A date? I'm scared!

[MrsSnape]

I've been chatting a bloke online (dating site) for a couple of weeks and last night we spoke on msn for the first time and seemed to get on really well.

He's asked me if I want to meet up with him and I said I did, he then asked me what I'd like to do and when.

We've kind of arranged to meet up next weekend providing nothing crops up but I'm really scared. I'm low on confidence as it is and am convinced he will take one look at me, think I'm a freak and make a run for the nearest bathroom window once my back is turned.

He seems to have a huge network of friends and a very active social life, a complete contrast to me who has one friend and never goes out anywhere .

Should I just call it off? I do like the sound of him but not sure if its worth going through this anxiety when it probably won't work out anyway...but then how will I ever meet anyone if I turn down the dates I'm offered?

Any good/bad/funny stories of meeting people for the first time would be nice too

[squidler]

I met my current partner though an online dating site. I was v nervous too as I hadnt been on a 'date' for over 4 years.

We decided to meet for coffee mid morning, with no plans for after. If there were no connections, at worst it would just be coffee. I too had the bathroom thoughts - both me and him trying to make a break for it!

As it was, we didnt stop talking (we are both quiet, introverted, loner-types, but we knew this before we met to ease things) and then spent the rest of the day together, walking, talking, eating, more coffee, more walking and talking.

That was two and half months ago and it is slowly but surely becoming a really wonderful relationship. This weekend he met my children (really important to me to see how he interacts with them in these early days) and we are making tentative plans for the summer camping trip together.

I also met his family - this was really important to meet some of his 'real world' as with internet dating, people dont have any connection, they just float. I needed to see that he was who he told me he was, as much as i could by meeting his family anyway.

Good luck - or rather, I guess we make our own luck...

[lou33]

dont cancel, can you do it in hte day instead? i find it is more casual that way, and you can have a time to get back for kids etc

wear something you feel good in, without making too much effort, and just be yourself

fwiw the v first guy i met online ended up being my bf for 9 m until he emigrated

and if it doesnt go well, then use it as a learning curve for what you dont want next time, and think of it as a couple of hours out of the house in adult company

[greeneyedgirl]

I met the majority of my partners (3 long term and maybe 4 one off dates) online and although nerve-wracking, I have never had any major disasters. My new dp, I met on a dating site and he is amazing, even if things don't work out, I am so glad I met him. So I would say go for it, because you will never get what you want without taking a few chances! Life is here to be lived, so meet up with him and have fun! Then obviously come back here and tell us all the gory details!!