Advice for a Double Date: Know the Pros and Cons

Instead of another dinner for two, you might consider inviting another couple to join. One of the best ways to assess your chemistry, or lack thereof, is to try going on a double date. Before making the reservation for four, read these double dating pros and cons.

Pro: Your friend is finally going to meet the person you’ve been dating. Woohoo! You’ve been dating this great person for weeks and now you’re finally going to get to share them with someone who knows you better than you know yourself.

Con: Your friend’s opinion could negatively affect your thoughts. Although there’s a small chance that your friend won’t be as crazy about your date as you are, he or she may voice concerns that may complicate your relationship.

When you first start dating someone it’s important to keep other people’s two cents out of the equation. Of course your friends’ input will always be valuable, but it shouldn’t jeopardize anything that could be evolve into something long-term and meaningful.

Pro: There’s less stress to impress. A friend in tow can make the date feel less stressful. You don’t have to worry about awkward silences, conversation starters, or the sound of crickets when you tell a joke that falls flat. When there are four people out together, you’ll be more likely to keep a conversation alive.

It’s also a good opportunity for your friend to share funny (and flattering) stories from your past while you just sit back and blush – in a good way.

Con: Alone time with your date is just not happening. While there’s a lot of banter and laughing, it can be hard to have an actual conversation–which isn’t a bad thing. But, if you’re in the early stages of dating someone, you really want that time to get to know them, have real intimate discussions, and not have to worry about waiting for your turn to talk in a group of four.

Pro: You could discover that this couple is your perfect couple match. There are so many things out there that make for great couple dates, like wine tasting classes, paint nights, apple picking, and so much more. You’re not only working on your friendship with the other individuals in the group, but you’re also solidifying a real bond between the two relationships. You’ll feel like you’re part of a little community, and that’s a good thing.

Con: Unintended chemistry can arise. So, everything is going really great, but somewhere throughout the night you realize that there seems to be a connection going on between your date and your friend, or you and your date’s friend. Yikes! While it’s totally normal to realize that maybe your date isn’t the best match for you and the person across the table will fit with you better, you’re better off avoiding unnecessary drama.

Use these pros and cons to decide if you and your partner are a double date kind of couple. Even if you think the cons outweigh the pros, it’s good to change up the two-person dynamic. Now it’s time to get planning and try out some of the best double date ideas to get started. Good luck!