But when your date begins, you realise an awful thing: this is a huge mistake. Not the person in front of you – we’re talking about the terrible activity you’ve arranged, as likely as a wet noodle to encourage desire in your opposite number. The scene of a meet-up is crucial to having it play out favourably. Hence, we’re mapping out the worst date locations, saving you from a cock-up.

The pool hall

Contrary to what American cinema might teach us, very few romances start out over a game of pool or snooker. For one thing, these places are dingy, stung with the smell of cheap whiskey and microwaved chips. Your sensations will be overwhelmed long before the date rests his or her arm on the bar flap, accidentally smearing themselves in someone’s run-off pint foam.

Yes, it can be quite flirty to teach each other how to play, holding arms and cues and so forth. Yet for the uninitiated, there’s no joy to be had – they’ll be gasping for fresh air long before the white ball slides into a pocket for the fortieth time.

The shopping mall

Indeed, we’re fond of window shopping ourselves, but it’s really a bit of a drag when you’re looking for some focus to a date. Milling about between shops, cafes and benches that wouldn’t seem out of place in a dentist’s surgery is a pleasure reserved for 14 year-olds at a loss for how to hold hands.

We’ve mentioned previously how dating cheapskates are a no-go, and a trip to the mall (just for the sake of it) might portray you as part of that tribe. Essentially, a meet-up should have some kind of structure, backed by a price tag that’ll nestle you comfortably with good food or drink. If there’s hardly any firm idea of what to do or where to go, you’ll be walking forever in circles, wondering why you didn’t just go to a park. At least they have the luscious glimmer of a lake to get the sparks flying.

The buffet restaurant

Having the skills to eat your own body weight in shrimp is a rare achievement – one, however, that should be kept under wraps until it’s clear your beau shares this enthusiasm. In terms of cheap date ideas, a buffet table is the honourable shrine of failure, sacrificing any notion of class for a £10 menu and limitless coke refills.

The whole point of an all-you-can-eat restaurant is to pig out, unashamedly, with people who don’t mind seeing BBQ sauce on your fingers. It’s highly probable that a guy or girl won’t be impressed by such a decision, even as they politely nibble from the pasta dish. Save the buffet excuse for your 20^th wedding anniversary when literally every other choice has been exhausted.

To paraphrase The Simpsons’  Troy McClure: now that you know how it’s done, don’t do it! These dating locations are a travesty, when you could be setting up a picnic, taking a beach trip, or lolling in each other’s arms to some live music. Relationships have a higher chance of igniting in the right conditions, and selecting what they are, exactly, sets the tone for a kiss or two.

But let’s not jump the gun just yet… sign up to a FreeAndSingle account, and stay away from the worst dating locations when you start to get lucky.

The post The Worst Date Locations Revealed appeared first on The FreeAndSingle Blog.

But, alas, life isn’t that rosy. It’s much more preferable to avoid these faux pas before they cannon your date to dust. Here are some thoughts for dodging romantic shrapnel…

1. Late appearances

The only adorably bad timekeeper was a certain white rabbit, and even he was moments from an aneurysm at the best of times. Running late stresses you the heck out, and gives your toe-tapping beau the impression of being a second thought. Arriving 10-15 minutes ahead of schedule gives you room to compose yourself, and erases the possibility of turning someone off before you’ve even said “hello”.

2. Getting deep

You grab their hand out of some misplaced permission, stroke it tenderly, and stare with meaning into the slowly-terrified eyes of your opposite number. “You know,” comes the whisper, “I think your cheekbones remind me of my best friend from high school. We’re not in touch anymore. Actually…” And before they know it, you’re knee-deep in an intense recollection, one that might sink this early, light-hearted stage of the courting process.

3. Regurgitating exes

When you organise a date, the implications are writ large on your pre-meet texts: this is a time for both of you to be in the here and now, to focus on what one person can represent for you. Therefore, it’s very, very advisable to swerve away from any ex-girlfriend/boyfriend talk. Even if someone royally screwed you over, there’s no cause to bring it up at this moment – you might look resentful, obsessive, or plain ignorant.

4. Overreaching

So we all want to make a splash with the venue of choice, evidencing how cultured and wholesome we are. The scales, however, can tilt too much towards pretension. Do you really need to have a £40 steak to impress someone, or order a bottle of champagne five minutes before her taxi’s due? Pomposity takes many forms, and one of those is trying too hard. Being okay with the basics is infinitely more virtuous.

