So yesterday I had a coffee date with a woman (she's only 4 days younger than me, which is a nice change of pace) whom I had met on OKCupid. She messaged me first, but that's because I had already deleted all of my other dating apps and profiles on most of those sites and had just forgot about that one. We've been talking now for about 5 weeks or so. It went well. Afterwards, we went to dinner at Denny's (it was the closest nearby restaurant) and since I paid for coffee she paid for dinner. I may be a gentleman, but I have no problem with women who want to contribute and not let the man pay for everything LOL
I didn't kiss her, but then again I'm a little old-fashioned that way. If the moment had come up, I would have gone for it, but it didn't, and that's OK also. I prefer waiting for the second or third date, and my personal belief is it shouldn't be out in the open in front of everybody. What if we both tilt our heads the same way? What if our noses bump? You know, things of that nature. If they happen in private, we would share a laugh (hopefully) and try it again. Out in public, that can kill the mood, especially if someone sees and laughs at it. Yes, I know that I shouldn't give a fuck what some stranger thinks, but since I can be self-conscious at times, that would do it for me :/
Now, I don't know if ladies do this (the equivalent, as it were), but I've talked to a lot of guy friends and they all admit they've done it. If I'm going on a first date (or second), or if I'm going to hang out with my friends at a bar or a party where there might be new people to meet, I make sure that I empty the chamber, as it were. Yes, I know that may be TMI, but there it is. I personally feel that by doing that, I make sure that the big head makes all of the decisions, since the little head is quiet and content at that point. This allows me to completely focus on being charming, attentive, gracious...a gentleman. Since I'm not worried about misreading any signals, this allows me to give her (if there is a her there) all of my attention. I've never made a mistake (went home with someone I shouldn't have), or hit on someone who was just being a little flirty and friendly, so it must work IMO
Not sure if anyone else has any stories like that since for a lot of you, you've either been in a LTR or went from being good friends to dating, so there may never have been that awkward first date (0r one that you can remember). If there is, I would love to hear your stories :)