Dating in New Orleans
06 Apr 2023Dating in New Orleans
Hey there, everyone, I’m Ann Parnes from Match Made in NOLA and I’m excited to share some first-date tips for New Orleans with you. New Orleans is an amazing city known for its rich culture, welcoming community, and vibrant atmosphere, making it an ideal place to date. However, to start dating, you have to start somewhere, which is often a first date. A first date should be a relaxed and enjoyable opportunity to meet someone new without any pressure. That being said, planning a memorable first date in New Orleans can be the start of something amazing. To that end, here are some tips to make your first date a success:
Check out our Dating in New Orleans Facebook Video:
Adopting a positive outlook:
Preparing for your first date involves adopting the right mindset. Keep in mind that the goal of a first date is to simply get to know the other person and decide whether you want to see them again. Rather than putting pressure on yourself to determine the future of the relationship, aim to leave with at least three positive impressions of the person and the date. Dating is meant to be fun, so approach it with a relaxed and positive attitude. Remember that our focus determines our reality, so it’s important to keep a positive outlook.
Finding the right location:
When it comes to finding the right spot for a first date in New Orleans, there are endless possibilities. When setting up dates for my clients, I recommend locations with a great ambiance that allow my clients to connect and get to know each other. It’s important to choose a spot that isn’t too loud and is conducive to conversation. Rather than sitting down for a full dinner, I suggest opting for a location that offers light bites and drinks.
Bouligny Tavern uptown is one of my top recommendations, with its lovely courtyard and ambient lighting creating a romantic atmosphere. Another favorite of mine is Pluck Wine Bar in the Warehouse District, where you can sit next to each other rather than directly across, making it feel less like an interview.
For those who don’t drink, a quaint coffee shop is a great option. The Vintage is a particularly cute spot in New Orleans that offers both coffee and alcohol, as well as small plates and desserts.
Avoid being unreliable, tardy, or impolite:
If a genuine emergency arises, let your date know as soon as possible, express your apologies, and reschedule the date at the earliest opportunity. This advice also applies to being late—do your best, but if you’re more than 5 minutes late, notify your date. People have different perceptions of punctuality, so assume that even a minor delay is significant to them and offer an apology.
Even if you decide there’s no chance for a second date very quickly, make the most of your date by focusing on the positive aspects, enjoying your food and drink, and soaking in something new you can learn from every human interaction. It never hurts to practice your interpersonal skills!
Being engaged and engaging:
When going on a first date, it’s important to give your full attention to the other person. To this end, put your phone away, maintain eye contact, and smile – all of which make someone feel you are engaged and interested in getting to know them. It’s also important to be mindful of maintaining a balanced conversation where each person is talking roughly half the time. To do so, ask questions that genuinely pique your curiosity about your date. Resist the temptation to delve too deeply into past relationships at this stage. You can always discuss personal histories if the relationship progresses further.
Also, feel free to dish out genuine compliments. Expressing admiration for your date makes them feel good (particularly true for men, since they rarely receive compliments). It also shows you are paying attention and interested in getting to know them better. When offering compliments, be authentic and specific. For example, you could praise their outfit, their sense of humor, their achievements or their engaging conversational skills. Avoid generic compliments that might sound insincere or shallow, and those that could make someone feel objectified.
Following up:
If you enjoyed your date, there is no need to play games and wait days/weeks to contact each other. Ladies, there’s nothing wrong with sending a text thanking your date for a fun night. Guys, I recommend asking them to let you know that they got home safely, letting them know you had a good time, and stating your desire to see them again. And then following through with planning it.
There is no better city in the US for a first date than New Orleans:
New Orleans is bursting with opportunities for romance, and it all starts with a first date! With its amazing food, music, culture, festivals and so much more, it’s the perfect city not only for the first date but also the hundredth. One thing is for sure, you will never exhaust the amazing experiences waiting for you and your date in New Orleans. With these tips in mind, we wish you luck as you set out on your journey to find love in the Big Easy.