So, you fixed up your headline, adjusted your photos, gave your profile a makeover and mastered the first message. Now of course, it’s time to actually meet up! Because this is a casual dating site (and because we are normal human beings who don’t live in Disney princess movies), we know there is no such thing as love at first sight. We also know that first dates are notoriously awkward. AND we know that for the most part, the first date is just getting you closer to the last, so it shouldn’t be THAT big of a deal. Luckily, we have some experience in the field and therefore would love to help you with those first date jitters.

Here is BCU’s How To: Avoid First Date Awkwardness.

1. Don’t over-plan it

The last thing you’ll want to do is treat the first date like some sort of over-zealous attempt at making yourself look good. If you try and plan a romantic dinner in the park followed by a scavenger hunt followed by drinks on a rooftop, most likely two of those things will bomb. Sprinklers will go off in the park, your scavenger hunt will be a failure, or the rooftop bar will be closed. Or all three. Plan one thing, like the drinks at a place with a nice view, and then call it a night, orrr take the fun back to your place. If you know what I mean. ;)

2. Don’t try and go at it alone

If you are prone to nervousness on dates, there is no problem in having your date meet up with you with a group of their friends while you’re with your friends. Not only will it feel less awkward to have your friends around, but you’ll be able fill gaps in conversations by introducing your date to your friends. Two tips: DO NOT be so nervous that you ignore your date all night, and do NOT forget to tell your friends that if they say anything awkward about you, you’ll sell their organs on the black market.

3. Go somewhere with entertainment

Check out your local bars and restaurants that have live music or a DJ spinning. That way, when those tense silences come up (they will, no matter how compatible you are), you can always say, “boy this band is great!” or “my god this DJ sounds like a drunk 4 year old.”

4. Have a pre-date drink

Sitting around your apartment, tapping your foot and sweating through your top isn’t going to make the start of the date any easier. Call up a friend and ask them to meet you for a drink a few minutes before you are to meet your date. Note that I said “a” drink and not seven drinks. showing up to your date drunk is a big slice of no-no cake. But one glass of wine to loosen up your muscles and nerves is never a bad idea.

5. Don’t over-think it

This is the most important advice in this entire post. Whether you are meeting someone from OBC that you don’t really plan on starting a relationship with, or someone with whom you could see a long-term thing happening with (yuck), making the experience more tense than necessary is POINTLESS. Just have fun with it, and let us know how it goes!

Do you have a dating question that needs advice? Let us know in the comments!