All First Dates Should Be Coffee Dates & That’s It

Lots of people pick dinner and a movie when it comes to deciding where to go for a first date, but personally, I’m not all about that. Many times, the environment is all wrong for getting to know someone you might end up seeing long-term. I much prefer to visit a coffee shop when I’m meeting someone for the first time, and here’s why:

1. Morning dates are great. I prefer my first dates to be in the morning, and coffee dates easily fall under that category. Morning hangout sessions are perfect because they’re way more intimate and low key. Night dates can get wild, especially when music and alcohol come into play. The earlier the date, the more uninhibited it’s likely to be.
2. There’s way less pressure. Coffee dates are super casual. Unlike when you go to a fancy restaurant, you don’t have to worry about dressing up or making sure your hair looks great. I think first dates should be as casual as possible (actually, every date should be) and lounging at the nearest Starbucks, will definitely achieve that.
3. Coffee orders say a lot. You can tell a lot about someone by their coffee order. Does he take 20 minutes looking at the menu? Does he order a basic black coffee? Is his order way too fancy and annoyingly specific? More importantly, does he even drink coffee? Sometimes you can tell if there will be a second date by the time you two leave the counter.
4. It’s better than getting cocktails. You can’t get drunk off coffee. You don’t have to worry about watching how much you drink or forcing bread into your system to slow down the effect of alcohol. At most, you might get a little jittery, but that’s nothing really new. Your conversations will be real and uninfluenced by alcohol.
5. It’s easier to communicate. Depending on where you go, there’s usually not too much going on at coffee shops. People are chillin’, doing homework, and having low-key conversations with one another. You don’t have to scream over loud music or elbow your way through a crowd. It’s the perfect atmosphere to communicate without being distracted by other elements.
6. There’s very low commitment. One of the worst things about dating is the complicated scheduling that always accompanies it. Coffee dates can happen whenever you want, and you don’t have to plan weeks or days ahead. You can fit one in during your lunch break if you’re really pressed for time.
7. You could easily cut it short. You don’t even have to make a BS excuse — the second you finish your coffee, you can peace it out of there. If you order a small drink, it’s even more socially acceptable to leave as soon as you want to. You can down that thing in a few gulps and be happily on your way.
8. The date could go longer. It doesn’t have to end when the coffee is all finished. Coffee dates are often fun things to do before you go on a “real” date. If you guys are vibing well during the pre-date, you could go to lunch afterwards or see a movie. The possibilities are truly endless.
9. People-watching is fun. The atmosphere of a coffee shop is perfect for watching people go about their daily lives outside. Sometimes dates can be awkward, but when there’s a lot to see, there’s even more to talk about together.
10. The more personal, the better. First dates are about getting to know people. What better way to do that then casually sitting at a private table, looking and only talking to that one person? Coffee shops are some of the most intimate places I’ve ever seen — they’re basically designed for first dates. It’s going to be so much easier to explore any connection you might have with your date in a casual, quiet environment instead of many of the more “traditional” first date locations.