First Date: Expectations vs. Reality

First dates seem like such a magical thing, but they're not always all they're cracked up to be.

We all expect a lot from them but are often disappointed by what we actually experience… whomp, whomp.

Keep scrolling to discover the high expectations you have vs. unfortunate realities you'll likely endure on your very first date.

The Date

Expectation: You convince yourself your crush is going to ask you out. Even though you've had little to no interaction, you're convinced they secretly like you, too, and will ask you on a date. That's how it works in the movies, so why won't it work in real life?

Betty and Archie Walking the School Hallways

(Riverdale via The CW)

Reality: That person you have a mad crush on? They're not going to ask you. Your first date will likely end up being with someone your friends set you up with or someone you're not really that into. But look at it this way: at least there'll be less pressure for the occasion.

 

The Ask

Expectation: You imagine something elaborate happening, like them giving you flowers or showing up on a noble stallion to see if you'd like to go out with them.

Reality: They'll more than likely shoot you a text or flat out ask you. Heck, they might even get one of their friends to ask on their behalf. There won't be any flowers or gifts or your date asking you on a white horse while wearing knight armor with the sun setting in the distance. Sorry.

Bella Thorne looking at her phone on an episode of Famous in Love

(Famous in Love via Freeform)

 

The Setting

Expectation: You want your first date to be somewhere romantic and intimate, so you can get to know your date a bit better. You envision it being at the beach or a fancy restaurant—or maybe it'll be an all-day event, because the two of you are just that into each other.

Bella Thorne and Carter Jenkins on a date on an episode of Famous in Love

(Famous in Love via Freeform)

Reality: Your very first date will probably be a group date to the movies with all of your friends. You won't end up really getting to know them that well and it will probably be filled with a few awkward exchanges.

 

The Ensemble

Expectation: For your first date, your outfit, hair and makeup all need to be perfect. You'll go shopping for some new threads, only to find the ideal ensemble within seconds of walking into your favorite store. Your hair and makeup will be flawless, and you'll try out a new look that you somehow pull off on your first try.

Reality: You likely won't find anything you like after hours of shopping, so you'll stick with what you feel comfortable in. You'll fuss with your hair and makeup, only for it to not turn out the way you'd hoped, forcing you to start over. Then you'll do it up the way you usually do. Honestly, that's really the way to do it. Don't spend too much time dressing up for someone who might not even appreciate all the work that went into your looking immaculate.

Hilary Duff in A Cinderella Story

(A Cinderella Story via Warner Bros. Pictures)

 

The Kiss

Expectation: A kiss always happens after a first date. You imagine locking eyes with your date and them slowly leaning in for an endearing peck on the lips, exactly like in the movies. You'll experience fireworks (literally and figuratively), as will your date. It'll be everything you've waited for and more.

Betty and Jughead kissing on Riverdale

(Riverdale via The CW)

Reality: A kiss after a first date isn't guaranteed. And it's going to be entirely awkward. Neither you nor your date will know if the timing is right and will both be too scared to do anything. But don't feel bad if it doesn't happen right away. There's always the next date.

 

The Relationship

Expectation: After the first date (and potential first kiss) comes the relationship. After spending two hours together, you'll both feel as though you're one another's soulmates and enter a loving relationship.

Reality: You'll have a good time, but it won't be anything like you were expecting. You'll probably leave feeling like you like them, but aren't sure if you like like them. More dates will ensue, which could lead to a relationship, or the more likely outcome: you realizing you're not that interested in them and wanting to call it off.

Betty staring at Archie on an episode of Riverdale

(Riverdale via The CW)

 

While we're on the topic of dates, HERE are five solid excuses for leaving a bad one.

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