You meet someone special and decide to go out on a first date. Do yourself a favor, when planning the first date be sure avoid these ten places.
Family Functions
Your date will be nervous enough trying to impress you—don't make them audition for family and friends too. "Who needs that pressure?" says Wyatt, 32, from Lafayette, Colorado. "My family is so far from normal I wouldn't let a date near them."
Dance Clubs
Loud music, pulsing lights, guys without shirts…need we say more? "Everyone's on the prowl. That would be very uncomfortable," explains Rosie, 31, from Modesto, California. We have to agree.
Movies
You spend two lame hours staring at a screen, not getting to know each other…plus there's always a risk the flick will contain a sex scene or something even more awkward. John, 28, from Boston, recalls taking a date to a David Lynch film. "Her reaction was, 'Why did you take me to this?'" he says.
Bars
Many people think alcohol is the perfect social lubricant for a first encounter, but it can lead to trouble. "No way," says Jim, 41, from Canton, Michigan. "I might say or do something foolish."
Sporting Events
Any place that involves face paint, the wave, and angry drunk guys screaming at the referee is no venue for a soul mate connection. William, 23, from Upland, Indiana also points out they don't bring out the best in men: "Guys can seem a little too aggressive, and women might find that scary."
The Beach Just because you like strolling hand in hand seaside doesn't meet you should do it on your first meeting. Karen, 28, from Dallas, concurs. "It's hard enough to pick out a cute little black dress," she says. "How do you pick out a perfect bikini?"
Comedy Shows If the comic is bad, that lame vibe will extend to the entire evening. "Comedy is great when it's good. But horrid when it's bad," says Anne, 37, from Spokane, Washington.
Mini-Golf Trying to outsmart that little windmill is great fun—if you're ten years old. "If you're anything like me, you're clumsy when you're nervous...Bad idea for a first date!" says Angie, 28, from Lima, Ohio.
Theme Restaurants Never take a first date to a restaurant where your waiter is dressed like Chubby Checker, Fred Flintstone or Quasimodo. Beth, 32, from Brooklyn, New York, recalls her awful date at a medieval-themed restaurant. "You have to either pretend there aren't people in bloomers delivering your food, or keep making jokes like, 'I think I'll have the ye olde steak,'" she says.
Museums A first date is a time to kick back and relax, not solemnly contemplate the works of the great masters. "It's a little too much intellectual stimulation for a first date," says Amy, 27, of Cherry Hill, New Jersey.