Let’s start by clarifying what we mean by ‘The Coffee Date”. It is a casual first date that is perfect for today’s busy people and can open the gateway to a more formal and indeed more adventuresome next date. It is a daytime date that can be a short window of time, thus perfect for people’s busy lives. It quickly establishes whether two people have some interest or chemistry without the possible awkwardness of a dinner date. It is a great initial date having already met through online dating or for taking the opportunity, without the pressure, of getting to know someone you have just met in person.
Here is the The Romantic Gentleman’s Top 5 tips to make that Coffee Date soar and, perhaps, hearts swoon.
It’s Not About Coffee
Though we call this a ‘Coffee Date’, it is not always about coffee. It is about a short window of opportunity that gives you the time to establish rapport, enchant and get to know each other a little. So it is about making space and time for talking and engaging, you can do this in a coffee shop or indeed on a walk.
Having said that, this is not the time to bring alcohol into the mix, save that for the dinner date.
Location, Location, Location
Let’s start with this, if you can avoid the standard Coffee Shop chains, then do so! Find somewhere interesting, different and maybe special. A quirky Tea House, a modern Coffee Shop, a Cafe in a Park. Make it different, it shows thought and is a reflection on you.
Our personal Winter favourite is grabbing a Hot Chocolate and going on a walk through a Park.
Casual yet Smart
The time of day, or indeed the day itself, may dictate how you are dressed (one good reason to always dress stylishly and smart), but no matter what, this is still a date.
Therefore, make sure you dress up, your date will have certainly thought about it and so should you. Be smart and be stylish, dress appropriately for the date you are going on but always dress smarter than you think is necessary.
First impressions count, so be aware that what you wear says volumes about you. You have 1/10th of a second to make that impression!
Conversation & Charm
The art of conversation and the the art of being charming are intertwined. Conversation is about flow; you need to listen to the person and respond. Talk freely and openly.
Ask interesting questions about them, about their hobbies or what makes them happy. Topics of conversation that work are Good Holidays, Great Meals and Hobbies. If you can make them laugh then do so, humour frequently comes from situations or self-depreciation so be aware of both.
Finally, PUT THE PHONE AWAY! You are having a conversation with the person in front of you, not your followers on Twitter!
Going Well, Keep Going
If you are enjoying each other’s company then keep going. If time allows, have another coffee, go for a walk and try not to break the spell until you have too.
If time is against you then set up the next date, indeed if it is going very well then propose dinner.
If it does not go according to plan, it might be a bad day so try again, but if it really doesn’t spark then say goodbye and contact them later by phone or email and explain gently how you feel.
We hope that this has given you some pointers for the next Coffee Date. Enjoy the latte and conversation!
