Sep 15 2024 19 mins
We surveyed over 500 people on first date norms. Here are the questions we’ll answer:
- Who should pay for the first date?
- What’s the preferred activity for a first date?
- What level of physical contact is appropriate on a first date?
- How late is acceptable for someone to arrive on a first date?
- Is it appropriate to discuss ex-partners on a first date?
- When should you follow up after a first date?
- Do people believe in ‘love at first sight’?
Key Takeaways:
- Many people (36%) expect the man to pay. Men especially believe this.
- Coffee (35%) and dinner at a restaurant (28%) were most preferred first date activities
- Younger people prefer coffee; older people prefer dinner at a restaurant
- For physical contact, it depends on how the date goes but a hug at minimum is generally appropriate
- Many people (35%) think being up to 10 minutes late is fine
- 34% think it’s appropriate discuss exes
- Younger people think it’s more appropriate; older people think it’s not appropriate
- Many people (41%) think you should follow up the next day after the date
- Most people (65%) believe in ‘love at first sight’