Dinner Date Etiquette

Dating etiquette is a matter of being respectful and appropriate. Here are a few things to think about before you go on a dinner date with your online date.

Choose somewhere nice

It might sound obvious, but don’t choose a fast food restaurant for your first date. On the other hand, an expensive restaurant can be a little intimidating on a first date.

Arrive on time

There’s fashionably late and there’s downright rude. Try to arrive as close to your arranged meeting time as possible, so that you’re not waiting around for ages, or forcing your date to wait nervously for your arrival.

Dress appropriately

Scruffy and unwashed is never a good idea for a dinner date; so your first consideration should make making sure that you are clean and fresh smelling. Next, choose a nice, clean outfit that fits in with your venue.

Don’t start without them

Even if you’re feeling a little peckish, it is not a good idea to sit down and start eating before your date arrives, even if they have arrived a bit late.

Order something similar to one another

Things can get rather awkward if one person orders a five course set menu, while the other person orders just a main course. When you’re looking at the menu, ask what your date fancies, so that you know that you can both agree on which courses you plan to have.

Don’t get drunk

If you like to have a drink or two with dinner, that’s perfectly OK. However, try not to drink too much as it can give the wrong impression.

Offer to split the bill

Even if you’re sure that your date would like to pay, at least offer to split the bill. If your date insists upon paying the whole bill, offer to pay the tip, or to buy a coffee after.