An Honest Look At The Pros And Cons Of First Date Ideas

• It’s a good way to get to know a person (and if conversation sucks, you can just talk about the menu, or about an uglier couple sitting a few tables down).
• Restaurants offer alcoholic beverages — which can be a good backup plan if things go to crazy.
• Even if the date doesn’t go well, at least you ate at a nice restaurant.

• She might have a bogus food allergy — or worse, is vegan.
• With just a few drinks, the bill’s total can be ridiculously expensive.
• She may order the most expensive menu item and beverage, revealing her true intentions.
• Your waitress may make the assumption that you two are already dating, ultimately making for a super awkward conversation because the server is digging too deep for a tip.

• If the date was a dud, at least you got to see a movie (hopefully one you wanted to see anyway).
• You don’t have to do much, so there aren’t many ways to screw things up.

• You might have to watch a movie of her choosing (which, a good 90% of the time stars Katherine Heigl or Hugh Grant, who are the absolute worst).
• You’ll leave the date without knowing much (or anything) about the stranger whose movie ticket you just paid for.
• The concession stand is a glorified money pit under neon lights.
• You sit near that dude who likes to shout his film predictions during each scene.

• It’s super cheap.
• It’s non-committal. You don’t have to stay long. Maybe an hour — two, tops.
• Probably offers WiFi, so you can swipe on Tinder if your date isn’t going well.

Con:

• It’s totally reliant on conversation. So if she’s a dud, best of luck, dude.
• The coffee shop could be packed, making conversation (or finding a seat) impossible.
• She could be one of those horrendous people whose coffee order sounds like an essay in the New Yorker.

• You’re guaranteed to get some action: a handy, at the very least.
• You get two or three films for the price of one.
• You can easily ditch the concession stand and bring your own food.
• If she’s up for hiding, you only have to pay for yourself (kind of joking with this one, but kind of not).

• The screens are usually a shitty quality, so you’re essentially hearing — not watching — the movie
• If an SUV or larger size vehicle pulls in front of you, you aren’t seeing shit.
• If somebody at the same screen is an idiot and turns on their headlights, the film’s already hindered quality is completely ruined

• You’re taking her to a goddamn concert, she’s going to love you already.
• Live music is great no matter who you’re with.
• If a love song comes on and you throw your arm around her, you’re golden.

• You can’t hear shit. So you guys won’t be talking.
• Depending on who you’re seeing (a local punk band or Paul McCartney), you could be spending your rent money on said date.

• Like coffee, going for drinks is non-committal.
• Alcohol will make conversation easier.

• You might go overboard with your libations and make an ass out of yourself.
• You’ll bring up something you shouldn’t — an ex, an affinity for Power Rangers paraphernalia, etc.
• You drink too much and offer her a ride home, which she’ll find irresponsible.

• Even if you can’t dance, a woman likes a man who attempts to put himself out there.
• It’s a bold idea — shows her you’ve got balls.

• Dancing? Dude, you can’t dance, what are you doing?
• She might be a piss-poor dancer as well.
• The music could be awful.
• The whole date could just be an awkward mess of limbs.
• You know what, don’t do this as a first date. It’s a bad idea.

Related: First Date Thoughts: Hers Versus His