Roses are red, violets are blue….candy, wine, poetry, cards, jewelry, proposals, flowers …just for you! As Valentine’s Day approaches, much energy will be exerted to show your depth of love for another. New courtships will arise and old flames rekindled.
In celebration of the “Love” holiday, the natural inclination of most is a romantic dinner out.
This month’s tips address dining and dating etiquette. Let’s begin by testing your dating insight.
Dating Quiz
- In a restaurant, when the maitre d’ or host leads you to the table, who precedes, the man or woman?
- Should the man place the food order for the woman?
- In today’s modern society, who should be presumed to pay for the meal?
- Can a couple share each other’s food?
- Ladies, on special occasions, such as Valentine’s Day, should you order the most expensive item on the menu?
- Men, should the rules of chivalry be exhibited in your conduct on a date?
(Answers revealed within article)
Proper conduct on dates is natural for some and puzzling for others. Dating publicly should be fun, exhilarating and a relaxing experience for both parties. The “restaurant” date affords two people intimacy in a social setting while getting to know one another better.
My dating advice will not only benefit first time daters, but also generate a renewed dating experience for seasoned and married couples.
- Plan ahead – Create a pleasant lasting memory. When making reservations, choose a location that sets the ‘tone’ of your date.
- Dress appropriate for the occasion. Remember first impressions count. If in doubt, call in advance for the dress code. I love it when my husband dresses up and splashes a little extra cologne on before he takes me out. It adds to the excitement of the evening.
- Be on Time – Impress your date with punctuality. Ladies, if he’s picking you up, be ready. Men, arrive promptly at the appointed time.
- Compliment each other.
- Keep the conversation lively – Talk, laugh, reminiscence, make direct eye contact. For some, this may require the preparation of conversation topics to avoid those awkward silences. Married and seasoned couples, spice up your dates. So often I have observed couples consuming a meal without saying a word to each other.
- Use proper table manners.
- Be sensitive to the payee’s pocketbook. During the menu selection, ladies you can inquire what your date will be ordering to gauge the pricing. During the first couple of dates, I advise against ordering the most expensive items on the menu.
- Always bring money/credit card on a date. No matter what arrangements have been made, don’t go empty handed.
- Allow chivalry. Men, display chivalrous conduct. Ladies, allow the men to be gentlemen.
- Help the lady in and out of her chair.
- Walk behind the lady when led to the table by the maitre d’.
- Pay for the meal.
- Once the lady makes her meal selection, place the order by saying, “the lady will have…”
- Open car doors.
- Thank your date at the conclusion of a wonderful evening. Words of gratitude are always warranted.
Savor the experience and time you have with your date. Make each moment worthwhile. Enjoy one of her shrimps or a piece of his steak. Share not only your time and food but your admiration for each other.
Until next time, remember your dining decorum and mannerisms speaks volumes about you.
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