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You know I’ve been online dating for a little over a year now. It’s certainly an interesting experience that’s had more ups and downs. I won’t give up though because I still hold out hope that I’ll fall head over heels in love.
The first date I went on I was super nervous and didn’t know what to expect. Now that I’ve been on more than a few, I’m becoming a bit of an expert at how to prepare so the night goes as smoothly as possible.
I pack my purse to be on the offense for anything to strike. It all starts with prevention. Hand sanitizer and antibacterial wipes because let’s be honest, I don’t know where this guy’s been or what his deal is. That’s why I also rely on Emergen-C that I stock up on at Walmart. More healthy days, more healthy nights. The more nights that I can be feeling good mean a better chance of finding Mr. Right … assuming he is also online, which I’m growing less and less certain of as the days pass. It also tastes great and is an easy way to get the vitamins I need.
I also carry my cell phone. It’s good for killing time while I wait for my date to show and hope he actually does. I haven’t been stood up yet, but I’m prepared for it. Plus, in the event that my date turns out to be a jerk, I can call Mom to rescue me.
I always throw my sunglasses in as well so I can camouflage myself if my good looking 30 year old turns out to be dumpy and 50. I’m totally prepared to hide in the corner of the restaurant and pretend I’m someone else.
My little card case is important to have too. It has my ID in case I get carded as well as credit cards. I always offer to pay, but ladies, I know you’re with me when I say if he takes me up on that offer, there won’t be a second date. Despite all the bad dates I’ve had, I haven’t had to pay yet.
Then there’s my Advil Tablet Vial, which is so easy to stash in my bag. Use Advil tablets for headaches, minor arthritis and other joint pain, muscle aches and pains of the common cold. Sometimes just a few minutes into a date, I’ve got a headache that goes into my neck and my bad knee acting up thanks to my heels since I tried to look nice unlike my date in his torn jeans and t-shirt. Luckily Advil’s got my back … literally.
Just in case the need arises for a kiss (this hasn’t happened yet, but I’m anxiously waiting), I keep my lips looking and feeling good with lipstick and of course ChapStick Total Hydration which is 100% Natural and instantly smooths and moisturizes with omega 6 & 9. I don’t go anywhere without ChapStick and haven’t since I was in grade school!
Whether you’re trying to find your soul mate like me or have been married for years, my date night essentials are perfect to make sure to have a fun night out.
What are some of your date night essentials? Be sure to add Emergen-C, Advil Tablet Vial, and ChapStick Total Hydration to the list!
ooooh you’re so well prepared! Fingers crossed you find the right guy soon!
I think disney movies have given us girls the false idea that love at first sight is real. I met my BF online and we went on I think 3 dates before we kissed and many more before we actually fell in love. Best to treat a date as an open book- get to know them as a person/friend and dont get worked up about whether you love them until you get to know them better, which can sometimes take months if youre both shy! 🙂
Oh, and I always offer to split the cost of the meal. If he declines (and they sometimes dont! My current BF and I split every meal since our first date!), then you can say “I got the next one”. Hello second date!
Good luck with dating!
You have a lot of great advice, Casey. It should definitely be treated as a friendship journey. I was just talking to a guy who said it’s like a job interview and he was the interviewer … I was like no thank you. One day it will all work out.
Your purse looks pretty well stocked. I would add tissues and a compact for a mirror and I also carry a small lotion. I love the advice from Casey @Waffling…. Just enjoy the experience. We have to “kiss” a lot of frogs before we find our prince charming…LOL!
Tissues are a good idea. So is a mirror, luckily these days a phone works in a pinch 🙂
Lotta good tips here! I’m waaayyyy past the dating stage (and found such a winner in Mrs KR that I know it’ll never happen again), but you’ve reminded me of things I haven’t thought of in years. Decades! Hope you find your soulmate as I have.
Me too. Thanks, John!
You are beyond prepared! I always have lotion, chapstick, headache pills and sunglasses in my purses.
I keep lotion in the car. I am lost without it.
I’ve been married for almost 10 years, so I am rusty at dating! But I would say, bring a few great questions/topics of conversation to break the ice, along with a smile and positive attitude! Dating can be fun, even if the guy doesn’t turn out to be the one for you. You never know when you can make a new friend (and he might have friends you like! ;0) .
Thanks for the advice, Meghan! I agree that dating can be fun. As much as a few of the dates I’ve had have been awful, I don’t regret any of them. It was all a learning experience.