I admit that I can be awkward at times. With that realization, I should play up to my strengths. And dinner dates can sometimes be really fucking awkward.

  • stuck for over an hour in one tiny location
  • essentially forced to look at each other the whole time (side-by-side or corner seating present other weird difficulties)
  • very limited opportunities for kino escalation
  • feeling weighed down and tired after a long meal
  • the natural tendency is to be dignified and serious, which run counter to my style and comfort

In short, it is far more difficult to build rapport. I reserve dinner for girls I've already dated at least twice or have already slept with.

I've done drinks and hors d'oeurves before, and that works just fine because nobody feels stuck. It changes the whole mood.