So, after being flaked on earlier this week I am proud that I didn’t let it stop me from meeting women and putting myself out there. It’s the small victories, am I right?

On Wednesday, I (26m) matched with a girl (25f) on tinder. Kept things quick, simple, and set a coffee date for this afternoon. After setting the date, I did not text her or contact her at all. (Following “how to be a 3% man.”) She did text me an hour before to confirm. I took that as a positive sign of interest.

We met at the coffee shop and I could immediately tell that she had sort of an awkward personality. She was VERY cute but it was obvious that she was nervous. Strangely, it sort of calmed my own nerves. She insisted to pay for her own coffee so I didn’t argue. I led her to a table and we sat next to each other instead of across from one another. (Maybe I am learning.) I focused on leaning back in my chair, making good eye contact, using a calm, low pitched voice, and let her do most of the talking. I made her laugh a few times and she showed interest in me by asking questions. To which, I tried to keep my answers brief and witty.

After being there for about an hour, I realized that I really didn’t want to continue the date. (Plus my phone was blowing up in my pocket with work emergencies.) I had planned some places to walk to if the date was going well but I just wasn’t feeling it. I told her I had to get going, we hugged and parted ways.

This date was bittersweet. I feel like I’ve made a lot of progress in a short time. However, what I really wanted to practice was escalation. I was watching for signs of attraction like; messing with her hair, leaning in, brushing up against me. But she really didn’t do any of that. However, I did sense some disappointment when I ended the date.

I just wasn’t feeling it with this girl. Like I said, she was definitely attractive but I just wasn’t that into her personality or demeanor. My plan going forward is to call her on Tuesday or Wednesday, no contact before then. I’ll attempt to go on another date with her, mostly for curiosities sake.

THINGS I CAN WORK ON: - Eye contact was good but not great. When it was intense/prolonged I broke gaze a couple of times. This could be a huge factor in the whole escalating department - I did a decent job with witty/funny banter, but I need to be more flirty and add more sexual undertones. - Slow down in the beginning. I think I could take some extra time on the introduction and it would make her more comfortable and ease her nerves. Sometimes I forget that women get nervous too and the earlier I can break down those barriers, the better. - Slow down on the exit. I’m glad that I ended the date because if she does have a high level of attraction it leaves her wanting more. But I sort of jetted lol. Even if I’m not into her, I should take my time to give a proper goodbye. There is typically a lot of sexual tension and expectation tied up at the end of a date. I should take a moment to build it up even more.

Thanks for reading if you made it this far! Any glaring issues or mistakes I’ve made? Tips are always appreciated!