the first date rules i actually follow

If you’ve been here for a while you know that I’m an expert on paper when it comes dating, but not always in real life. But! There are some things that I’m improving upon — if not freaking excelling at thankyouverymuch — and one of them is the first date.

I’m good at first dates. I’ve previously written about how I don’t get nervous before first dates and I really don’t! And I still don’t. That helps a ton. And so does having a premade “go to” list when it comes to a first date. This probably does help with nerves (if I got nervous in the first place, humblebrag) and it most definitely helps with ease and fun, which are my two basic goals for a first date.

I’ve realized that almost everything I do on a first date is a repeat. I wear the same outfit, choose similar activities, ask one of the same questions, and even follow the same post-date ritual. It’s not because I’m superstitious. It’s because having a personal set of “rules” takes the pressure off. Instead of spending energy decid…