Meeting for drinks on a first date can be an ideal opportunity to relax, meet someone new—and perhaps have dinner, or simply make a graceful exit. However, first dates can be nerve-wracking, which means that indulging in several drinks is a temptation. But as anyone with common sense will tell you, getting tipsy with a stranger isn’t a good idea, even if it takes some of the stress out of the situation. Enjoy a cocktail or two at the most. If you tend to over-imbibe, play it safe and meet for brunch or coffee.
Safety First
It’s important on a first date to keep your wits about you. At this point, you may not want to share particulars about where you work or live. Be smart, have fun, and keep things light and friendly. Alcohol, being a social lubricant, can take you down that slippery slope of doing and saying things you may later regret.
Touching on a first date should also be avoided. Alcohol opens the doorway to flirtations and getting touchy-feely too soon. The purpose of a first date is to get to know the other person, not indulge your sexual impulses. Keeping alcohol consumption to a minimum will ensure that a romantic interaction proceeds at an appropriately slow pace.
Handling Intoxication
Another important factor to consider is getting home after the date. If you’ve had more than a couple of cocktails, and the date suddenly ends—will you be fit to drive? Taking a cab home is always an option, or public transportation (if available where you live), but even navigating city streets on foot while intoxicated is a risk. Whether it’s RI dating or you’re in downtown Boston, it’s important to plan ahead. The potential for being struck by a car as a pedestrian spikes if you’ve been drinking.
In all states, you’re considered intoxicated if your blood alcohol content reaches .08 percent. It’s a good idea to know your limit, which is usually based on your weight and the passage of time. Go online and make the calculation. For women especially, just two drinks consumed within an hour can mean that you’re legally intoxicated. If in doubt, slow down and order a club soda.
While drinking on a first date offers relief for a stressful situation, it is important to limit alcohol consumption for your own personal safety. You never want to be in a situation where you’re inclined to drive while intoxicated. And it’s important to stay focused on your goal, which is to get a clear picture of who your date is. Alcohol can impair your judgment and potentially lead you to say things you may later regret. Having only one or two cocktails when out on a first date is the best common sense option.