It was your first date together and you had a great time. Now it is time to say goodbye and end the date. Ending a date is not as simple as it sounds. There will be some awkwardness on both sides. Should you lean for a good night kiss? Should you ask for your date’s phone number and give her the idea that you are interested in seeing her again? What if the date didn’t work out well? How can you let the other person know that you are not interested?

Towards the end of the date, get your feelings sorted out. If you really enjoyed the date and look forward to seeing your partner again, let them know. If they reciprocate your feelings, you can ask them for their phone number or e-mail id. Tell your date that you enjoyed her company and that you are looking forward to spending more time together. If you really didn’t have a good time, don’t ask for your partner’s number or promise to get in touch. False hopes will only give rise to unfulfilled expectations and undue resentment. Subtly let the other person know how you feel.

For instance, you can just hint that there is very little chemistry between the two of you. Be kind and truthful though. You do not want to hurt your date’s feelings. If you do not wish to continue dating your partner conclude the date with dinner or a movie or whatever else you have planned and go your separate ways.

Who says chivalry is dead and gone? No, it is very much alive. So, guys pick up the tab in the hotel where you wined and dined. This is a way of thanking your partner for her company. If your date insists on going dutch, chances are that she hasn’t really enjoyed the date and prefers not to proceed further. So, if you are a lady and you enjoyed the date and wish to see your partner again, let him pick up the tab. If you have agreed beforehand that you will be paying your bills separately, then do so.

At the end of a date, a guy ought to escort his date to a cab or drop her home himself. Ladies, let your date do this for you regardless of whether you will be meeting again or not.

Don’t expect too much kissing and cuddling on a first date. If you really like your partner and decide to continue meeting each other, there will be plenty of time for such loving expressions later. If you want to say goodnight simply say it. If your date leans for a kiss, a chaste peck on the cheek will do. Reserve passionate good night kisses for a later date.

Whether you liked your date or not, don’t forget to say a word of appreciation to your partner. Thank them for their time and effort. If you enjoyed the time you spent together say so. Your date won’t regret having gone out with you.

A few simple acts of consideration are all that it takes to script the perfect ending to a date.

Jonathan Pitts

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