The best part about being single is going on dates sharing the stories after the dates. New York City has a population of 53% singles, and of that women make up 53%. The pool is larger and men and women stay single longer, but it’s also part of the “there’s always something better out there” culture. And if these posts need to fit the “solo adventure” category, than dating and taking on the city as a bachelorette absolutely makes the cut. Below are just a few first date experiences in NYC.
My first date in NYC was supposed to be with a man who lived in Jersey City. He said he didn’t mind meeting me “across the way.” Great! We had plans to have a picnic date (Covid). The day before the date he asked if we could reschedule because of a friends going away party. Sure, no problem. We planned for a few days later. The day of our date he sent me a text saying, “I’m going to be gone the next month and just don’t see the point of dating.” Then he immediately deleted me on Bumble. Fast forward three months and we matched again before I realized who it was. He reached out and apologized. Said he would love to take me out and he did. But I wasn’t into it. Maybe I would have been in July…
The first official date was at a park in NYC (again, Covid). He rode his scooter to the park and we awkwardly sat facing the Hudson. He gave me suggestions for my NYC bucket list (when in doubt, always learn something from a date!) Scooter brought carrots and hummus and I brought pastries. I only ate the pastries, he only ate the carrots. We said it was nice to meet the other person (neither mentioned meeting up again) and I watched him ride off into the sunset.
I met up with Nashville Man who explained he doesn’t live in NYC but is always in town. He treated me to my first indoor dining experience post-Covid restrictions and we had a good time. He asked me if I wanted to get another drink but I was exhausted from hosting my friend all week. He then proclaimed I was “guarded and hard to read.” ??????? I laughed because I didn’t know how to respond. We left it with a hug and he told me he would let me know next time he’s in town. I don’t think he’s been back and it’s been 6 months. But he does follow me on Instagram and likes all my posts. So shoutout to CH! Thanks for the support!
We met for coffee at night. On my end, I’ve never had a great coffee date so this already wasn’t promising. Since it was winter and I didn’t want to be up all night, I got a hot chocolate. Turns out he wasn’t drinking because he had had surgery earlier that day. Not a big deal he said! (He wouldn’t clarify what kind of surgery). Except he kept wincing and I had to help him out of his chair when we left.
I matched with Mr. Outdoors because he looked like he was down for adventures. He was biking, hiking and exploring in all his photos. We met at a small bar (he rode his bike there.) He said he wasn’t drinking because he was going on a long ride tomorrow. No problem. Then he said he didn’t like food. Wait, WHAT? I asked him to elaborate and he said he just didn’t care about what kind of food he ate. He wanted it to be healthy but otherwise never craved anything. Mr. Outdoors explained he eats chicken and rice for almost every meal…maybe some salt and pepper. This may have been the most preposterous thing I’ve ever heard in my life. We did not go on a second date mostly because I enjoy food too much.
A very nice man took me to dinner in Brooklyn. He lived around the corner and was so sweet and wholesome. The kind of guy you just want to hug. But something was off. Then it hit me: he looked like Joey Fatone. But I only had eyes for Justin Timerberlake. I would have given him a chance if he could sing It’s Gonna Be Me in tune, otherwise I just couldn’t see him again without thinking I was dating the wrong NSYNC member.
I met a West Village Guy (finance WV bro to a T) for happy hour drinks one Saturday. We were having fun and every time I was ready to head out he would suggest one more drink. So after being overserved, he asked if could kiss me (this is in the restaurant mind you). I thought about it and said yes. Before the date ended we made plans for the following Wednesday night. I checked in with West Village Guy on Tuesday and we confirmed a time/place. Then the day of I get “I’m sorry but I have to cancel tonight. I was in a weird state of mind. Work, school etc. Sorry for giving you the wrong impression. I had fun Saturday but just don’t see us being a match long term.” Mixed messages anyone?
I matched with a guy on Hinge who seemed to check all the boxes. My opening line was “How do you make an old fashioned?” responding to his prompt about loving bourbon. He suggested meeting for an old fashioned in an hour and I was in a spontaneous mood. I met him at Ted’s, a bar named from Ted Bundy (should have known). The date was decent and he asked if he could take me to dinner next week. Sure! When I got home, I texted him “Thanks for drinks. Hope you have fun in the Poconos and I’ll touch base with you next week!” The next morning I received a “Hello!” text followed by a “Hey, what’s up?” a couple hours later. Then a barrage of 10 photos of his day. A photo of the drive, the couch, the lodge, the dog, his drink…The next morning “Hey beautiful!” with a photo of him holding his coffee. I hadn’t responded to a single message. Best of luck to his next victim.
Send me your best NYC dating stories and I’ll include in the next round!
