Couple Dating: Blind dates, Good Dates, and This Month's Challenge

As a newlywed living in a new city, I've done my share of couple dating as my husband and I try to make friends. In a way, couple dating is almost more nerve wracking than dating dating because not two, but four people need to feel the connection in order for there to be a second date. Alex and I have definitely been on dates where I've spent the night bonding over childhood memories with the woman in the other couple, but Alex has found the man to be a bit boring or boorish. Or, he's spent the evening in a deep, thrilling discussion with the man in the other couple, but the woman and I have struggled to find anything in common. It can be hard to find perfect four-way chemistry.

We've been on a few disastrous couple dates since we've arrived in Brussels. One of the more awkward experiences was a blind date (never a good idea!) set up by friends in the U.S. Since our dates were friends of friends, we assumed they would be about our age, have similar tastes, etc. Not the case. When we arrived at their apartment (which looked like grandma's house, by the way, complete with figurines and a plastic tablecloth covering), we realized that they had about 15 years on us. They were also, apparently, equally surprised when we walked in with our baby faces and wannabe hipster garb. We had an awkward moment, and then proceeded to pretend like it wasn't awkward and made our way through dinner. To be fair, they were nice people, but it was clear from the outset that there would be no second date. It felt all around like the romantic blind date your aunt sets up with her friend's nephew, who happens to be a head shorter than you: From the first meeting, you both know that it's not going to work, but you continue with pleasantries until you can run home and call your best friend with the gory details.

We've had some fun dates too, nights when the four-way conversation flows and before you know it the night is over. It's a similar high to a successful romantic date, a little buzz of excitement that comes with feeling as though you're finally making friends. Since we've lived in Brussels, we've made some good couple friends, but are still working to expand our social circle. For this month, my challenge is going to be to get out there (forcing Alex to go with me, of course) and go on a few more couple dates. We have one tonight with one of Alex's colleagues and his wife. Speaking of, I should go pick out my outfit...

--Amanda