Make Your First Date Tomorrow

When you connect with someone in the online dating space, it's tempting to keep that connection in a virtual place for quite some time. Longer than necessary, in fact. I'm here to make the case for the speedy first date, as none of us are getting any younger and there's no real time to lose. If schedules align and desire exists, put those car keys in the ignition and get thee to a coffee shop - you're going on a date!

Take it Offline

I write for a living. Day in, day, out. While most people do not, this gives me added insight. I don't want to relegate to email or phone any potential relationship longer than is necessary. See, you can edit emails. You can mute phones. You don't have to respond to facial expressions in either scenario. This makes for...well, a pretty artificial way to begin a potential relationship. Sure - emails and phone calls serve to break the ice and let you know if you might "click" with your new match in-person, but get in one another's faces as soon as you can. That's human and where the magic really happens.

Ships Passing...Make them Collide

Ever connect with someone online who can't ever seen to make their schedule jive with yours? I call it the Interminable Conflict. Here's the bottom line: if you're really interested in someone, you'll make the time to meet. If all you can come up with are excuses, then they're probably not too far up your food chain. Pushing for the initial meeting sooner rather than later lets you know if someone might be wasting your time in the long haul.

I'm Busy

Here's the scoop - if an online match is too busy before you even meet to meet you or respond in a timely manner to your emails or phone calls, what would he or she be like in a relationship? Tons of people travel for business or have regular events throughout the week. No one is too busy to make time and if they are, it's better to call them on it now and silently move on. Unlike "ships passing," it's better to leave these folks to their excuses and not push for the meeting. How fun is it to sit down with a clock-watcher? If you meet someone with itchy pants, take a line from The Redhead: "It seems like you'd rather be somewhere else. I can help you with that. We can call it an afternoon/a night. I'll get the check."