Men, what should a woman eat(or not) on the first date?

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Replies

  • msf74
    msf74 Posts: 3,498 Member
    Hi-
    I'm going on my first date with a new guy and I don't know what to order. I don't know exactly where we are going, but I'm asking not necessarily in regards to calories but more in regards to what I "should eat." Like what looks better- a salad or a burger?

    Thanks!


    You're over thinking this. Natural for a first date I guess.

    What really matters is having fun, being relaxed, being open to conversation and so on not what you are eating. I do find copious amounts of Prosecco does help in this regard however...
  • KarenJanine
    KarenJanine Posts: 3,497 Member
    ndj1979 wrote: »
    I have a few PERSONAL guidelines:

    1. Don't eat anything stinky- personally I can't stand fish/ seafood or to be around anyone eating fish, baked beans, scramled eggs or blue cheese. Bleugh, but I would mention it beforehand.
    2. Good table manners are a must. Must use a knife and fork properly and not talk with mouth full. No elbows on the table etc.
    3. Have some knowledge and appreciation of wine. It's a turn off for me when a man doesn't know anything about wine. No sweet wine - unless with desert.
    4. Don't pig out. Guys who stuff themselves on a date are a turn off for me- especially if they are so full afterwards that they get gas and can't move etc. Personally I like to eat light on a date so I'm not too full for 'afterwards'.
    5. Don't 'feed' me. This grosses me out. Plus, taking food off my plate to try it- huge turn off.
    6. Don't get drunk and sloppy.
    7. Lastly- I'm being picky but I don't like it when a guy orders 'dainty' and 'sterotypically feminine' things- yes, it's just my perception. For example- ordering half a pint of larger or a hot chocolate with cream and marshmallows etc. It's just my taste but I like a 'real ale and bloody steak' kind of guy.

    Oh, and I'm okay with splitting the cheque. You might think some of these things are common sense (table-manners etc.) but I've encountered them on dates in the past. I'm sure loads of people on here have some good horror stories- I'd love to hear them!

    Of course, once I'm in a relationship (I'm married)- most of those 'guidelines' go out of the window.

    do you announce these rules prior to the date?? or is just on a hand out?

    LOL. I'd definitely want that handout in advance so I could cancel the date, then take myself out for smoked salmon and scrambled eggs.

  • LolBroScience
    LolBroScience Posts: 4,537 Member
    I have a few PERSONAL guidelines:

    1. Don't eat anything stinky- personally I can't stand fish/ seafood or to be around anyone eating fish, baked beans, scramled eggs or blue cheese. Bleugh, but I would mention it beforehand.
    2. Good table manners are a must. Must use a knife and fork properly and not talk with mouth full. No elbows on the table etc.
    3. Have some knowledge and appreciation of wine. It's a turn off for me when a man doesn't know anything about wine. No sweet wine - unless with desert.
    4. Don't pig out. Guys who stuff themselves on a date are a turn off for me- especially if they are so full afterwards that they get gas and can't move etc. Personally I like to eat light on a date so I'm not too full for 'afterwards'.
    5. Don't 'feed' me. This grosses me out. Plus, taking food off my plate to try it- huge turn off.
    6. Don't get drunk and sloppy.
    7. Lastly- I'm being picky but I don't like it when a guy orders 'dainty' and 'sterotypically feminine' things- yes, it's just my perception. For example- ordering half a pint of larger or a hot chocolate with cream and marshmallows etc. It's just my taste but I like a 'real ale and bloody steak' kind of guy.

    Oh, and I'm okay with splitting the cheque. You might think some of these things are common sense (table-manners etc.) but I've encountered them on dates in the past. I'm sure loads of people on here have some good horror stories- I'd love to hear them!

    Of course, once I'm in a relationship (I'm married)- most of those 'guidelines' go out of the window.

    lol plz go
  • chivalryder
    chivalryder Posts: 4,391 Member
    yopeeps025 wrote: »
    OP is not a woman I want to date. Ever.

    Why on earth should this be important?

    I am sure you date women who are insecure in other areas.

    Obviously I could find myself dating someone like the OP. A woman wouldn't be open about that to a man on or before the first date. That goes both ways as well.
  • mojohowitz
    mojohowitz Posts: 900 Member
    rainbow_tacos_ceramic_pull-r83e11e4dedcb435c836ac0629b450361_zp2rw_324.jpg?rlvnet=1
  • Capt_Apollo
    Capt_Apollo Posts: 9,026 Member
    arditarose wrote: »
    yopeeps025 wrote: »
    you're planning on eating on a first date?? don't you want him to like you??

    Huh?

    He's joking.



    AM I??? AM I???


    **plot twist... i am.**
  • juggernaut1974
    juggernaut1974 Posts: 6,212 Member
    mojohowitz wrote: »
    rainbow_tacos_ceramic_pull-r83e11e4dedcb435c836ac0629b450361_zp2rw_324.jpg?rlvnet=1

    images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTXEdti8OHFM8ZMBu949nvBvVXvZOoAEdkFANGwVB4cnJbcotX8Kw
  • wwstewart
    wwstewart Posts: 135 Member
    Here's the answer to your question:

    Anything you want.

