31 Things Every Girl Thinks On a First Date

Originally published on eHarmony’s blog. 

You clicked, you matched, you’re finally going out. You might put on a good game, but here’s what you’re really thinking on a first date.

Tall? Check. Employed? Check. Has (most of his) hair? Check. Doesn’t live with mama? Check. He crossed off the major must-haves for a boyfriend-to-be, and the digital conversation is going well – but the biggest question remains: will all of the witty chit-chat translate in person?

First dates can bomb and they can pleasantly surprise you – but you’ll never know if you don’t go out on a limb and accept that offer for drinks after work. And if you do, you’re probably thinking the things below (it’s okay, we are too!):

8 a.m.: Mmmm. Can I sleep for just 15 more minutes? I won’t have time to shave my legs if I do. But will he even notice?

8:05 a.m.: Okay, fine, I’ll get up. He better appreciate I shaved my legs.

10:30 a.m.: He hasn’t texted to confirm. Do I follow-up? Does he need to confirm? If he doesn’t text me by 3 p.m., I’ll text him.

1 p.m.: I.Will.Not.Look.At.My.Phone.Until.3 p.m.

1:45 p.m.: Please, please, please text me, Mr. What’s Your Name Again?

1:46 p.m.: He still hasn’t texted. Can I make other plans with the girls?

2:30 p.m.: Whew. We’re still on.

5 p.m.: Only an hour to go until work is over. Gotta keep myself busy. Am I really nervous to meet him?

6:15 p.m.: I’m 15 minutes early. Is it better to be early, on-time or fashionably late? I’m not sure that’s a thing anymore. But he better not be late, that’s for sure. Such a turn-off.

6:20 p.m.: I’m going to order a glass of wine and look busy. I hope he offers to pay for it.

6:25 p.m.: Oh my. That guy walking in better not be him. He told me he was 6’0” and he is barely 5’7” at that. And I’m wearing heels!

6:26 p.m.: Oh he’s getting close. Please, please, please, please, please don’t be him.

6:27 p.m.: Not him. Thank you, thank you!

6:45 p.m.: Okay, he’s actually not so bad. He’s basically tall. He’s a little nervous.

6:50 p.m.: It’s kind of cute that he’s nervous. Hmm. I kind of like how this is going.

7:15 p.m.: Dinner? He just suggested we go to dinner now – does that mean he likes me? What time is my first meeting tomorrow? Can I stay out late?

7:20 p.m.: Aw. He says he’s having a nice time. I acted nonchalant and cool, but nice about it. I think I’m #winning this one.

7:30 p.m.: What’s the cheapest thing on the menu that’s not a salad? I know everyone says not to order a salad because it makes you look like one of those girls. It’s kind of annoying – what if I want a salad, hmm?

7:31 p.m.: OMG. They have a burger with truffle oil, brie and bacon. Sold.

7:40 p.m.: He just asked about my last relationship. Red flag. Is he rebounding? He didn’t mention that online.

7:55 p.m.: Oh okay, he’s just super talkative and asking questions. All forgiven. I guess.

8:05 p.m. Mmm okay. His table manners aren’t awesome, but I can work with that. He is really sweet in other ways. And I do actually want to kiss him, which is an improvement from the other dozen dates I’ve been on recently.

8:30 p.m.: He mentioned going on another date. I think I can be into this.

9 p.m.: Check’s here. I’m totally fine paying for my half – but I do hope he offers to cover it. It’s something old-fashioned, sure. But I still appreciate the gesture.

9:02 p.m.: Smooth Mastercard move there, buddy. Didn’t even give me a chance to try. Well done.

9:15 p.m. He’s walking me home. He doesn’t need to – it’s literally less than 10 minutes away and it’s still rather light outside – but I like that he’s insisting.

9:20 p.m.: One block from my place. Do I kiss him? Shouldn’t we toss those rules out the window anyway? Who says you have to follow any rules? Am I right?

9:25 p.m. He’s saying the niceties and mentioning a concert next weekend. Cute.

9:40 p.m.: Best. Kisser. Ever.

9:50 p.m.: Tempted to update my Facebook status with a cryptic message about how awesome that was, but I’ll refrain and text my three BFFs instead. Totally fine with being that girl right now.

10:30 p.m.: I hope he doesn’t turn into one of those great guys that suddenly disappears after the first date and you never ever EVER hear from him again. Whatever happens to those guys, anyway?

11 p.m.: So glad I shaved my legs.

11:33 p.m.: Aw. He texted. I’ll wait until the morning to respond.