5. Gift buying

News flash – it’s not the 1940’s! Seriously, you can create untold levels of awkwardness if you bring a gift to the meet-up. If you’re walking around for hours, your date now has to carry an expensive bouquet, don’t they, or wear some kind of novelty charm bracelet whilst ignoring your obvious glances at their wrist? Buying a present for someone before you’ve ascertained whether there’s ‘match potential’ is akin to slapping a big label on your head reading “I’m desperate”.

Now that you’ve seen what not to do, think before you date, and make that first meeting a bomb-free time for the two of you. It can be sweet to fail at seduction, but only if you do it in small doses. Any huge leaps into the waters of cringe will sink your stab at love, so keep it a casual, prepared, and moderate experience, with plenty of tact on the side.

The post 5 First Date Mistakes To Dodge appeared first on The FreeAndSingle Blog.

So don’t be left with a bad taste in your mouth again – here are some inspiring food choices to help you and your date chew the fat that little bit easier . . .

The Pleasure Platter 

Big mountains of snacks, such as nachos piled high with cheese and chilli, are a winner for good conversation. Since you’ll be nibbling instead of noshing, you can flirt over who gets the last jalapeno. Tapas is the next logical step if you fancy splashing a bit more money – be warned, though, that this might leave you both hungry for something more than attention as you try to resist getting a hamburger afterwards.

Fishing for Complements

The basics of carnivorous eating – pork, beef, a thousand chicken concoctions – are just that – obvious and fairly limited in terms of taste. You know what you’re getting with a good steak, but if this is all you go for when schmoozing someone, it might reinforce the sense of routine that shouldn’t be anywhere near your dating life.

Fish is a generally underappreciated romantic meal, yet there are so many diverse flavours awaiting the brazen pescatarian that it should be a crime to ignore them. A seafood medley is never boring; the mouthfuls you’ll offer to your other half will be charged with a feeling of ‘what can it be?!’, whilst providing humour when you reach the inevitable bone.

That Je Nais Se Quoi

Onto aphrodisiacs: yes, we had to mention them. Why wouldn’t we? They’re nature’s way of giving you a pat on the back for good luck. Everyone knows about the lustful powers of strawberries, chocolate, and oysters with champagne, but there are actually a ton of tastes somewhat proven to get you hot under the collar for the perfect love-in.

Chili peppers are a surprising example, although you’d think blinking through spicy tears would be more of a distraction than anything. Desserts and coffee-based drinks containing cinnamon or ginger are another gift for the synapses, speeding up your blood flow.

Are you sitting uncomfortably? Good. We want you to rush out and try these food ideas on the next date you come across. There’s definite merit to be found in sharing creative and intimate culinary ideas. Trust us – they’ll be eating up your every word if your appetite for life is similarly fresh and exciting!

For a sweet bite of the dating pie, join FreeAndSingle now to meet singles in your local area.

The post Good Taste: Food for Thought on a First Date appeared first on The FreeAndSingle Blog.

Seeing as this question can afflict all of us, with no guarantee that a bloke will come across as either heroic or practically extinct, it’s high time FreeAndSingle made the case for both sides of the argument. Read on to see what each side has to say, and judge for yourself which stance you think is right…

No

Many women find it hard to believe that a modern man would even offer to get the bill. In the eyes of a feminist, men have been treating women subordinately for a few thousand years at least. True equality still has a long way to go, but dammit, a girl shouldn’t have to feel like she’s incapable of paying for spaghetti bolognaise, right?

Insisting to pay the bill is, some argue, as bad as helping her on with her shoes in the morning – full of some misplaced sense of duty that isn’t really intended to lead anywhere but the bedroom. After all, it could be implied that your date is expected to pay you back in at least some capacity… Embracing girl power means no-one is left with an impression that a massive favour’s been done for them, regardless of how well the date went.

Yes

On the other hand . . . you get things for people you really like, don’t you? Paying for a girl could and should be a sign of your attraction to her. It’s not as if men just buy things for any random woman on the street. A date is an organised display of interest, and keeping her from paying may just be the icing on the cake for the start of a caring, considerate relationship.

Older generations got by fine on prescribed gender boundaries. And old-fashioned attitudes are romantic, aren’t they? Maybe some women want a guy who fits the mould of the white-horse-hero, the Mr. Right, a sturdy hunk of enforced politeness who smothers them in praise and refilled wine glasses. Taking the load off her shoulders could speak volumes about your confidence, capabilities, and your mission to make her happy.