    If he has a problem with that, then he's a douche canoe and you shouldn't be worried about date #2 because you're better off without crap like that dragging you down.
  • chivalryder
    chivalryder Posts: 4,391 Member
    "Dating is just acting like you're somebody you're not until the person likes you enough so you can show 'em who you really are." Zach Braff
  • yopeeps025
    yopeeps025 Posts: 8,680 Member
    yopeeps025 wrote: »
    OP is not a woman I want to date. Ever.

    Why on earth should this be important?

    I am sure you date women who are insecure in other areas.

    Obviously I could find myself dating someone like the OP. A woman wouldn't be open about that to a man on or before the first date. That goes both ways as well.

    It takes a special person to admit something like that for someone they are going on a date with.


    I guess I will see if I can pick up on that for my date.
  • ExRelaySprinter
    ExRelaySprinter Posts: 874 Member
    msf74 wrote: »
    Hi-
    I'm going on my first date with a new guy and I don't know what to order. I don't know exactly where we are going, but I'm asking not necessarily in regards to calories but more in regards to what I "should eat." Like what looks better- a salad or a burger?

    Thanks!


    You're over thinking this. Natural for a first date I guess.

    What really matters is having fun, being relaxed, being open to conversation and so on not what you are eating. I do find copious amounts of Prosecco does help in this regard however...
    Definitely this ^^. Lol
  • HollandOats
    HollandOats Posts: 202 Member
    See, I might get the salad vs. the burger because I like to cut restaurant burgers in half, taking one part for leftovers. On a date, depending on what we were doing after, I might not like to have the takeout box to worry about... But I wouldn't be bothered to take leftover salad with me... I'd just eat the best bits and move on.

    Regardless, I'd make sure I ordered something I really liked, because I don't eat out very often, so I'd want to thoroughly enjoy the experience. And I'd keep it at the midrange pricepoint or lower... because I'm thrifty.

    Do be sure to stop in the ladies room after you eat to wash your paws and check your teeth before continuing on for the evening, though. ( :
  • kshama2001
    kshama2001 Posts: 28,052 Member
    MrM27 wrote: »
    I have a few PERSONAL guidelines:

    1. Don't eat anything stinky- personally I can't stand fish/ seafood or to be around anyone eating fish, baked beans, scramled eggs or blue cheese. Bleugh, but I would mention it beforehand.
    2. Good table manners are a must. Must use a knife and fork properly and not talk with mouth full. No elbows on the table etc.
    3. Have some knowledge and appreciation of wine. It's a turn off for me when a man doesn't know anything about wine. No sweet wine - unless with desert.
    4. Don't pig out. Guys who stuff themselves on a date are a turn off for me- especially if they are so full afterwards that they get gas and can't move etc. Personally I like to eat light on a date so I'm not too full for 'afterwards'.
    5. Don't 'feed' me. This grosses me out. Plus, taking food off my plate to try it- huge turn off.
    6. Don't get drunk and sloppy.
    7. Lastly- I'm being picky but I don't like it when a guy orders 'dainty' and 'sterotypically feminine' things- yes, it's just my perception. For example- ordering half a pint of larger or a hot chocolate with cream and marshmallows etc. It's just my taste but I like a 'real ale and bloody steak' kind of guy.

    Oh, and I'm okay with splitting the cheque. You might think some of these things are common sense (table-manners etc.) but I've encountered them on dates in the past. I'm sure loads of people on here have some good horror stories- I'd love to hear them!

    Of course, once I'm in a relationship (I'm married)- most of those 'guidelines' go out of the window.
    So on the first date the person needs to pretend to be something he's not but afterwards he can just be himself? Cool

    I assumed this is part of her screening criteria - if she goes on a first date with someone with no table manners, she may not want to have a second date. Ditto if someone gets drunk and sloppy on the first date.

    When I was dating, I looked at how men treated the wait staff. I didn't have a second date with someone who, while a gentleman with me, was a dick to the staff.

    Men obviously evaluate women on dates as well, hence the OP's wondering about whether her choice of food is important.

  • kshama2001
    kshama2001 Posts: 28,052 Member
    To eat on a date: Food
    To not eat on a date: Stuff that isn't food. Stuff that is food but that you feel self-conscious eating, for whatever reason.

    Oh, and if someone had a bunch of rules for what I could eat (like telling me not to order fish because THEY didn't like it?) no second date. Because, seriously. No way.

    Sure, this is a screen for control freaks.

