Dating In Today's Digital Age

In today’s society, dating has become mainstream and a slightly unattainable concept all at once. Everybody feels the need to be in a relationship, but nobody wants to take the traditional steps of dating someone. Agreeing with the fact that traditional values should be updated as time goes on, certain aspects should be maintained throughout time. Here we will discuss topics that touch on traditional values, as well as things to avoid that are more common with today’s digital age. Although there are many things to consider, we will be focusing on being late, stalking, not paying, and not communicating as things to avoid on that so critical time called a first date.
Being late is top priority because whether or not a person likes to admit it,
first impressions really are most important. As a guy, showing up late could be the result of many excuses, but in the woman’s eyes, that is all they are, excuses. Calling the date to inform them why being late is unavoidable and how much longer it will be, is always a good idea if the situation arises. If they are not accepting to the fact their date is running late, due only to good reason, maybe they are not the right person to be dating. The person running late honestly has very few excuses as to why he should be running late, as in there was a wreck he could not get around and the traffic jam lasted twenty minutes. That is about the extent of adequate reasons. The issue with running late is that it makes it seem like the man does not find the woman important. For the man, running late may not seem like a big deal, but to the woman she will most likely feel as though the man does not find her as a priority. Running late is considered rude and selfish, being as that the time of the date is being wasted. Also, if running late does occur on the first date, do not make a habit of it. Apologize, hope the date is forgiving, and make up for it as soon as possible.
Internet stalking is what we are discussing here. In today’s world, everyone is one click away from finding out anything about anyone. It is almost just assumed that both parties will look the other up online after the plans for a date have been made, but it could make the date uncomfortable to start asking questions about their personal life right after meeting them. Let them talk about their life on their own time, because no one wants to be asked about their great aunt Carol by someone they barely know. If something that is potentially worrisome is stumbled upon while social media stalking, wait a few dates to see if they bring it up or try to ask a question that they could give an answer to the concern without asking directly. While each person probably looked the other up, nobody wants to think they are on a date with a creep.
Back on a more traditional value, being a gentleman just means he will pick up the bill on the first date.
Men tend to feel more dignified once they show their date they can financially provide by paying on the first date. A lot of times, the woman is expecting the man to pay, so if he does not, things could get awkward. The feminism trend that the world is on right now could prove to be an issue towards men picking up the tab, but try to explain to the date that a gentlemen paying on the first date is a custom, and after the first date the couple can discuss who might pay next time. A man paying a bill should not make the woman seem incapable of doing so, but instead that the man cares enough for the woman to provide something for her. One of the parties offering to pay only their half can often be viewed by other that they are not interested in another date and saw this more as eating with a friend. If an issue does arise once the bill is brought out, it is best to discuss why the woman is interested in paying and reaching a conclusion like adults. If the pair cannot comfortably reach an agreement then another date might not be best anyways. It is not a great idea to date someone that is incapable of
communication.
The age of cell phones. People are more inclined to stare at a screen rather than have an actual conversation with a person. Remember that the date did not come out to be on a date with someone on their phone, and nobody wants to sit across a table from someone that is ignoring them. Phones should only be brought out in case of emergency, or if one is showing the other something on their phone. If sitting at a dinner table with someone is too intimidating, take them somewhere less formal. Going to a place that offers activities for the couple could make it less stressful for both, and it is more likely to bring out each person’s attitude. There is nothing like friendly competition to bring out someone’s true self. Assuming all goes well with this date, both people will feel more at ease because they spent time enjoying themselves while being a bit distracted by the activity, which takes pressure away, as opposed to sitting in a restaurant for two hours trying to think of things to talk about. As a man planning the date, keep in mind that not everyone has the same hobbies or level of athleticism, so it might be in best interest to speak to the date before bringing them to do a pastime they do not enjoy.
First dates are a lot of pressure, especially for the person planning it.
If the date is between two people unfamiliar with one another, it is best to just discuss some possibilities for the date so it can be more enjoyable for the two. Although it could be fun to plan a surprise, it might be best to hold off until the two know each other better. There is a lot that should be under consideration on a first date, but these points seem like the major things to think about. As a man who feels responsible for everything that will happen on the first date, keep in mind the woman is nervous too. It is a first date for both individuals. Remember that nobody is perfect, so if there is a hiccup on the date, just laugh it off and do not let the night be ruined. The best person to date is someone who is understanding and will not make their partner feel bad if something does happen. Assuming the couple stays together, there will be many more things to laugh about in the
future.