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In This Article
- Why coffee is the superior first date choice
- How to suggest a coffee date
- How long should a coffee date last?
- What type of coffee shop to choose
- What to wear on a coffee date
- Shall we go somewhere else?
- Leaving a bad date with dignity
- The Bottom Line
Why coffee is the superior first date choice
Coffee is the better first date choice for many practical reasons. First, the expectations and demands are much lower. Second, those more interesting dates are always available for a follow-up date. If you start straight away with the longer, more extravagant dates, where do you go from there?
Why coffee dates are better than dinner
Going for dinner on a first date sets expectations a little too high for two people who may not know each other so intimately. Dinner is naturally more formal and lasts longer, usually up to two hours. What if it does not work out in the first half an hour? You are now stuck there and must watch each other eat, perhaps incorrectly if you are uninitiated in dining etiquette.
Why coffee dates are better than drinks
Coffee dates are better than just drinks because you want to get to know the person in front of you as much as you want them to get to know you. Drinks on a first date are not off-limits, especially if you need some Dutch courage, but people can get carried away too quickly.
How to suggest a coffee date
There are two scenarios in which you suggest coffee as a first date. First, you have cold approached someone on the street and want to suggest meeting up, in which case coffee is the perfect suggestion as it feels casual and relaxed enough to make it a tempting offer. Second, you have invited somebody out and want to spend the day with them, which you make clear.
How long should a coffee date last?
The beauty of coffee dates is that they can last as long as you want, provided everything is going marvelously. In general, you should set aside 30-60 minutes.
What type of coffee shop to choose
The more interesting the coffee shop, the better. Use your surroundings to initiate conversation when it runs into a sudden stop or awkward moment.
What to wear on a coffee date
Treat any first date the same regardless of where you go: dress well, comfortably, and honestly. Elevated casual is the order for coffee dates.
Shall we go somewhere else?
When things go well, you can suggest moving to a different location. Plan beforehand for possible venues to continue the date.
Leaving a bad date with dignity
Coffee dates make leaving seem less dramatic because nobody expects them to go on for too long anyway. Ask your date what plans they have today to facilitate an exit.
The Bottom Line
A coffee date is more than just a casual meeting over a cup of brew—it is a strategic choice that allows you to ease into a new connection with minimal pressure. Whether the date blossoms into something more or ends quickly, coffee dates remain a superior first date option.