We obviously have to vet a guy before going out with him. However, sometimes the vetting process is not enough and the guy ends up being an asshole. Or cancelling. This is why, through trial and error, I’ve learned to schedule a first date after another social event. This was of course pre-covid and now that restrictions are easing up in most countries, not at the height of the pandemic.

My best case scenario is scheduling a date after I have dinner with some friends. Let’s say we grab dinner right after work at 5:30, and my date is at 7:30/8.

This way, if the guy decides to cancel last minute, I’m out with friends and my evening is not ruined. If he doesn’t confirm the date, I’m out with friends and my evening is not ruined. If he doesn’t really plan something until the last minute, I’m out with friends and don’t have time to be texting back and forth trying to figure out a place, so I just stay with my friends and my evening is not ruined. If planning or getting to the date is difficult in any way, I continue to stay with my friends and my evening is not ruined. If I get to the date and the vibes are weird, chances are I have a friend not too far who can come and take me away. Lastly, I don’t have to spend time getting ready just for the date, I already have my hair/makeup/nails/outfit done for my evening out with friends.

You could also schedule a date before an event so that you have a time constraint and the first date doesn’t go on too long.

Happy dating! And keep vetting!