Is Cinema a really crap idea for a first date?

[BringOnTheCoffee]

Meeting online date person for the first time on Saturday. We've "text" a lot and added each other on facebook etc so we know alot about each other already. We've been chatting since January. So anyway he says it's completely up to me where we go. He doesn't drive, I do. He'll be getting a taxi to wherever we go but as I'm driving, I can't drink alcohol. I'm also not the greatest conversationalist so I'm a bit nervous about awkward silences if we were to meet in a pub not to mention the hassle of what to wear etc.

I'm thinking cinema? we both like films, there is a bar above the screens so we could grab one and have a chat before we go in, it's more casual, it's "easy" (conversation is allowed to dry up here!) - I did mention cinema and he said he'll do whatever I want.

I always thought cinema was a shit idea for a first date but in these circumstances? should I suggest it?

yeah bad idea, not really the best place to get to know eachother in person is it?

why not get a taxi and go have a drink and see if it helps with the conversation?

plus hassle of what to wear?? surely that should be a fun thing? :)

If you go for a drink before and after the film you can have a chat then and you will definitely have something to talk about.

I agree with Essential - it's not like in my young day when a (teenage) film date meant canoodling in the back row [old gimmer emoticon] . You will find out a lot about his attitudes to life just by talking about the film afterwards.

I think cinema is a good first date! Guaranteed something in common. Good ice-breaker

No no no. You'll be in silence and in the dark most of the time. Awful. Just go somewhere for a drink or a bite to eat, cinema can come later.

I've always used it as a way of spending time together without being too worried about what I am saying or doing. Usually combined with a meal and a drink afterwards.

But what if you turn up to meet him and find there is just zero chemistry or he isn't what you're expecting?

You'll be stuck with him for a drink, the cinema and have the awkwardness of getting away afterwards. I'd be inclined to go for a quick drink. If you hit it off then cinema, drinks etc. can follow on future dates.

Wouldn't be for me cos I love my movies and am fussy about cinema behaviour. What if he talks really loudly during the movie or eats popcorn really loudly? What if he tries to hold your hand? If you don't mind that stuff, go for it. Otherwise an ice-breaking few drinks is a better idea in my opinion. Read the papers coming up to it and have something to talk about.

Aha, if there is no chemistry, or they aren't as described then I take my leave after the cinema. The cinema is really a way to check them out without having to get too into the chat, since a sad thing I've found about internet dating is that men seem to use pictures that are ten or twenty years old. Not that I am bothered much by looks, but I am bothered by truth bending.

I would go for something shorter for a first date.

Agree that having a topic to talk about is a good thing, but with cinema you have promised away a good number of hours of your life.

i think the cinema is a great first date idea.

you can sit together and get used to being alongside one another, you are in a safe and fairly familiar environment, you will have plenty to talk about after the film....

do it! have a great time.

And if he does talk during the film or eat popcorn loudly, then you know he is probably not for you :)