Be a Polite Dinner Date
Act kind.
Even if everything on your date is going awry, act kind. Avoid criticizing the slow service or poor seating at the restaurant. Think of the other person's feelings regardless of the situation. In the moment, you may not think you ever want to see your potential new love again. Yet, after a good nights sleep, you might want to hook up at a later time on positive terms.
Don't tweet or text.
Be a polite dinner date. Leave your fancy phone in your pocket or purse. If you tweet or text at dinner, you give the impression of being bored or disinterested. Although this may not be true, your dinner companion will think so. Then, the next time you want to go out, you might get the cold shoulder.
Avoid gassy foods.
Most relationship experts will tell you to not eat messy foods on a date. This, of course, is good advice. But, you should also stay clear of foods that give you gas. You don't want to belch uncontrollably throughout your meal. Your dinner date will think you're rude or ill mannered. So, eat a bland meal and keep your composure.
Remember your etiquette.
Be a polite dinner date by using simple rules of etiquette. Wipe with a napkin. Chew with your mouth closed. Don't reach across your date's plate. Ask the other person if he/she wants the last breadstick before gobbling it up. In other words, be on your best behavior. Only let go of these rules of etiquette in a very informal setting such as a pier with a hotdog stand.
Compromise on a restaurant.
Even when you're paying, allow your dinner date to have a say in the restaurant. If the person hates seafood, don't force him/her to eat at a place that specializes in crab. Understand that everyone has different tastes and you can't necessarily change his/hers. So ask for input and give the other person a chance at having a good, tasty meal.
Wait to post pictures on Facebook.
Be a polite dinner date and don't rush to post pictures of your night's activities on Facebook. Some people are very private and don't really like this social site. Therefore, wait a few days and then ask if it's all right to share pictures of your time together. This way, nobody gets hurt or embarrassed.
Use these tips and show your dinner date your best side. You may eventually part ways, but your reputation as a good date will stay intact.
Published by Stephanie Modkins
Stephanie M. is a freelance writer who lives in the northwest. Her main goal is to write in a way that entertains, educates or uplifts readers. View profile
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