Dating Triumphs and Tragedies
by Nicole Roberge

The Do's and Don'ts of Summer Dating

It’s that time of year when the sundresses come on (and off), the margaritas get made, and the skin is a golden, or lobster-red, hue. Summer is also that time of year when dating is in full swing, or for many people, in full fling. Summer flings are fun and flirty and many don’t take the summertime as the season for relationships—it is the span of three months where they can date and have fun and enjoy going out and meeting people. Which is fine and great, and who knows—maybe one of those “flings” that you meet might turn into a winter “relationship.” But whether or not that’s on your agenda, there are a few do’s and don’ts of summer dating that you should follow so that you can ensure when you show up at the bar, it’s not a party-of-one.

Sunscreen. Sunscreen. Sunscreen. — Whether it is SPF 10 or SPF 75, please apply. For your own sake, and the sake of your date. No matter how hot that golden glow looks when you’re basking in the sun pre-date, when you show up to meet hours later looking like Lobby Lobster, it might be the one time she’d opt for the crab.

Take it outside. It’s summer; enjoy the warm air while you can. Outside seating at restaurants, cafes and bars creates a nice atmosphere and it is a great escape from a crowded and noisy indoor restaurant. No matter what the venue, just sitting outside will automatically make the mood a little lighter and your date a bit more relaxed and refreshed.

Dress it up. Summer is the perfect time for fun and flirty dresses. From long and flowy to short and leggy, they are feminine and fresh and just what every girl needs to break out of those winter sweaters. A great accessory for every date and the best part is that they’re so easy! No need to figure out what to match with what, just throw on a dress and some sandals, and you’re good to go. Just—

Don’t:

Take the beach to the bar. While the allure of cute dresses can sometimes crossover from the beach to the bar, don’t go so skimpy that you wear your beach cover-up on a date. At least not out on a first date. Save that for when you know each other a little bit better.

Drink too much. Summer is the time for some great cocktails—from Margaritas to Sangria to Mojitos, and of course going out for drinks is a typical first date, but while these drinks are all rather inviting, overindulging on a date is never a good idea. No matter how hot a summer night, or how bad the date is going, it is just a bad combination. Save that for when you’re out with your friends.

Loose track of the calendar. Unfortunately, summer is only three months, and though we would all like to hang on to it a little bit longer (September is still technically summer, right?), once August ends, so does that summer mentality. And for most folks, that’s when summer dating usually comes to a close. Summer flings are great. They’re fun. They’re short. Just like summer. But if you’re looking for a summer fling, and just that, then don’t get too attached. Make sure that you are both on the same page when you meet. When the summer ends, usually, so does your dating.

Summer is the time to relax and enjoy yourselves, and while we’re all looking for love, there’s no need to stress about it. You might as well get out there and just have a little fun. With any luck, at the close of summer, you’ll have met a lot of great people, had some nice cocktails, and made a few good connections, so that when October rolls around and you need a date for that Halloween party, you can call up Melissa and say, “Hey this is Eric, the really drunk sunburnt guy who took you to that crowded indoor restaurant in July. I have this cute Lobster costume and need a date…” It was summer, blame it on the heat.

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