In a recent dating coaching session with Marjorie, she kept throwing around a term I had never heard of before. She referred to her first date with a guy from Match as “Date Zero”. How incredibly clever of her!
Why did Marjorie name her coffee dates “Date Zero”? Very practical really. After being on numerous first dates with men she has never met before, she simply realized these meetings weren’t like real dates. That’s because neither party knows if they will be interested enough to start seeing each other. A lot of ground has to be explored before that can be decided.
For example:
• Do you find each other attractive?
• Can you understand each other’s sense of humor?
• Can you hold a comfortable and interesting conversation?
• Do you want to know more about each other?
• Do you share a similar world view so you get each other?
• Do you have similar tastes in music, travel, sports, hobbies, etc?
• Do you have a similar dating agenda?
When you meet a man for the first time at a party or singles event, you can size each other up in person, face-to-face. But that’s not possible online. So, your first step is “Date Zero” with the sole purpose of determining the level of interest to find out more.
Reading the outcome of Date Zero can be very difficult. Sometimes it seems like you are getting along famously, but you never hear a peep from the guy again. Other times you have a moderate to low interest level and naturally those are the men to call. Now you can understand why Marjorie has taken to calling the first meeting Date Zero and I have to say, this is not only clever, but extremely savvy.
The truth is, a first meeting means absolutely nothing. That’s why my dating coaching client has wisely chosen not to count it as a date at all. It’s just a meeting and what matters most is not if you had a powerful connection, but if THE GUY CALLS FOR ANOTHER DATE. Or better yet, if he asks on the spot for that next date. Then, you’ll be going on your first date!
What’s the benefit of defining the process this way?
1. Takes the pressure off so you can relax and be your best self
2. Minimizes the chance of instant attachment that some women experience
3. Allows you to maintain a clear and objective viewpoint so you can make good decisions
4. Keeps the meeting in perspective so you don’t over-value the date
I highly recommend following Marjorie’s attitude about first dates with online prospects. Date Zero can be fun. It can produce a second, real date. But most importantly, it’s a perfect opportunity for you to practice flirting, use your feminine charm, hone your conversation skills, and build confidence in your ability to handle a first meeting.
When you adopt this outlook, you’ll learn how to maintain a “we’ll see” attitude to manage your enthusiasm and remain neutral. The purpose of dating is data collection – finding out his interest in you and your interest in him. Neutrality allows you to objectively collect data without getting emotionally attached before you know he’s worthy. Give this way of thinking about your coffee chats a try and discover how it helps you better navigate the potentially emotional and muddied waters of online dating.
online dating
Online Dating: Don’t Count Your First Date As a Real Date – Call It "Date Zero"
