I’ve been on a lot of bad first dates.
And if not bad, very questionable.
I was ditched at a restaurant conveniently when the check arrived. I went on a blind date with a friend’s coworker who brought his roommate — both hammered. I even went on a first date to a wedding.
I think it’s safe to say I know a thing or two about first dates — and what not to do.
For example, first dates should be memorable — but not so memorable it’s all you can remember about the date. Like bringing a head of broccoli in lieu of flowers. (Yes, this has happened to me.)
And you also want it to be fairly casual. You don’t want to make your date uncomfortable with a lavish trip to Paris, the real city or the Vegas version. But you shouldn’t make the date so casual it doesn’t seem special. Like taking her to Safeway. (Yes, true story.)
My last first date was on a hike up Mariner’s Ridge. I took two dogs — Sunny and a friend’s dog whom I was dog-sitting — and met the guy at the trailhead. It was the perfect first date for us: we both like being active outdoors and the hike — about 40 minutes to the summit — gave us enough time to talk and get to know each other.
Suffice it to say, we grabbed lunch after and the rest is history.
First dates should be fun, simple and interesting, with the whole goal of getting to know this new person. Avoid places where conversations can’t happen, like movie theaters, loud concerts or clubs. And avoid situations where you can get stuck with someone you don’t like — or worse, who annoys you. No long drives to the North Shore, no jaunts to Lanai. As cool as these dates may sound, they can freak out your date or lead to disaster.
Trust me, I know.
Here are my Top 10 first date suggestions:
Queen's Bath (2 of 22)
You have two options: take the 30-minute trip to Flat Island just off Kailua Beach or the nearly hourlong journey to the Mokulua Islands outside Lanikai. The latter trek will allow you more time to talk — or for you to save your date, which can be hot, too — and a chance to see Queen's Bath, a small saltwater pool on the backside of Moku Nui. It's a cool place to hang out — and commiserate about the painful paddle. If it's going well, you can discuss options for the post-kayaking meal.
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To read all of Cat’s blogs, visit www.nonstophonolulu.com/thedailydish. Follow Cat on Twitter @thedailydish or send her an e-mail at cat@nonstophonolulu.com.
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The zoo is a great first date. Lots of interesting animals to talk about, nice outdoor setting, you can easily walk into Waikiki after to get a bite to eat if things go well.
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