If you’re reading this feeling incensed, you probably landed on one side of the date-paying fence a long time ago. However, there are many singletons who still find the arrival of the bill a battle of dating etiquette.

We’ll leave it up to you to know what you like best, but please don’t be shy to try your theory out on local singles in your area. Sign up to FreeAndSingle and get access to thousands of people with matchmaking opinions as strong as yours.

The post In Each Other’s Pockets: Should Men Pay for a First Date? appeared first on The FreeAndSingle Blog.

There’s a wealth of things to do for the dating extremist that are far more original for a first or second date. We’re here to push you in the right direction to an unforgettable day in which wine and roses are strictly forbidden. So without further ado, here are a few quirky first date ideas to inspire you:

The Theme Park

What better way to break the ice than looping around a rollercoaster track? The post-ride adrenaline will loosen you up; their hair will be windswept and thus automatically attractive, and in general you’ll have a blast while getting to know each other properly in the down time between attractions. There are plenty of bars, restaurants and gift shops at your average park to pepper the day with more standard pursuits, and you might even win them a prize from the claw machine.

Dance Class

Make a bold move by inviting your date to a dance lesson – tango, samba, or freestyle hip-hop will give you both a crack at impressing the other, safe in the knowledge that it’s completely okay to mess up. This form of first date isn’t for everyone, but it’s a sure-fire way to discover if your date is a barrel of laughs or a kill-joy who is reluctant to try anything new.

A Well-Chosen Gig

Live music has a propulsive energy that can make you fall in love with just about anyone. Memories are easily etched into our minds when there’s a brilliant soundtrack behind them, so choosing to see a band that you both agree on will catapult you into each other’s arms faster than a thrown drumstick.

The fantasy of meeting the girl or guy of your dreams at a rock show isn’t unachievable if you throw yourself into the mood of the gig, and if you genuinely share a love of the same artist.

Ice Skating

Don’t wait until winter to get your skates on – take your date to a skating rink and beam helplessly when the less experienced of you falls into the other’s grip, holding tightly to your side as the ice and the intimacy coalesce into after-date cuddles. If, miraculously, both of you are skilful at this, prepare to be the envy of simple pedestrians as you cut figures of eight and glide to untold lengths of ardour.

Being original with your first date ideas doesn’t actually take much more than communication. Finding a cool activity is simple when you’re both brainstorming and sharing ideas, which themselves are signs that the chemistry between you can’t be ignored. Ready to blow traditional dating out of the water? Sign up to FreeAndSingle today to get started!

The post Extreme Dating: Quirky First Date Ideas appeared first on The FreeAndSingle Blog.

Considering the white lies that are acceptable on a first date is a fine line between horror and genius; some fibs may be attractive or, dare we say, endearing once the ruse has been rumbled, but go too far and you’ve sunk it. Here are some that you might just get away with…

Fake a Language

“Voudrais-tu du vin?” You ask. She stares at you with saucer-ish eyes, slightly perplexed you’ve started down this track without a build-up. “Ahhhhh – magnifique!” The cork pops, and you feel the rush of celebration, coupled with the fact you don’t know any more French than could fit on the back of a postage stamp. But it doesn’t matter. For that moment, you are an international savant of mystery – we won’t tell if you don’t.

Geek Chic

The jumper is tight on your arms, and you haven’t mentioned the gym. Why would you? People who do are catastrophically boring. To score the winning goal, and let your date make the compliment for you, spin a yarn about the dark days of high school, when you were picked last for the football team and chased home by the big kids. They’ll be putty in your hands before you know it.

Be Overly Polite

How’s the steak? Burnt to a crisp? Bleeding from every pore? Too bad, because if you make a fuss, you’ll forever be that petty person who demanded a refund, scared the chef blue, turned the family get-together to your right into a cowering mess of hastily-zipped coats.

Getting annoyed at the small things on a date means you’re not seeing the bigger picture. Politeness goes a long way to keeping your bugbears on a leash. If your date is an awful dancer, don’t break their dreams of ballroom glory. Just smile, laugh, and join in.

You’re Definitely an Expert

Occupations define us somewhat, and the more niche your skill, the more interesting and exotic you’ll appear to be. Trot this one out carefully because if they get a slightest whiff of under-confidence, your date will just think you’re terrible at jokes.

