Food vs love
The Brits might once have been synonymous with good manners, but it would appear that their standards are slipping when it comes to dinner date etiquette, reducing their chances of being second date material. Match.com has found that behaviours at the dinner table can make or break a potential relationship.
Three quarters of both men and women would not consider a second date if their first was like sitting across from an animal at the zoo. Noisy eating and having your dinner ordered for you comes out top for the most off-putting things a date can do.
Brits are decisive when it comes to their first date food, suggesting that Italian, Chinese and Tapas are all acceptable things to eat with a new date. Those that were off the table included sushi, for the smell and fast food for the lack of effort.
In a restaurant that serves a whole host of different foods- avoid the garlic and onion laced meals, offal and seafood- no-one wants to kiss someone with breath smelling lie any of these foods!
Phone usage is also a problem for many Brits- if their date takes pics of their food, answers a call, texts or posts something on social media, then the interest quickly diminishes.
Kate Taylor, relationship expert for match.com, comments: “The pressure leading up to a first dinner date can build up as there are so many factors to think about – I even hear of some singles going as far as to avoid them altogether! This shouldn’t be the case, as sharing a meal is one of the most important dating rituals we have and the experience of eating together gives you time to learn more about the other person. If you’re worried about the conversation drying up, try doing something a bit different, like ordering something unusual or trying something new like a cookery course. This will give you a shared new experience and something to talk about – it’s perfect for putting the spark into a date, whether it’s the first or the 500th.”
Dinner Date Dos
DO Think more about what’s coming out of your mouth than what’s going in- good banter can make up for some bad food choices.
DO Thank your date for their choice of restaurant- if you don’t they might take it badly- even if it’s something small- make sure you pass a positive comment somewhere in the night.
DO Treat others as you would want to be treated- so be polite to the staff in the establishment- your date will not be impressed if you talk to them like slaves.
Dinner Date Don’ts
DON’T Spend most of the start of your evening deciding what to eat. If you are a fussy eater then check the menu out before hand and use that time wisely.
DON’T make a big deal about your date’s choice of food. They are eating it not you- so divert your attention to them not badmouthing their menu selection.
DON’T Drink to excess- too much alcohol can encourage you to embarrass yourself, so have glass of water in between if you are drinking to keep your wits about you!
To attend the Aphrodisiac café simply pop down to Soho square on the 14th August. Alternatively, match.com members can sign up to one of the match.com socials aphrodisiac dining events by visiting www.match.com/events.
tagged in Kiss Relationship Date match.com