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LIFESTYLE NEWS - Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, which means Cupid’s working overtime to make hearts flutter. Maybe you’ve already made your move, and your crush is eager to go on a date. Congratulations! Now you need to figure out what to do on the first date…

First dates can be a bit nerve-racking. You’re both tense, awkward around each other, and not too sure how to keep the conversation going. Fortunately, you don’t have to be a bundle of nerves on your first date. There are a few things you can do to make sure you leave the kind of impression that leads to a second or third date. 

Here’s how to get rid of the first-date jitters.

Don’t Complicate Things
If romcoms are anything to go by, first dates are the perfect setting for grand romantic gestures. But in real life, hot air balloon rides, private boat cruises, and picnics at a secluded park are anniversary ideas, not considerations for a first date. For the first date, go somewhere laidback and inviting (i.e., a coffee shop). Head to a Mugg & Bean near you to grab an over ice coffee or summer smoothie while you get to know your date a little better.

Grab a summer smoothie while you get to know your date a little better.

Keep It Short
This might seem counterintuitive when you’re trying to get to know someone but hear us out for a second. There are a lot of reasons a short date works better than a long one. First dates are essentially about gauging whether there’s genuine chemistry between you and your crush. While there’s no definitive number, it shouldn’t take more than an hour to figure out whether the connection is real.

Keeping the first date to just one hour also allows you to have an easy out if the date doesn’t go as well as you would have liked it to. You can save a bit of time by ordering ahead to make sure your meal is ready by the time you get to the coffee shop. Download the Mugg & Bean app whenever you want to shave a bit of time off your social appointments.

You can save a bit of time by ordering ahead to make sure your meal is ready by the time you get to the coffee shop.

Foot the Bill
If the date was your idea, it’s only fair that you offer to settle the bill. That’s why a coffee date at Mugg & Bean is your best bet. The Both of you can have a glass or two of your favourites over ice coffee and maybe even some frittatas without breaking the bank. If your date insists on going Dutch, then split the cost. You can explain that you're totally willing to split the bill on your next date, but since they accepted your invite, you’d like to handle the bill this time round.

Above all, remember to have a good time. Putting pressure on yourself to make the date go a certain way takes all the fun out of meeting someone new. Try to have fun and enjoy the company of the person who makes your heart skip a beat.

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