Say you’re a geneticist who can spot a perfect complexion. Tell them your musical ear detects their voice is a B flat. For true romantics, explain the benefits of IT data inputs on your love life. If they’re a keeper, they’ll appreciate the effort.

White lies can be a fun and light-hearted way to charm and cajole your date. Get it right, and you’ll make your first encounter memorable for the right reasons. Just remember not to weave your web of lies too large, or it could be difficult to back out later down the line!

The post Acceptable White Lies for First Dates appeared first on The FreeAndSingle Blog.

So where should you choose for a first date, and which venues should you avoid at all costs? We take a look at the best and worst spots to bring your squeeze:

HOT – Restaurant

Cliché they may be, but restaurants are a tried-and-tested choice for a first date. The intimate atmosphere, the well-paced arrival of each course and the conversation starters of food and drink make a recipe for success when you’re getting to know someone for the first time.

NOT – The Cinema

Smooching on the back row may seem appealing, but when you’ve only just met your date, sitting in silence through a two-hour film can be a little awkward to say the least. If you are determined to find a partner who will watch Zoolander 2 with you, go out for dinner beforehand or head for drinks after, to ensure you get a chance to chat.

HOT – The Theatre

The theatre is a fantastic choice for a first date. It’s a little out of the ordinary, it will show that you’re cultured, and the interval will give you plenty of time to talk. Plus, if you’re savvy, you could squeeze in a pre-theatre meal beforehand, to wine and dine your date at a fraction of the price!

NOT – Comedy Club

Comedy nights are a risky choice for a first date. You may seem to have a similar sense of humour through your online dating conversations, but stand-up comedy can divide opinion and even cause offence if your date is easily shocked. Save it for the second or third date when you’re confident that they’ll remember it for the right reasons.

HOT – Bar

If you haven’t quite made up your mind about your date, suggest drinks at a bar. That way, you’re not committed to hours in one another’s company, so you can stay for as long as you like. Just beware of over-indulging on your first date; one thing may lead to another, or you could simply make a fool of yourself as the sober filter slips away…

NOT – Coffee Shop

There’s nothing sexy about grabbing an espresso on your lunch break. Dressed in your work uniform, with your afternoon workload on your mind and only 30 minutes to chat doesn’t lay the foundations for an intimate, lasting relationship at all. Save the lunch dates for those mates you haven’t seen in a few weeks.

Give your date the best possible chance of success, by choosing the perfect spot to spend some time together. Yet to find a date to whisk off his or her feet? Join FreeAndSingle to start chatting to local singletons today.

The post Best and Worst Spots for a First Date appeared first on The FreeAndSingle Blog.

To ensure that your restaurant date ends in romance, here are 5 key tips to help it run smoothly.

1. Be prepared

Sat face to face with your match, it’s easy to see why some singles view restaurant dates as an interview. However, handle the situation well and it’s an intimate opportunity to get to know your date. Be open, prepared to share and have a few questions that you want to ask your date too. There’s nothing worse than an awkward silence, especially at the dinner table.

2. Be clever with the cuisine

A huge rack of ribs smothered in BBQ sauce is oh so good, but definitely not date appropriate. Firstly, there’s a high chance that you’re going to drop the food on your carefully selected outfit. More importantly, there definitely isn’t a sexy way to eat a burger or hot dog. So stay clear of American diners and select your menu choices strategically.

3. Dress appropriately

Considering you’re at a restaurant, there’s no doubt that you’re going to want to eat a good, hearty meal. So don’t wear the tightest, most revealing dress, otherwise that food baby might be making an appearance. Similarly, a food pouch residing underneath your fitted shirt won’t do you any favours.

4. Know your limits

Everyone loves a glass of wine with their meal – who doesn’t enjoy a chilled glass of rose? Usually on a dinner date, you share a bottle of wine with your partner, but that doesn’t mean that you have to finish it. If you’re a lightweight and you know that alcohol goes straight to your head, hold back a little. You want to make a good impression: slurring your words as you drunkenly share the intimate details of your past relationships is unlikely to go down well.

5. Bring enough money to cover you both

Picture the scene – you’re having an amazing dinner. The food, exquisite. The company, delightful. The sparks, flying incredibly high. That is until the waiter brings the bill to your table and all is lost as you both stutter and squabble over who should pay.

