5 Survival Tips for a First Date in NYC
You’ve got a first date on the books, great stuff. Now, do yourself a favor and forget what you know about the rules of dating. This isn’t high school. This is New York. Fast paced. Fickle. Dating is more sport than social in this metropolis. Put one foot wrong and you can wave goodbye to that second date. It’s okay though, we’re here to help.
1. PICK THE RIGHT SPOT
New Yorkers like to think they’ve seen it all. Use it to your advantage. That hole-in-the-wall pizza place that you and only you know of? Take them there. That indie-cinema showing your favorite Alfred Hitchcock movie? There. Give yourself some credit and use what you know. If it’s a regular haunt, even better. What’s cooler than a bartender glancing in your direction and saying “the usual?”
2. BE DECISIVE
Things move pretty fast in NYC. Give anyone a reason to pass you over and they will. Given the sheer number of singles in the city you don’t wanna give them a shred of doubt. Be sure of yourself, confident. Sane. If you pick a date spot then follow through with your plans, it will speak volumes about your character.
3. AVOID AWKWARD TOPICS OF CONVERSATION
Religion, politics, how much you’re paying in rent. Steer clear of these conversational powderkegs. You’re a utilitarian, they’re into virtue ethics. Who the fuck cares? There’s a time and place for that, and it’s not on a first date. 65% of New Yorkers agree, the odds are stacked against you.
4. LISTEN. CAREFULLY.
People like to talk about themselves, it’s only natural. What’s important is that you really listen. Are they talking about exes? Are they broody? Are they just looking for someone to move in with and share the rent? Red flags just look like flags when you’re wearing rose tinted glasses.
5. FOR GOD’S SAKE, JUST BE YOURSELF.
Clichéd? Yes. Bad advice? Hell no. Trying to be something you’re not is the unsexist thing imaginable. New Yorker’s can tolerate some weird so just let your guard down. Find someone compatible with you, not the distorted version you were planning on embodying. If you like Whitney Houston, just say so. It’s easier this way.
Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments.
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