Ah, the first date. One of the most socially awkward situations facing Irish people today. Cringe levels are high, the fear of self-destruction is major, and the hope of developing the date into something more is high on the agenda. Usually.
Inspired by TG4’s cringier than cringe new dating show, Pioc do Ride, we’ve put together five things that happen on every awkward first date…
1. The awkward greeting
Handshake? Too formal. Hug? You’re not friends. Kiss on the cheek? Notions. It usually ends up in an awkward cross between kiss on cheek and a huge, or absolutely no contact at all.
2. The mutual friend chat
This is Ireland. Of course you have mutual friends. And the topic of people you both know is more than likely going to come up in conversation during the first half hour of the date. You make a quick mental note to keep any controversial opinions you might have about these particular individuals to yourself – knowing your luck they’ll turn out to be the guy’s next-door neighbour/cousin.
3. That ‘what do you do?’ conversation
Not the most original opening line, but after you’ve discussed everyone you know in common, it’s the obvious next step. You’ll either click and have loads to discuss, or the other person will take off on a work that means absolutely nothing to you.
4. The payment situation
Do you go halves? Offer to pay? Let him pay? The struggle is real.
5. The goodnight kiss
To kiss or not to kiss, that is the question. Well, it’s a pretty easy choice, but trouble arises when he’s got a different take on the situation to you. It’ll go one of two ways; fireworks and the best shift of your life, or zero eye contact and under the breath mutterings about possibly meeting up again. You both know you’ll never meet up again, but neither of you would dream about actually saying that out loud.
Does your car affect your sex appeal? Prove it with a pic via Twitter @JOEdotie or @Herdotie with #piocdoride and you could see your picture live on Pioc Do Ride. The best will be shown every week, with a prize for the overall winner.
Entries received for competitions may be used in promotion for TG4’s programme, Pioc do Ride. Promotional activities may include but not exclusively – show idents on TG4, online show indents, online promotion, social promotion, TV promotion and print promotion.