There’s great debate on who should pay on dates. ‘She asked me out on the date so she should cover the bill’, ‘well he’s the man so he should pay’. Whatever your stance, don’t expect your date to foot the bill. Take enough to cover you both just in case, and if you can’t afford to pay for yourself, don’t go.

Restaurant dates are a recipe for success, if you pick the right venue and follow these golden rules. Yet to find someone special to take to dinner? Join the fun at FreeAndSingle today and you could be booking a table for two in no time!

The post 5 Golden Rules of a Restaurant Date appeared first on The FreeAndSingle Blog.

Chemistry in this sense of the word may not be an exact science, but when something sparks between you and your date, you’ll know. Here are a few tell-tale signs to look for when searching for chemistry in the dating world!

You finish each other’s sentences

Great minds think alike. You’ve barely known each other longer than a few hours, and yet you seem to be completely in sync. Feeling like you’re on the same wavelength is important in a relationship; it makes communicating easier, and understanding one another simple. So if you’re already finishing each other’s sentences, it’s a sign that you could be a good match.

You’ve got butterflies

First date nerves are normal, but if your tummy is still a-flutter halfway through the date despite things going well, it’s a telling sign that he or she is different. But don’t let your desire to impress get in the way of having a good time – if you’ve got chemistry, they probably feel exactly the same!

You’re teasing each other

If your date is making fun of the dimples in your cheeks, your menu choices, or your curious table habits, don’t panic. Joking around shows that you feel comfortable together; teasing is affectionate behaviour and a sure sign that he or she feels the same spark that you do. So don’t just sit there and take it – let down your guard and show your playful side too.

You’re getting physical

Chemistry brings us closer together. That accidental brush of the hand on the dinner table; that touch of the arm in a bar; these are all signs of sexual tension that can build up when you’re dating someone who makes you tick! If you’re finding excuses to get closer, you’re destined to be more than just friends.

You can’t stop smiling

Trying (unsuccessfully) to bring that beaming smile under control? Don’t! Although you may feel a little silly with a big grin plastered across your face, your date will be delighted that they are making you smile. We’re all looking for that special someone who makes us happy, so if he or she succeeds on those first few dates, follow your heart and see where it may take you!

Love works in mysterious ways, and it’s hard to define exactly what ‘chemistry’ is. But look out for these unmistakeable signs that you and your date click, and give him or her a chance if you think you have good chemistry. Still searching for someone who truly gets you? Start your dating journey today by signing up for free dating online.

The post 5 Unmistakeable Signs That You’ve Got Chemistry appeared first on The FreeAndSingle Blog.

Getting Ready

Start getting ready early, and take as long as you need. If you’re already nervous, fretting about arriving on time is the last thing you want to worry about, so make sure you know where you’re going and how long it takes to get there. First dates are all about first impressions, and being late never sets a good one!

This also gives you plenty of time to check yourself over in the mirror, readjust your tie, or redo those buttons, to ensure you look just right. When you leave the house, you can do so in the safe knowledge that yes, your flies are definitely done up or no, your bra is definitely not showing.

As for style, smart-casual always strikes a happy medium. Above all, be comfortable in what you’re wearing. If you’re confident about how you look in the mirror, that confidence will translate into your body language and behaviour. If you’re still worried, get a second opinion from a fashion-conscious friend or relative before you go.

Getting To Know Each Other

Remember, your date is probably just as nervous as you are. If they don’t look it, it probably just means they’re good at hiding it! Whatever happens, don’t panic. If a joke doesn’t pan out or a comment goes badly, move right on and forget about it. Having an opener always helps; it can be an interesting fact about yourself or a question for them, just prepare a few conversation starters to fall back on.

Asking about your date always goes down well. People like talking about themselves, and it’s a great way to kick-start a conversation. If you met online then you’ll already be a step ahead, as you’ve got access to a whole page of information written personally by your date: detailing their likes and dislikes, good conversations to start and maybe ones to avoid.

Just Be You

The key thing is to be yourself. Don’t sound like you’re reading from a script – be easy, casual and confident. Remember, if you’re on the date it means they like you already! Instead of fretting about presenting the very best possible version of yourself, show them the regular, happy, everyday you. The rest will come naturally!

Whatever happens, don’t raise the stakes too high in your head, and try not to beat yourself up if it doesn’t go the way you planned. A flawless first date is a rare thing, but that’s all part of the fun – just go out and have a good time! If you’ve yet to foray into the world of online dating, what better place to start than right here on freeandsingle.com?

Photo Credit: Barn Images

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