[mindfulkitten]

I have been speaking with a sweet guy on the Internet but I'm nervous and anxious about meeting him because it would be my first date.

What is your favorite memory from a first date? A favorite memory of your parents displaying love? Or a sweet memory from a significant other?

I would love for a little hope about love.

[Superzombiechic]

The thing I will always remember about my parents is that they always made each other laugh. I love that they can always smile even in times of sadness. That's why I cherish my sense of humor.

Honestly, my first date was SUPER awkward. I was 15, he was 16, and we went to see this play at my school called Joan of Arc was sooooo incredibly dark and boring (obviously, it was Joan of Arc). Halfway through, he awkwardly grabbed my hand and I was like "Auuuugh!"

Okay, so that's probably not what you were looking for. But I'm telling you that to a) give you advice and b) some hope. A) Try not to build up too much expectation about a first date: more often than not, because both of you are probably nervous, it will be a little awkward and not the magical idea you have in your mind. That's okay! Just relax and have fun, and try not to take yourselves too seriously. B) This particular boy and I ended up dating for 8 more months after that really awkward date (I know, not long, but forever when you're 15) and we had a great time. 22 years later, he's married with two children, I live 12 hours away, and we're still friends who talk from time to time, I think mainly because we had that connection of being the "first." That, and after hating each other for 6 months, he became one of my closest (platonic) friends during high school.

Anyway. Have fun, and good luck!

[ChipperMonkey]

I think it helps to realize that firsts....are EXTREMELY overrated by society. The first date you go on....well, its bound to be a little awkward unless you really know the guy. The first time you have sex.....you don't know what the heck you're doing, so again....awkward!

Society places WAAAY too much emphasis on "firsts" and it puts a lot of undue pressure on people for the first.....whatever.....to be spectacular. Honestly, it doesn't really matter where you start, what matters is where you end up!

So just be yourself! If you put pressure on yourself to make something special, 99 times out of 100, it won't be. Special memories come spontaneously and aren't planned. (I guess one could argue that weddings break this rule, but given the high divorce rate, I'm not so sure!)

[ChrizBolez]

My first date was similar to your situation as it was with someone I met online. She insisted that we go out and I agreed. I didn't have a car at the time so a couple of her friends drove her to pick me up. It was awkward as to be expected from a first date. She was more comfortable because her friends were there but for me it just felt weird lol. Anyways, her and her friends made the plans and it wasn't a terrible night. Went to a movie and then a haunted house afterwards. Surprisingly, she walked through the place like she owned it. I'd go as far to say she held my hand through it. Fun times. You may get some butterflies but it's normal. Good luck and hope for the best.

[Artchic528]

I've had a few first dates and I remember that one of them ended late in the evening with him asking if he could kiss me when we went back to his car. We kissed and he went to start the car and drive me home. We weren't out of the parking lot when a cop pulled us over and said the headlights weren't on. I guess I'm that good of a kisser that I could fog a guy's mind like that.

[LiteraryLark]

First dates really don't scare me, interviews do.

I actually don't keep track of dating, can't count how many dates I've been on.

A couple pop into my mind.

The first when I was on a high school date I let him pick out the movie at the theaters. What did he pick? Larry the Cable Guy! So every time we went in to kiss Larry the Cable Guy farted or burped or said some crude joke. We broke up shortly after

The second was a Valentine's date with my gay bff. He told me he was sick of guys and wanted to treat a lady. He bought me a teddy bear that's still on my bed and roses and bought me dinner at a nice restaurant. At the end of our date he told me he was throwing a party which at the time pissed me off that he made other plans for our date, but I went along with it. It was a crazy, fun night.

Here's the thing with dates. It doesn't matter how old you are, go out there and live! My whole life I used to believe that I had a one and only. Maybe someday, but there is absolutely no way I can find my one and only on the first date. You won't realize who that person is until your months or even years into the relationship. I've never had a boyfriend because I won't settle. There's no need to rush into a relationship, but that doesn't mean you need to not date at all. Dating is important. It will surprisingly tell you about who you are. And it's not the end of the world if the date doesn't work out. You'll find away to laugh about it. There's always heartache, but it's not the end of the world.

[sammo777]

do all those things you're supposed to do to keep yourself safe -- meet in a public place, travel independently, don't leave your drinks unattended, make sure you tell somebody where you're going. Arrange to phone a friend/your Mum when you get home. Yes, you think you know him, but knowing a person properly takes years!

any bad vibes you get, listen to them. don't invite him to your house, or go to his, until you know his Mum and his mates, first, and he's met yours. Take things slowly, see what happens.

My worst first date? lol

I was 14, and a guy asked me out. I spent the day before getting ready -- exfoliating, tinting my hair, plucking my eyebrows -- taking it so seriously.

I noticed I had a little hair on my face, and was a little ashamed by that fine, white baby hair, so... I decided to remove it with Immac hair removal cream.

Mistake.

I had an allergic reaction, and my WHOLE FACE went bright red, and swelled up so much I could barely see!

I still went on that date. And, I still got a snog! It fizzled out after a few further dates, but, just goes to show, even when you look like a beef tomato, you can still get a little lip-action!

good luck x