For singles looking for love online, is it okay to be late when the two of you meet for that big first date? Sophisticated singles are used to showing up “whenever” for potlucks and cocktail parties at friends’ houses. Is it the same social etiquette for the first date? Why it’s not cool to be elegantly late for your date and how to avoid it. Read on to find out more.
First Date Dating Success Tip: Show Up On Time
With so many singles living in metropolitan areas, there are always the variables of traffic and commuting traffic. It is a running joke in Southern California in Los Angeles and Orange County that there is always an accident on the 405 freeway. Make sure you know the route you will take to your appointment and allow plenty of time to get there. It’s even better to plan to arrive a few minutes early. You show the utmost respect, consideration and honor to your date and yourself when you arrive early and on time for your date.
If you live in a metropolitan area like New York or Los Angeles where overnight parking can be a challenge, you know there will be valet parking. Yes, it will cost something. Call the restaurant where you’re meeting and find out how much it costs. Plan that cost as part of the cost of the appointment. If you live in such an area, use valet parking. Don’t keep your date waiting 45 minutes looking for free parking thinking she’ll wait for you. When you do that, you’re saying, “I value your precious time less than the cost of a valet.” Yes, you will create a lasting first impression. It just won’t be the one you want.
It is the 21st century. Things happen. If things take a turn for the worse and there’s a big car accident, you exchanged each other’s cell phone numbers when you agreed and accepted this first date, right? Well, then call your date. This is not the time to text. That seems weak for both men and women. Give them some kind of adjusted ETA.
It will then be up to your appointment to stay and meet with you or cancel that appointment. 99% of the time, if you are more than 15 minutes late for your appointment, your appointment will leave if you don’t call and check with them. You will appear and he or she will be gone. If you call now and ask your date to come back, you will have completely disrupted the evening. This is not the way to start a romantic relationship. Avoid all that confusion by simply planning ahead and giving yourself plenty of time. Better to get there early and sit at the bar and have a drink of sparkling water for 20 minutes than to be late.
When you show consideration, kindness, and respect for yourself and your date by showing up a few minutes early and keeping your date on time, you’re guaranteed to have a great first date! And your date too, with you!
