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Original poster

Why do men always suggest going for walks as a first date?

298 replies

Marble2021 · 24/12/2021 17:30

This has happened to me a lot. Guys always want to go for a walk as the first date. I completely understand this during lockdown when nowhere is open, but even when we weren't in lockdown and all bars and restaurants were open, they still wanted to go on a walk as a first date. When I suggest meeting at a bar instead, they don't seem to want to. By the way, they are definitely suggesting a date, not just a friendly meet up. Anyone got any ideas as to why they always suggest going to a walk around the streets as a first date?

OP posts:
FallonCarringtonWannabe · 24/12/2021 17:31

It’s free

JustHereWithPopcorn · 24/12/2021 17:32

They don't want to spend money

AdaColeman · 24/12/2021 17:34

A walk costs nothing!

Whingasaurus · 24/12/2021 17:34

It's free they can check you out properly both physically and in conversation and they enjoy the exercise. When I was single it was my preferred first date too.

Almostwelsh · 24/12/2021 17:34

They don't want to spend any money. Don't agree to this. Quite apart from the low effort, it isn't particularly safe. If you're meeting someone you don't know it's safer to meet in a bar or coffee shop where there are plenty of people.

DukeofEarlGrey · 24/12/2021 17:35

And Covid is also still very prevalent. I'm meeting friends for walks over sitting in bars etc. and have been for months.

dumplings1 · 24/12/2021 17:37

Dog walkers, I've been asked on first dates where they have to take the dog out so they suggest you come too 😂 I guess they are too lazy to out twice. I've never gone on just a walk though, I wouldn't feel safe, what if he tries to walk you into a secluded area and with a stranger, I wouldn't chance it.

LynetteScavo · 24/12/2021 17:37

It's outdoors and it's free. Maybe you're into a particular type of bloke who is wholesome and outdoorsy? Some blokes I know would always suggest bowling Grin

GingerFigs · 24/12/2021 17:38

It's not a bad thing. At least you aren't sitting opposite one another making polite conversation even if you feel a bit awkward. Walking means you can chat about things you can see and you're moving so often conversation flows better.

And yeah it's free. But so what. If you like each other you can go for dinner as a second date.

EngTech · 24/12/2021 17:40

Carrying out research to see if he thinks you are worth investing in?

And yes, it is cost effective 👍

Yummypumpkin · 24/12/2021 17:42

There's a lot to talk about as environment keeps changing

Plus rather than suggest a date at a place that you won't like, or is heaving, or deserted, you can choose together and practice decision making as a couple

Walking burns off or helps hide nerves and feel more natural than meeting at a bar

But i do think men forget we like to look especially good on a first date and cold, wind and wet and a walk of indeterminate length can make a certain style difficult to maintain!

Also maybe its hard to say no to...

Earwigworries · 24/12/2021 17:43

If you are going somewhere busy it’s a good way to meet someone without too much pressure … perhaps shy and easier to chat walking … you can still get a coffee …

36degrees · 24/12/2021 17:44

Big Jane Austen fans?

ParkheadParadise · 24/12/2021 17:45

I've never heard of anyone going for walk on a first date.
Everyone I know meets up in the pub.

olivehater · 24/12/2021 17:46

It’s sounds lovely for a second date but not sure I would feel comfortable doing it on a first date. I would rather be around other people incase he was weird.

Kite22 · 24/12/2021 17:47

They don't, but it isn't a bad idea.

I agree with this
There's a lot to talk about as environment keeps changing

Plus rather than suggest a date at a place that you won't like, or is heaving, or deserted, you can choose together and practice decision making as a couple

Walking burns off or helps hide nerves and feel more natural than meeting at a bar

Plus you can hear each other, which isn't always that easy in some bars
Plus they might not be big drinkers, and actually prefer walking
Plus, in the current climate, it makes it more comfortable for a lot of people.

Nosnowthisyear · 24/12/2021 17:49

Ive never known a man to suggest a walk for a first date. I have been on two dates in the last two years. One man asked me out for a meal and I suggested a walk myself for the other one as it was lockdown.

Nosnowthisyear · 24/12/2021 17:50

And when I used to online date a lot, I don’t think Anyone suggested walks then either.

Maybe you are attracting a type but also possibly what others are saying about it being free!

PermanentTemporary · 24/12/2021 17:51

People got used to the idea during lockdown, and now why not? Yes it's free, but there's nothing wrong with that. They can tell this way if when you said 'active' you meant 'strolls round the shopping centre' or 'regular yomps with backpack'. There's always stuff to talk about and no hangover.

I'm biased because bf and I had a walk on the Ridgway for our first date. Super busy classic location so very safe and a brilliant date. Also meant that though we snogged, we couldn't actually dtd which was a good thing...

DrSophia · 24/12/2021 17:56

Walking can be great for a first date. Ive had many eg along the south bank in London, Primrose Hill and through Regents Park, Hyde Park. I think it depends where you live and what time of year it is.

It's a good choice in terms of it being covid friendly and safe in terms of public place. If you don't like it then say so and choose somewhere else. Walking round the streets is odd unless you live in a touristy city or town.

NoBetterthanSheShouldBe · 24/12/2021 18:01

I’ve been on a few first date walks, I’m 60s so it gives both of us a chance to assess each other’s fitness levels. I’d expect a coffee stop and I wouldn’t agree to meet somewhere out-of-town for a walk, however busy.

I’m probably old and cynical but ‘let’s go walk in a less busy beauty spot’ says ‘can’t be seen in public’ to me.

Suprima · 24/12/2021 18:05

@Marble2021

This has happened to me a lot. Guys always want to go for a walk as the first date. I completely understand this during lockdown when nowhere is open, but even when we weren't in lockdown and all bars and restaurants were open, they still wanted to go on a walk as a first date. When I suggest meeting at a bar instead, they don't seem to want to. By the way, they are definitely suggesting a date, not just a friendly meet up. Anyone got any ideas as to why they always suggest going to a walk around the streets as a first date?
Because they are cheap and want to see if you are also happy to be dragged around the park like a dog and still shag them
Suprima · 24/12/2021 18:07

Also they have no awareness of women’s safety and risk (no I don’t want to meet a strange man in the park)

2klightyears · 24/12/2021 18:07

I've never noticed it was somethings that was "always suggested", but personally I like the idea of going for a walk, and maybe stopping somewhere for a coffee too.

PermanentTemporary · 24/12/2021 18:08

I.also like it because there are some people who look great when they walk and some that don't. I thoroughly enjoy following a man's arse up a hill.