10 Places to Avoid on First Date

May 20, 2013
by Tracey Lyles

I am the queen of first dates and while I normally like to keep the initial encounter low-key and casual (aka The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf), just so we can feel each other out and see if there’s any face-to-face chemistry and other commonality, lately I’ve been letting the guy decide when and where we’ll meet. And let me just tell you, I’ve been asked on some funny, weird and umm, shall I say “interesting” first dates.

Thus, I decided to have an impromptu pow wow with some friends to come up with this list. Without further ado, here are the 10 Places to Avoid on a First Date. Ladies and Gentlemen, listen up and take notes.

1. Spa–Don’t do it! I know it sounds tempting and very hard for a girl to ever turn down a pampering opportunity, but it’s a little too soon and too intimate for him to see you when you’re most vulnerable (in a white towel and robe with those funny-looking spa slippers!).

2. Gym–Yes, health and fitness should be at the top of everyone’s priority list but c’mon. I’m sure she’s going to put a lot of effort into looking good for you, so don’t mess it up by suggesting that you two go get hot and sweaty at the dang gym. Have some class.

3. McDonald’s–This is a tough one because personally Mickey D’s is one of my favs, especially since I’ve discovered the delicious Oreo McFlurry thanks to my niece Jordan. BUT…first impressions are everything so try to turn it up a notch when picking a place to get some grub.

4. Parents’ House–Well! Let’s see…talk about awkward. I don’t care if you need to stop by for a “quick minute” and I can wait in the car, it’s a no-no. I don’t want to meet your parents or be anywhere near them on the very first date. Got it? Good.

5. Strip Club–Just don’t! Need I say more? Okay, okay since you asked let me paint a picture: How embarrassing would it be if when you two arrive, all the employees know your date’s name? Be careful. I’m just sayin’.

6. Church–Unless you met there, this might not be an ideal first date. You want to make sure that both of you can be comfortable and focused on each other. At church you should be focused on praise & worship and hearing the sermon, not that fine specimen or PYT sitting right next to you.

7. Political Rally–She’s a democrat. He’s a republican. She’s for same-sex marriage and he’s not. She detests recreational weed smoking and he thinks it should be legalized. Get my drift? This can only lead to a heated debate between the two, maybe a fight, and there will be no second date.

8. Movies–This one’s a bit controversial but I’m just going to put it out there. There’s no way to tell if you two have anything in common if you can’t talk to each other. Skip the movie, go to lunch instead. Or even a drive along the coast or casual stroll at the park would be more effective.

9. HomeTown Buffet–Never heard of this place? Good! Of course you want to be full and happy with each other but this restaurant is questionable. The food is okay (well, if you’re 5 or 85, mashed potatoes are mashed potatoes, right?) but definitely not a place she’ll rush to tell her friends about.

10. Funeral/Wake–Casket, tears, people passing out and lots of emotion. Consider meeting up with each other afterwards to get some ice cream or other treat that will make you both smile. Better yet, how about making the first date another day?

Do you agree or disagree with our list? Any places on your DON’T list for a first date? We’d love to hear!

Author
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Tracey Lyles

A hopeful romantic and enthusiastic UCLA grad, Tracey serves as Director of Marketing and Public Relations for Robbins Brothers. For leisure she enjoys shopping, dancing, hosting parties for family & friends and staying abreast of the latest celebrity news.

10 Places to Avoid on First Date

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