Escape Plan

First dates are similar to blind dates… well technically, some of them actually are blind dates! They are like a double-edged sword and you have to take the good with the bad. It’s easy to get caught up with the excitement of meeting someone new and it’s always good to expect the best. However, you should always be prepared for the unexpected and have an escape plan if your first date bombs.
 
A good rule of thumb is to keep the first date fairly short. The whole purpose of this first date is to see if you ever want to hang out with this person again. Keep it simple — for example get some coffee or grab a drink at happy hour. Personally, I don’t plan for anything more than 30 minutes, and I let my date know that ahead of time. Ideally, make other plans after your date is supposed to end that way you don’t have to waste a good outfit. If things are going well, you can always ditch your alternate plans.
 
I know what you’re thinking: “What happens if the date sucks so bad that 30 minutes seems like 30 years?” This rarely happens but you have to be prepared. I’m pretty straight-forward and never have a problem ending bad dates by simply saying, “I gotta go.” If you’re uncomfortable with this method, planning an “emergency” phone call/text ahead is crucial. We’re all familiar with the technique, but few people utilize it. Just have your friend call you within 10 minutes of your date to check in on you. If things are going well, just ignore the call or text. Otherwise, answer it with a sense of urgency and utmost importance.
 
Of course, 9 times out of 10 you’ll never have to use the escape plan, but 1 oz. of prevention is always better than 500 lbs of regret … if you know what I mean.