  • Mr_Knight
    Mr_Knight Posts: 9,532 Member
    I have a few PERSONAL guidelines:

    1. Don't eat anything stinky- personally I can't stand fish/ seafood or to be around anyone eating fish, baked beans, scramled eggs or blue cheese. Bleugh, but I would mention it beforehand.
    2. Good table manners are a must. Must use a knife and fork properly and not talk with mouth full. No elbows on the table etc.
    3. Have some knowledge and appreciation of wine. It's a turn off for me when a man doesn't know anything about wine. No sweet wine - unless with desert.
    4. Don't pig out. Guys who stuff themselves on a date are a turn off for me- especially if they are so full afterwards that they get gas and can't move etc. Personally I like to eat light on a date so I'm not too full for 'afterwards'.
    5. Don't 'feed' me. This grosses me out. Plus, taking food off my plate to try it- huge turn off.
    6. Don't get drunk and sloppy.
    7. Lastly- I'm being picky but I don't like it when a guy orders 'dainty' and 'sterotypically feminine' things- yes, it's just my perception. For example- ordering half a pint of larger or a hot chocolate with cream and marshmallows etc. It's just my taste but I like a 'real ale and bloody steak' kind of guy.

    Oh, and I'm okay with splitting the cheque. You might think some of these things are common sense (table-manners etc.) but I've encountered them on dates in the past. I'm sure loads of people on here have some good horror stories- I'd love to hear them!

    Of course, once I'm in a relationship (I'm married)- most of those 'guidelines' go out of the window.

    This being MFP, you're going to catch hell for that list :smiley: but really, most of it is fine. The wine is a bit of a whatever - I'll take a proper Old Fashioned or Manhattan over a glass of wine, every time - but that's a just a personal preference thing.

    :drinker:
  • cathiggs
    cathiggs Posts: 21 Member
    I agree with everyone else you should eat what u want now what u think he wants if u know u are going to a nice place then spend a few days before hand being really strict and then eat what u want on the night!
  • RGv2
    RGv2 Posts: 5,789 Member
    Only the approved dating food. Lettuce and water.

    I thought it was the most expensive thing on the menu.
  • Lexicpt
    Lexicpt Posts: 209 Member
    Chicken enchiladas washed down with a few lime margaritas. No shame. We're still together almost 2 years later.
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  • PeachyCarol
    PeachyCarol Posts: 8,029 Member
    I don't ever remember putting this much thought into dating. Except for what to wear. Maybe.
  • j75j75
    j75j75 Posts: 854 Member
    Eat whatever looks appealing on the menu. Though for first dates, I generally stay away from anything that's too messy. Good luck!!
  • juliebowman4
    juliebowman4 Posts: 784 Member
    Oh dear.
    This post makes me sad.
    I thought women had come so much further.....
    It's like this was a Dear Abby post from 1955...
  • SergeantSausage
    SergeantSausage Posts: 1,673 Member
    No - really : How old are you? Are you, like, 12?
  • ncboiler89
    ncboiler89 Posts: 2,408 Member
    Hi-
    I'm going on my first date with a new guy and I don't know what to order. I don't know exactly where we are going, but I'm asking not necessarily in regards to calories but more in regards to what I "should eat." Like what looks better- a salad or a burger?

    Thanks!

    Get the number three and supersize it.
  • Carlos_421
    Carlos_421 Posts: 5,132 Member
    Guys don't care. At all. Not even a little bit.
    Just get something that won't stick in your teeth.
  • Ninkyou
    Ninkyou Posts: 6,666 Member
    Bring a banana with you in your purse.

    There's lots you can do with a banana...
  • juliebowman4
    juliebowman4 Posts: 784 Member
    ncboiler89 wrote: »
    Hi-
    I'm going on my first date with a new guy and I don't know what to order. I don't know exactly where we are going, but I'm asking not necessarily in regards to calories but more in regards to what I "should eat." Like what looks better- a salad or a burger?

    Thanks!

    Get the number three and supersize it.

    Bhahaaa. Love this!
  • jemhh
    jemhh Posts: 14,261 Member
    I don't ever remember putting this much thought into dating. Except for what to wear. Maybe.

    I never dated in the usual sense. I always end up thinking "Hunh, do people really think/do that?" when I read this kind of stuff.
  • urloved33
    urloved33 Posts: 3,323 Member
    Merkavar wrote: »
    There are two sides to this I see.

    One is if you eat something different just to impress the guy are you not lying or misleading them from the get go? Say you normally eat pasta and you decide to eat a burger just because your on a date, doesn't that seem misleading or shows a lack of confidence.

    The other side I see is you don't want to spill food on you, them or the immediate area so I would maybe avoid things with sauces or soups or too much liquid. Also something that you use cutlery to eat if possible.

    I always spill stuff. No matter how careful. Like a stray tiny peice of food will fall on me. And it won't just leave a small mark. This peice would be covered in sauce or oil and bounce and roll all the way down my front leaving a trail.

    Lol, that happens to me except everything just lands on my boobs :D

    Me too I always drop something on me...ugh

  • peachyfuzzle
    peachyfuzzle Posts: 1,122 Member
    My first date with my girlfriend of nearly three years was downing a bunch of homemade chicken wings until we were both about to pop washed down with a bottle of tequila where margaritas turned into shots.

    If someone is really THAT hung up on what you eat, they suck. Don't waste your time on them.