The Dreaded First Date

So, Ladies and Gents, I've just got back from my particularly dirty weekend with my lover…and I must say that it has completely re-invigorated me! Yes I only just got back from the Caribbean, but I suppose I'm just one of those girls who needs regular holidays to keep balanced!!

Call me demanding if you want, but if I can wangle it…I may as well. I don't live a wildly extravagant lifestyle and where I used to spend all my savings on sex toys (I now have what I call my 'erotic carte blanche')…I now spend it ALL on little trips away. Most people would think that this sort of lifestyle is a little expensive, and on the whole it is…but it doesn't have to be!! You see, the 'hospitality' industry is completely jam-packed bonkers…there are SO many hotels in Britain (over 100,000 in London alone!!), are so competitive that some of the deals you can find are equally bonkers! All you need do is a little research and I can assure you that you will find a really great deal, which makes the whole thing affordable! That…and accept you may find one in Cornwall but you live in the lake district, but that, I'm afraid, is adventure…the spice of life!

One problem…If you're single…doing weekends away in fancy hotels is a rather soul-destroying affair! Trust me I've do it…ONCE!! So, you need a partner…well somewhere along the road of finding a lover you are eventually going to have to partake in a first date!! That brings me nicely to the meat of this blog…how to survive and impress!

The First Date is a complete nightmare we must all endure at some point or other. There are few things in life which are as stressful as the first date, why? Because we place so much importance on it...but at the end of the day the only thing that matters is the chemistry between the two of you! Everything else is merely details…My very WORST first date was in one of Gordon Ramsay's restaurants and it was utterly horrible, it couldn't possibly have been any worse! But, my BEST date? I'm afraid to say we went to Nando's!!

See…the other person is everything!

So, how can you get your first date to be as successful as possible? I'm not going to say that this is GUARANTEED to work, because that is up to you…and them…but what I can say, is that in my experience, this is the best way to go about it!

I know it may seem a little old-fashioned but to be honest I really do believe that the best first date is a dinner date…really…because it gives you the opportunity to get to know each other! That opportunity is vital, and you won't get it at a cinema or the theatre or bowling lanes or anywhere else. So first heads up…stick to a nice evening meal.

But, one thing I hate is first dates at a restaurant! Why? Way too much pressure and you can't really relax, all those etiquettes you need to respect and the simple fact that everyone else in the restaurant KNOWS you're on a first date just makes you uncomfortable and nervous. The result? You either clam up and don't get a second date…or you drink too much and don't get a second date…either way, not what we're hoping for.

Have the date at your house…it shows your potential mate that you are relaxed and confident. Don't order a takeaway because that just stinks of lazy…YOU do the cooking! Let's be honest, all men are looking for a woman who can cook, and all women are looking for a man who can cook…by cooking, you show the other party that you would make a fine mate! Now don't be afraid if you can't cook...it doesn't matter...today's recipe books make it as easy as paint by numbers! Go for something which stands a good chance of being liked and follow it up with a simple dessert!

One word of warning...unless you have a degree in neuroscience and earn your keep in a Michelin starred kitchen, stay away from Heston Blumenthal...try Jamie Oliver...FAR more manageable!

Right, all you need now is some decent wine! If you are a sommelier, then I'm sure you'll impress, however for those non wine snobs...ASK someone who knows, all wine shops and warehouses have very nice and experienced staff who will help you pick something tasty and affordable!

Put some music on and you're ready!

Remember a few things...RELAX and be YOURSELF!! And don't...for god's sake...drink too much!! If you do this, you stand the best chance of them liking you...for who you ACTUALLY are!

Final note? Well, the age old question...is it wrong to sleep with someone on the first date? I'm afraid that on that one...I'm on the fence!

Best of luck

La Belle

www.labelleuk.co.uk

xxx