To not want to ‘sit in the park’ on a second date?

[LookOverHere]

I met a chap on a dating app a few weeks ago, we met up for a drink for our first date and it was fun. He’s calm, has a good sense of humour, nice smile, good job. Both in our late 40’s. He texted me the day after to say he’d love to see me again, and since then he’s sent the occasional text, thoughtful, remembers what I’ve said. But… for the second he suggested “shall we sit in the park?”

AIBU to be disappointed with this? What does it even mean… I’m too old to be hanging out in the park! That’s where I had my teenage dates. The weather forecast also says rain. It’s not a picnic, or he’d mention it. I think it’s a low effort suggestion, a bit weird for a professional guy, and something I might do with a friend or colleague (we sometimes grab a coffee in the park). All my successful relationships all started with a romantic meal. Is this how it is these days? All views welcome…

I'd infinitely prefer a walk in a {Good} park than sit in a restaurant- But coffee and cake would be good.

I mean DH and I used to "sit in the park" when we first met because we were skint students. It was a nice park with a pond etc and we usually had a walk then sit chatting, we also met in summer!
Maybe he's thinking it'll be nice to have a little walk and chat.
I agree rubbish in the rain though, you could suggest how about we get a drink /coffee instead seeing as it's raining

No, not for me either op. I would suggest something else and see what he says. Sounds like he’s tight, or likes parks - neither are particularly appealing to me, tbh. But if he’s just trying to come up with something a bit less cliched than the usual, and is open to another (inside in the warm) suggestIon, then fine.

For me, just ‘sitting in the park’ is something I’d do spontaneously on a hot day with someone I already knew very well, not on a first or second date with someone I’d only just met.

For a first date I’d have a couple of drinks somewhere, then for a second date I’d suggest either going for food or doing something where there’s something to look at/talk about, like going to an art exhibition or something.

I would also turn my nose up at ‘a coffee’ or a walk though, so I might not be that representative! It’s been many years since I was in the dating game.

I've had some great dates sitting a park with some snacks and drinks. It does sound like a suggestion rom a guy who's more lowkey rather than someone who's all bling and tries to get women into bed by flashing the cash, but tbh that's the type of person I tend to go for.

OP if you don't want him, feel free to send him my way...

I'd go for it. Probably just wants to see if you get on in different environments.

If it's shit weather you can always suggest moving on to a cafe or pub.

It's fine so long as he's bringing the Special Brew.

Sitting in the sunshine in the deck chairs in Green Park with an ice cream would make a great date.
Sitting in your local rec on a grafitti'ed bench avoiding the bird poo and the missing middle plank, not so much!

It would be a perfect date for me. I'd be more impressed with this suggestion than the typical date at a restaurant.

You did the tight thing hy keeping the first date cheap and simple but the second and third dates are time to impress, I don't blame you for being disappointed. He's either cheap, broke or a bit dim.

I’d love this personally and don’t see it as being much different to sitting in a coffee shop/bar but if you don’t then perhaps suggest a compromise.

If it’s raining then that’s a good excuse to come up with another idea.

Perhaps find a local coffee shop and suggest getting a take out coffee if it’s sunny or sitting in if it’s raining.

Just take your MD 20/20 or white lightning and you're sorted!

I put yanbu when I first read your post as where I live our parks are full of 14 year olds drinking lambrini and cider and not somewhere adults go unless taking their toddlers but after reading what others say it depends on the park.

Sounds shit to me and I wouldn't be seeing him again.

Hey maybe the OP might take a fiver for the ice creams, it is 2024 after all .

If he seems nice enough, why not give him a chance - better than someone coming on too heavy and rushing you. Obviously depends on the park though - we got married in a building overlooking our main park in the town, lovely views.

You could always suggest going for a drink at local cafe or pub half way through, and that's not a bad back up plan if its raining - walk around park and do that.

Literally depends on the park. Hyde park,the heath all lovely and lots of couples out together
If you like him,say you’ll initially meet park then suggest a bar and go halves

Everyone saying they'd love it seem to be convinced they're the only people who like parks. I love a good park but suggesting sitting in a park on a second date doesn't bode well, especially as it's one of the wettest years on record.a second date is time to impress, do something fun or at least a bit special!

I was going to say this. It could be nice.

I don't think it's that odd. Postpone if raining, but would well prefer over museum

So true.

What a tight wanker.

I think I’d have to ask him to clarify that - but actually I think I’d just say, no that doesn’t work for me.

Is this a park thing? As I'm in London and we are awash with lovely parks, pedellos, couples, cafes, rose gardens, lidos, views. That's what I'm imagining. Not a burnt down rec.