Worst Places for a First Date? A Dating Coach Tells All
Dating coach Blaine Anderson has seen a lot, and she doesn’t mince words when it comes to first impressions. According to her, picking the wrong spot can sabotage the vibe of your date. After all, first dates already come with enough pressure. Between choosing an outfit, figuring out what to talk about, and praying your Hinge match looks like their profile, the last thing you need is an awkward setting working against you. Blaine has coached thousands of clients and built a following of over 700,000 by helping men date more confidently, and that includes where not to take someone. These three spots top her “worst of” list for a reason.
Fancy Dinners Can Ruin the Mood Before It Starts
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A high-end restaurant might seem like a safe bet with its linen tablecloths, candlelight, and maybe a prix fixe menu. But Blaine says it’s one of the worst ideas for a first date. The pressure starts the moment you sit down. Long menus, slow pacing, and a heavy bill can turn an otherwise light interaction into a forced performance. And if the conversation is off or the chemistry’s lacking, you’re stuck waiting on dessert with no graceful exit. It signals over-investment too early, according to Blaine.
Movie Theaters Make Connection Impossible
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The movies still cling to their reputation as a go-to date activity, but Blaine doesn’t recommend them, at least not early on. It’s two hours of sitting side by side in silence, watching something neither of you chose together while trying not to crunch popcorn too loudly. There’s no real chance to talk or adjust the energy, and no way to recover if things feel awkward.
She points out that first dates are about reading cues, finding rhythm, and making eye contact. That doesn’t happen in a dark theater surrounded by strangers. Even worse, walking out afterward with nothing to say about the movie can make the silence feel louder.
Anything You’d Dread Doing Alone
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Anderson’s final rule isn’t tied to a specific location but to a mindset. Don’t agree to anything you wouldn’t enjoy solo. That yoga class you’ve been dreading? The loud bar that gives you a headache? A seven-mile hike you haven’t trained for? Skip it.
It’s tempting to pick something impressive or quirky, but if you’re uncomfortable, your date probably is, too. The goal is to be relaxed and present, not self-conscious or distracted. Choose a setting that encourages natural conversation, like a walk in a busy park or a quick coffee. “You should want to be there, even if the date doesn’t go anywhere,” she advises. That way, you’re not wasting your time or theirs.
In Conclusion
First dates aren’t interviews or performances. They’re short glimpses into who someone might be. Keeping the setting low-key helps both people focus on the connection instead of the menu, the lighting, or how long it takes until the waiter brings the check. Blaine’s advice strips away the distractions and brings the focus back to the part that matters: the person sitting across from you.