If you’re playing the dating game, it can be pretty different depending on the decade you’re currently calling home. So we thought we’d break down some realities and expectations of a first date for you just in case you ever find yourself sitting across the table from someone living 10 years ahead or behind.
The ahead or behind depending on your perspective, of course…
Getting Drunk
20s: Mandatory.
30s: You’re probably an alcoholic.
Age
20s: It is what it is. Why lie?
30s: This is more closely guarded than your PIN.
Protection
20s: It’s in your wallet – obviously.
30s: You’d be happy with a kiss on the cheek and no one yelling at you.
Ordering Wine
20s: You have no idea.
30s: You have no idea. But you think you do.
The Bill
20s: You don’t actually want to win this battle.
30s: You have had serious discussions with many people about the positive ramifications going Dutch on the first date can have for ensuring equality and mutual respect in future relationships.
Musical Conversations
20s: You remember when One Direction got together.
30s: You remember when Kurt Cobain died.
How You Met Online
20s: Tinder.
30s: Match.com, OkCupid, eHarmony, PlentyofFish, JDate, Lavalife, Tinder, Grinder, MSN Messenger.
How You Met in Real Life
20s: You thought the other one was hot and it made sense to you to ask them out.
30s: Match.com, OkCupid, eHarmony, PlentyofFish, JDate, Lavalife, Tinder, Grinder, MSN Messenger.
You’d Bring Them Back to Your…
20s: Parents’ basement.
30s: One bedroom + den that you pay $1750 a month for despite the fact that your view is directly into another person’s apartment, and even though the gym is one floor below you, you’ve never actually seen it.
Outfit
20s: Flip-flops are acceptable footwear.
30s: You picked it out weeks ago and avoiding wearing it so as to not have to wash it again.
Phone
20s: It’s on the table. And you’re probably going to ‘check in’, update your Facebook profile, scroll through Instagram, reply to a few texts, and maybe even take a call.
30s: If you take it out during this date it better be for an emergency.
Children and Marriage
20s: You are the child; your parents are, or were, married.
30s: It’s important to know where people stand. The biological clock waits for no one.
What You’re Looking For
20s: The possibility of getting laid.
30s: The possibility of life-long companionship.
Options
20s: There really still are a lot of fish in the sea.
30s: It’s not settling if you don’t call it settling.
If It’s a Bust
20s: You’re going to go get drunk with your friends.
30s: At least you’ll be home in time for the Bachelor.
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