🤷 Why can't you get a 2nd date?

7 low pressure date ideas, the Familiar First Approach

Let me paint a picture for you…

After endless 'Right' swipes, you get a match - finally.

You muster up the courage to ask her out. She's open to it. Great - the wheels are in motion.

The date goes OK.

Both worn out by the process, you casually agree to see each other again.

In the following days, you try to set up a second date. Conversation is moving, but slow 🐢

Your schedules are busy and it's hard to find a time that works.

This cat-and-mouse game continues.

As the days go by, you do your best to keep the conversation alive, but the initial spark starts to fade.

Until finally, she stops responding.

And just like a bottle left uncorked, you're forced to start over, each time feeling less spirited than before 😕

But what if early stage dating didn't have to be such a pounding headache? What if there was a straightforward path that could simplify getting into the next phase?

Well, there is, and I broke it all down in a recent newsletter! 👇🏽

💡 We've coined it the ‘Familiar First Approach’.

The strategy behind dating is inspired by a psychological phenomenon called the Mere Exposure Effect.

This principle suggests that humans tend to develop a preference for things as they become more familiar with them.

For example, think about a pop song that you didn't like initially, but after listening to it multiple times, you found yourself tapping your foot along to the beat.

When we apply this concept to dating, it means that the more familiar we become with someone, the more likely we are to develop a fondness towards them.

This is pretty convenient, isn't it?

To make it easier for you to understand, we have created a diagram that breaks down this principle.

Absolutely! It can be that simple.

Let's talk about the 'Familiar First Approach' and why it can be so beneficial.

We understand that dating in today's dismissive culture can be tough, but don't worry, we've got you covered.

We're living in a world where we're constantly in a hurry to determine if someone is worth our time.

Let's bring back the excitement of first dates! We should focus on getting to know someone, having meaningful conversations, and being present in the moment.

Of course, we're not suggesting that you waste your time with someone who doesn't match your vibe. If there's no chemistry, it's okay to move on. However, if there's a glimmer of potential, a good conversation, or shared interests, don't be afraid to give it a chance.

Just like a fine wine, attraction can grow over time.

Alright, let's run it back, this time armed with the Familiar First Approach 💪

You spend hours swiping right until you finally get a match.

You gather the courage to ask her out and she agrees.

The first date goes okay, and you both agree to see each other again.

However, instead of waiting for weeks for your busy schedules to align, try out the Familiar First Approach.

This approach encourages more frequent and low-pressure meetups, even if it's just for a few moments squeezed between your packed calendars.

Here are some examples:

☕ Grabbing a morning coffee before work.
🐾 Walking her dog together.
🏋️‍♂️ Dropping her off at the gym after work.
🛍️ Running an errand together – grocery shopping, returning clothes etc.
🥗 A quick bite over your lunch hour.
🚗 Sharing a drive to a common destination.
🛠️ Offering to help with a simple task, like assembling furniture.
👨🏿‍💻 Scheduling short FaceTime calls when you have downtime.

Why not try out some casual, real-life interactions with your date?

This way, you can both be yourselves without feeling the pressure of "performing" that often comes with traditional dates that are few and far between.

We recommend going on these casual meetups 4-5 times in the first 2-3 weeks after your first date.

The idea is to let familiarity work its magic! 🪄

Now, we know it may require a bit of a time investment on your part, but trust us, it could save you from the never-ending cycle of starting over.

It could even lead to some truly rewarding dating experiences, and maybe even a relationship!

We understand you may have concerns about suggesting unconventional "non-dates" to your date, but don't worry!

This isn't about bombarding them with invitations or rushing into things.

It's all about clear and honest communication. Just be open about your approach, and you won't come across as needy or too eager.

So, what do you say? Ready to give it a try? Let us know!

You might say something like:

💬 "Hey, I know our schedules are packed. In the past, this has made it tough to set up a proper second date. So, why don't we try something different? We could grab coffee before work or take a quick lunch together. You know, keep things easy and see if we vibe :)"

Or…

💬 “Hey, we're both juggling a lot these days, right? I've noticed when we try to pencil in an official date, it gets tricky. That’s why I’m thinking of some easier meet ups, like maybe I can pick you up after work tomorrow and bring you to the nail appointment you mentioned, or even hop on FaceTime? This way we can see if we click without all the pressure :)"

Or…

💬 “I know we're both busy. What do you think of trying to make some time during the ‘in-between’ parts of our day, just to see if there's something here that’s worth exploring further :) ?”

⚠️ WARNING! AVOID THIS MISTAKE! ⚠️

Don't confuse this strategy with trying to build familiarity through endless messaging.

Sending long texts all day won't work. If anything, it can easily backfire.

In order for your connection to grow, what you need is real, face-to-face contact early on, even if that means video calls.

Attempting to maintain lengthy text conversations with someone you barely know can be draining, and it’s too easy for things to be taken out of context. A single perceived 'lull' in the conversation can prematurely end a budding connection.

So unless you're a naturally gifted texter, or it feels effortless when messaging each other, we recommend easing up on the texts for now and focusing more on those low-pressure meetups.

And there you have it! Think of the 'Familiar First Approach' as a vintage wine that's new to your cellar. Unfamiliar, yes, but holds the promise to significantly enhance your dating experiences.

This isn't simply a strategy change; it's an evolution in your journey, a step towards a more rewarding love life.

As you plunge back into the dating pool, uncork this approach with an open heart. Remember, the finest wines - and the richest relationships - need time to breathe 😮‍💨

So here's to your success in love, gentlemen, one sip at a time. Cheers! 🍷