Tips for your first coffee date

We understand that some of you haven’t been on a date for many years (or ever) and will be nervous meeting a stranger in a public place for the first time. We are here to ensure you that it will all be okay.

Please find below some helpful tips for your first coffee and how it will run smoother than you think.

1. Arrive to coffee shop early: It’s a good idea, especially if you haven’t been to the arranged coffee shop before to get there early, suss out parking and the location. Once you have your bearings you can give yourself a little bit of time to breathe, stroll around until the time of your date and show up relaxed.
2. Put away your phone: It would be considered very rude to be on your phone during the date. As soon as your coffee match arrives, please be kind enough to put your phone in your pocket or bag and turn it on silent (we also understand if you have kids and need it keep it close by on the table, but please try to refrain from using it unless necessary).
3. Keep the conversation casual: We don’t encourage either party to interrogate the other person during their coffee. Please don’t make the other person feel like they are attending a job interview. Keep the conversation light and easy going (see some topics to discuss below). It might be a good idea to keep negative stories to yourself for the first date.
4. Dress comfortably- It a coffee date, not a three course meal so it’s not necessary to dress to impress for a coffee date but it might be an idea to make a little bit of an effort. Smart casual is always a safe bet.
5. Listen to the other person- You may have a big personality and have a lot of things to say but please do make some airspace for the other person. Ask questions and ensure you give them time to reply. Allow them to ask you questions in return and if there is awkward silences (and there very well may be) you can always go and top up your coffee.
6. Do not turn up with alcohol on you- This is a coffee date so the other person will be expecting you (as would we) to be sober and fully coherent. It would be nice if you didn’t have any alcohol or other substances before your coffee date and presented you as you.
7. Ask questions that are important to you- Although we completely discourage an interrogation, we would like to see you be able to ask questions that are important to you? “Do you like to travel, because I do,” “Are you okay dating someone with two wonderful kids because I have these great boys..” “Are you looking to settle down in the future.”..
8. Don’t lie- Although it might be tempting to embellish the truth to impress your coffee date, we highly discourage lying as it’s a bad start to any possible connection that coud be formed. Be honest from the get go and it will be much easier.
9. Don’t get distracted- Coffee shops can be busy so try not to get distracted with all that is going on around you. Try to focus on the conversation if possible.
10. Go with an open mind- Try not to have expectations and you can’t be disappointed. Go in to your coffee date with an open mind and, as the date unfolds, try to remain so and enjoy your time with a new person you’ve never met before.

Conversation topics

• Weather (a must for an Irish date)
• Jobs
• Where you are from, live
• Families
• Travel history and aspirations
• Hobbies (sport, theatre, art etc)
• Pets
• Types of entertainment you like
• Things you like to do at weekends

Fun questions if you get the chance

• Your favourite band ?
• Your guilty pleasure ?
• What did you want to be when you were younger (when you grew up)?
• Your favourite tv show/movie?
• What kind of food makes you smile ?
• What is your hidden talent?
• Worst date you’ve ever had?
• Any life mottos?
• Your favourite books/podcasts?
• Describe yourself as a teenager
• If you won the lotto, what would you spend it on?
• If you could switch careers, what would you do?
• Your dream vacation