So he’s finally asked you out. Now you need to decide what to wear. Hair up or down? You want to look sexy, but still casual. When you get there, do you hug? Kiss him on the cheek? Give him an awkward wave? First dates can be almost as nerve-racking as a job interview.
To lessen the stress load a little bit on your next first date, we’ve surveyed 17 college guys about the ins and outs of a first date (and what they’re thinking along the way). It’s nice to know they’re usually just as nervous as we are.
Here’s what the guys dished about going out with you that very first time.
Where He Wants to Have the Date
Dinner and drinks is always a classic go-to for a first date. Our boys know this – 35 percent of them chose dinner and drinks for their date of choice. Another 30 percent, though, said they’d rather do something fun with you during the day. This might be a bit surprising, but we actually love this idea. It’s a little more causal than a dinner date and it lets you both feel more relaxed and in your element. Keep this in mind when he asks you on the date. Your first instinct might be to just keep evenings free for time with him, but our survey says leave open a weekend afternoon just in case!
What He’s Thinking Before the Date
While some boys are consumed by nervousness before a date, others are simply hoping for the best. Zachary, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute ’15, said he thinks about all of the things that could possibly go wrong. Andrew, Brewster Academy ’12, said he wonders, “What should I say first?” We wish we could put these poor boys at ease and calm their nerves. Here’s what some of the others had to say about their pre-date butterflies:
- “Don’t mess this up.” Taylor, military.
- “Is she going to like me? Am I going to like her? What if she thinks this choice of date is lame?” Jason, George Washington University ’14.
- “Does this match?” Jim, Syracuse ’12.
- “If this is a blind date, I'm totally scared she'll be annoying or weird or something. But, if I was the one to ask her out, I'm just excited.” Lenny, Stanford University ’13.
- “I’m hoping the conversation goes well, I look okay, and that everything goes according to plan.” Forrest, Syracuse University ’12.
- “Stay calm. Have fun. Make her laugh. Be yourself.” Michael, Roger Williams University ’12.
- “Be on time.” Anonymous, University of California at Berkeley ’12.
After seeing these responses, we know what the guy needs as soon as you get there: reassurance that you’re excited to be on the date with him. Stop his stomach butterflies with a friendly smile, a quick “Great to see you,” and a hug when you arrive on the scene. We bet he’ll relax at least a little.
