating wisdom. And thanks, article, for the laughs and the solid advice!
I never knew dating could be so much like a job interview! “Tell me about yourself,” “What are your hobbies?” Who knew romance was just a series of carefully crafted questions?
I love how this article says “be yourself, unless you can be a unicorn, then be a unicorn”! I mean, who wouldn’t want to be a unicorn on a date? Just imagine the Instagram stories!
“Don’t be a creep” is my new dating mantra! I mean, who hasn’t sent an unsolicited dick pic by accident… oh wait, that’s just not a thing I want to admit to. Thanks for the advice, article!