Hi guys,

I'm trying to get back into the dating scene after spending the past 2 months getting over my ex.

Anyway, I've been trying the online dating thing and found a beautiful looking girl who actually sounds really nice too. I decided after a few emails to just ask her if she would like to go out one night and meet. She replied a few days later saying 'that yes that would be nice'.

We talked about meeting at a café and then see what happens from there. The thing is when I first met her, do I shake her hand, give her kiss on the cheek or do none of those things. I think shaking her hand is too formal but not sure I got the guts to kiss her on the cheek either!

Man I can't believe I'm worried about something so silly, but I want to make a good start to the date.

Also I have a feeling she is probably dating other guys off the net too, so I need to make sure I stand out from the others and have a fun time. Any advice?

Thanks

Greet her casually like an old friend, sit down, and have a cup of coffee, start just talking genuinely and casually, but convey that you are in control. Just say something like "hey, long time no see" to have at least a hint of humor. Don't worry too much about it, just do what is natural.

Thanks for your advice. I like the 'Hey, long time no see' line!

I'm usually quite a cheeky person when I feel comfortable with somebody, so hopefully that will shine though in a positive way.

Just relax and act like you two are already comfortable, it will work...

Give her a nice kiss on the check. Be very warm, open minded. What ever you do not, do not, talk about your ex. Just be you. Tell her are nervous, tell her what is running around in your head. She will think it's cute and appreciate that you were so nervous to meet her.

Kiss on da hand! Then pull out her chair for her!!

Thanks everyone for your ideas.

I'm meant to arrange something for this Thursday night after work. I figure every other guy is probably taken her to a café and then movie so I wanted to do something different. At first I thought about preparing a chili bin full of food with a nice bottle of wine and sitting on the beach having dinner. But the weather is meant to rain or be cloudy that night so that probably won't work and might even seem a little to prepared?

So the other idea I had was to pick her up and drive to this new shopping mall, grab a bite to eat from the food courts and wonder around the shops, maybe doing a bit of xmas shopping and if we seem to be getting on well there is a movie cinema there too. I figure this would solve the weather problem, lots of people round to make us feel more comfortable and girls usually love shopping.

What does the girls on here think about that idea?

Forget the movie thing. Sorry its just not all that fun, and I'm a big movie buff too. Is there any lakes snear you? Or maybe a fondu restaurant? Take a walk along a romantic area. This will give a chance to lock arms, wrap your arms around her.This will give you time to find common intrests. And if there is rain in the forcast make sure there is a place to take cover. The rain is always romantic. Just alow yourselves time to talk. If you want to stand out don't just do the movie thing. Good luck!

What about the grabbing a bite to eat and browsing the shops, don't have to go to a movie. We have never met before so thinking if I don't really like her or vice versa it is quite easy to cut the date short. I'd definitely do something more romantic on the second date if it got that far, just think I should keep it relatively stress free and be in an environment where there are lots of other people round to make her feel more comfortable.

As you said, keep it fun and light. As for introducing yourself to her, do whatever you feel comfortable with. A kiss on the cheek is probably too much for the initial meeting but a light, sincere handshake should be appropriate. Don't let the conversation dawdle on all night but excuse yourself and leave while things are still going good. Wait a while before asking her for another date.

I agree with S_cianci... the kiss on the cheek is a bit much for a first meeting. If it was me and a guy kissed me on the cheek I would feel a little creeped out..

I think the mall is a good idea. Do you have like a miniature golf, or bumper cars place? I always enjoy those places, and they are a good place to flirt and get to know each other better. Movies is def not good for a first date cause you don't get to talk at all. Do you know if she is into books? Maybe a big bookstore would be interesting... to look at joke books or astrology books.
I am not sure what YOU are into, but most importantly pick a place that you will feel comfortable and you think would keep her interest. As much as the Mall might be a good idea to meet and maybe browse a store here or there... girls go to the mall a lot, and to go with a strange guy might not be all that special... :o) maybe if they have like a special attraction.. You say you want to make a better impression than any of these other guys... I don't think the mall will do that for you.

Just be yourself, be open and make her laugh...

Doesn't matter anymore, she blew me off :( I texted her about the mall and she didn't text back, instead she used email and wrote first saying she couldn't do Thursday anymore. I wrote back saying that is fine, I'll leave it up to you to choose a day / evening that suits your busy schedule. She wrote back...

"Sweet, lets just leave it open for now...I'm not sure when my next free evening will be, It is a busy time of year for me....I have just been at a childrens sports evening, nearly broke my little toe in the three legged race, bloody hurt!!"

Hrrm I am sorry to hear... you seemed excited about meeting up with her. Don't give hope just yet... it IS a busy time of the year. I would say just play things cool... dont let her know she let you down so much. I would back off a little bit, but not so much that she thinks your blowing her off for blowing you off...

The easier you take it in stride the more curious she will be to meet you... THEN you can work your magic on her:cool:

In the meanwhile... have you been talking to any other girls? It always helps to have someone else to talk or flirt with until a steady one comes around...

I've got 2 other girls interested in me, but I'm not so keen on them so was trying not to flirt too much in case I got myself in a sticky situation. But will definitely back off now and keep myself busy with going out meeting other people etc. Maybe she will eventually contact me.

Thanks for your great advice.