Disaster Date

It's taken me a bit of time to work up the nerve to write about the couple dating experience I mentioned in my last post. Before I get into it, let me just say, it was brutal, and I'm still recovering.

We first met this couple at our holiday party last year. He works with Alex and she's a stay-at-home mom--maybe it was the mulled wine, but they seemed nice enough. In the spirit of this blog, I thought I was up for the challenge of getting to know them better. Big mistake. I'm not sure exactly where the date veered off course, but I'm choosing to view it as a learning experience in hopes that the next time around will go more smoothly. Here are my takeaways:

• Four people do not need to consume three bottles of wine in an evening. Especially if one of them is a designated driver.
• It is inappropriate for people you don't know well to ask deeply personal questions like, "Are you unhappy in Brussels?"
• If they do choose to pry, they should not expect a warm reception.
• When a couple fights at the table on the first date, it is extremely uncomfortable for the other couple.
• It's rude to select a very expensive restaurant without consulting your dates and then proceed to pressure them to order the most expensive thing on the menu.
• Drunken conception stories should probably be saved for date three.

Not the best date, I have to say, but I have another one planned for next week. We're meeting up with two other couples, so I'm hoping at least one pair is on good behavior.