Dating is rough and that first one is always the hardest one. You worry about your everything and put on the best version of yourself you can be. Online dating worries you more and the biggest concern isn’t if your date will look like their Tinder profile picture but if they have the personality of their profile.
Let’s face it sometimes people come off one way online and in-person it’s not going to work out. That’s why a first online date with your new beau should be something quick, simple, and lighthearted so if you have to “leave,” it won’t be a big issue. Climbing the CN Tower together may seem romantic at first but you don’t want to be at the top of a tower when you realize that this person is not the one.
Here are a few quick first date ideas for your Tinder or Bumble Bae:
Grab a Coffee
It’s simple and to the point. Even if it’s your local Tim Horton’s. “Let’s get coffee,” is a classic Tinder/Bumble line. It’s a pressure-free date. If you happen to have swiper’s remorse at least you had great coffee (hopefully).
We recommend Manic Coffee as they rotate their selection every fifteen minutes.
Hit Up a Local Happy Hour
The awesome part of Happy Hour is it’s hard to be upset with a half-priced drink in your hand. If your beau doesn’t come off the way he/she was supposed to you can just pay for your drink and leave. Let’s face it though, the con of happy hour first encounters is the fact that alcohol can sort of cloud your judgment so be careful. Do not drink until you like this person.
We recommend: Earls King Street
Make a Signature Tinder/Bumble Bubble Tea
This one shows how much you and your potential new boo can get along. Labothery Inc gives you a chance to create a signature tea that’s one of kind. It’s a relaxing experience. It isn’t the quickest thing on the list but the tea is done when you are so it’s a work at your own pace kind of thing.
We recommend: Labothery Inc
Check Out an Art Gallery
Your Tinder or Bumble Bae mentioned art in their profile? Pick their brains and put that art background to use. Toronto has no shortage of art galleries. You can tell a lot about a person by what kind of art their into. There’s no structure when browsing art just wander until your heart desires.
We recommend: Blue Crow Gallery
Attend a Live Art Battle
Art battles are fun. Artists go head to head and battle it out in creativity and the crowd picks the winner. Again, you can tell a lot about a person by the art they’re interested in. There’s no obligation to judge but it’s fun and that way you’re focused on the art scene and getting to know one another.
We recommend: Art Battle Canada
Other things that don’t make great first Tinder dates include Escape Rooms, a dance class, and dinner and movie (how cliche). Being optimistic about entering the dating pool is awesome but don’t forget to have an escape plan. What’s your go-to for a quick first date?
