Online dating can be a tricky thing to get into the hang of – from choosing the most compatible people to talk to, to getting to know them and finally asking them out on that all-important first date. And indeed, many of these encounters will not even make it past the first date! But what if they do?

Coming on too strong can see a burgeoning relationship cut short before it’s even started, while not putting in enough effort could also get you dumped on the second date. It’s a fine line to tread! With this in mind, we’ve put together a guide to the sorts of things you might want to consider for dates one to five. After that you’re on your own!

Date 1: Swipe left or right?

Date one is probably the most important of any relationship – so how can you make sure it goes as smoothly as it possibly can?

It’s all very well talking to someone online, but when you meet them in person it could be awkward, your previous chemistry might not exist offline, or – the classic – they might look completely different to their pictures! Before you get completely put off the idea of online dating, however, remember you might be pleasantly surprised and end up liking them a whole lot more than you initially thought you would. 

So, what’s the right vibe for a first date? A romantic dinner and drinks? Probably not!

It’s the first date, you need to keep it relatively casual. Firstly, you don’t want to come on too strong, and secondly, you’re likely to go on a lot of first dates, both good and bad. You’re not going to like everyone that comes along, and you don’t want to be splashing the cash on every date that comes along. 

It’s also not a bad idea to give yourself a get out clause – mentioning you have to work early the next day before you meet can give you an excuse for later if you decide you need one.

For those that enjoy a drink – Dutch courage is never a bad thing in these situations, as long as you don’t go overboard! Keeping it casual, arrange for afterwork drinks at a bar in town. Where you arrange to meet should be somewhere that you love to go, as well as being a place you’ll be able to hold a decent conversation. If you or your date don’t fancy an alcoholic drink then consider going for a coffee instead – it’s still super casual and will enable you to get to know each other in a relaxed environment. 

Date 2: Have some fun!

Congratulations! You’ve made it through the first date! That means you’ve found someone you like (if you haven’t you should really reassess your decision to go on a second date with them). So what to do this time?

Hopefully you spent the first date getting to know the basics about each other, so while you still have a lot to learn, this date should be dedicated to having a good old time.

Think about your mutual interests – music, reading, writing, sport, food, film, outdoor activities, art etc – and suggest doing something you’ll both enjoy. Classic film buffs could head to a vintage movie festival, while art lovers could attend an exciting new exhibition, and those really into their music could take in a local gig. You get the picture! An event like that will give you an excuse to ask them out again, while also hopefully dispelling any residual awkwardness and giving you the opportunity to chat.

Date 2 is designed to help develop your opinion on your new love interest and see whether you think it’s worth taking further. 

Date 3: Pull out all the stops

Now you’re sure you like them it’s time to pull out all the stops and get your romance on.

Tailor your romancing to the type of thing you think they’ll like – you don’t have to sweep them off their feet with cliche flowers and chocolates, but then again you can do if that’s the sort of thing they’d be into! A romantic date can be anything from a candlelit meal for two to a walk in the park, or – the best option – doing something personal you know they’ll love, but other people wouldn’t necessarily deem ‘romantic’.

Just show them that they matter to you, you get what they’re about, and that you’re willing to put in a bit of effort, and they’ll feel on top of the world. How could they resist saying yes to another date?

Date 4: It’s time to get intimate

No this doesn’t necessarily mean what you think it does (although that’s all down to your own personal boundaries – no judgement here!). Date four is a good time to spend a quiet evening in together and see how you work as a couple.

Why not pick a Saturday or Sunday night and invite your date round in the late afternoon? Beforehand, buy all the groceries you need to cook a delicious meal, as well as your favourite tipple. When they arrive, crack open the wine (or equivalent drink of your choice), stick on some of your favourite tunes and put them to work in the kitchen. This might not sound like the most romantic task ever, but cooking together will give you a chance to see how well you work as a couple, and it can be fun too!

Set the table properly with plates and candles in order to best enjoy the fruits of your labours. This restaurant-style set-up will give you the chance to chat without being distracted while also showing how much thought you’ve put into it.

Afterwards, why not cuddle up on the couch with a glass of wine, a great film and some dessert? 

Date 5: Judgement day

Date five is still a bit early to introduce your new squeeze to your family, but there’s no harm in bringing a few friends in.

This doesn’t have to be anything formal – just invite your date along the next time you’re hanging out with your pals – whether it’s at your local pub quiz or you’re just having a film day or hosting a summer BBQ. Your mates are most likely to spot any compatibility red flags you’ve missed thus far, and it’s still early enough in the relationship for them to be totally honest with you. 

Hopefully they’ll all get along fantastically, and this will be the first of many times you all get to hang out together! Best of luck!ADNFCR-2867-ID-801780612-ADNFCR

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