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First Dates

The first date requires time to get to know one another, and should be shorter than other dates. As a safety measure, you should each drive separately to your date and meet at a place that is centrally located for both of you. The reason for this is to prevent you from getting stuck with a boring (or weird) date.

A coffee date works best for first dates, because there are several located in every neighborhood and a lot of people come and go. A good tactic is to tell your date ahead of time that you can only meet for an hour, and that way you'll have an "out" if you should need to end the date early. If you had a good time, you can always schedule another longer date after that.

After that very first date, you should choose activities that allow you to get to know your date in small doses. Great date ideas for first or second dates include:

• Going for a short walk in a public area.
• Meeting for lunch at a romantic restaurant.
• Browse the local strip mall and do some light shopping.
• Hanging out at the bookstore with a big cup of java.
• Drinks at a local bar.
• A stroll through the local zoo or pet store.
• Making dinner together (where you each get to show off your cooking skills.)
• A trip to the Planetarium.
• A wine tasting.

Related: How the Dating Mistakes of Your 20s Benefit You Now