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How to Meet for the First Time After an
Online Courtship
You have exchanged maybe dozens of emails, you have talked on
the phone late into the night, and you're beginning to think
that you're on line courtship could really turn into something
special. Congratulations! You are well on your way to becoming
a successful online dater. This is the spot most people dream
of getting to. This is the time when you have to set up your
very first real life meeting. This is often the most exciting
time in an online relationship. However, this can also be a
nerve-racking time. Here are some tips for getting youth
through the first meeting.
Tips for setting up your first meeting
If you think you are getting to the point where you want to
meet your online love interest in person, feel free to be the
one to take the initiative. Let them know that you are
interested in a real date. Keep your safety in mind always.
When setting up your first meeting, choose a location that is
public and highly trafficked. Good first date meeting spots
include busy coffeehouses, lunch date at a lively restaurant,
or another such public spot. Avoid giving out your address,
work or home, and avoid getting a ride from your online tech
interest until you get to know them better. Carry a cell phone
and let someone know where you are and how long you plan to be
there.
Keep your first meeting short and low pressure
No matter how much you like this person, you will make it much
easier on the both of you if you have your first meeting in a
busy public place and plan to only meet for a short while. This
can save the both of you face in case you find you don't have
the chemistry you thought you had. Also, meaning in a public
space allows you to comment on your surroundings, and thus
helping you keep the conversation interesting. A fun,
low-pressure environment helps keep things going.
Making a first good impression
Of course, you will want to make a first good impression the
first time you meet your online of interest. Even though you
should keep your first meeting short, friendly and casual, it
definitely won't hurt if you dress up a little. Trust your
instincts and let your personality shine. When it comes to
conversation, keep things light, natural and unfriendly. Avoid
heavy discussions, such as politics and religion. Save these
things for later. Right now, you just want to see what kind of
chemistry the two of you have together in person. Hopefully,
you will already know enough about each other so that you don't
have to make lots of awkward first-date small talk.
Setting up the second date
Ideally, things will go great during first meeting. The
chemistry you noted during your e-mail and telephone courtship
appears to be alive and well in person. What do you do now? The
answer is simple enough: you asked for a second date. The
honest with your date at the end of the afternoon or night, and
let them know that you enjoyed spending time with them, and
with love to do it again soon. If you paid attention, chances
are that your date mentioned an interest, or you already know
that you share a common interest. This is great fodder for a
second date. Try not to put your date on the spot. Instead, let
them know that you are interested in going to the movies,
bowling, hiking or whenever it may be. Asked them if they are
interested, and they do seem interested, plan to coordinate
things via e-mail or telephone.
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