Dating Relationship : One Drink Too Many?

It's been known in many circles to be the ultimate icebreaker. Two people meet on a date. They both are a little nervous and seem to struggle for some conversation. Then the drinks arrive. Both parties relax, let their hair down and before you know it, they are off and running. The date turns out to be an exceptional one.

Alcohol has been an integral part of the social scene longer than any of us can remember. People want to have a good time when they go out and drinking has contributed to some of that fun. 

No doubt of course you are all too familiar with the other end of the spectrum. One drink for some people leads to a never ending stream. That's not to say you would be at the extreme limit but even if things do not go that far you have to give careful consideration to how it will look to your date.

1. Limit

If you do like to drink then think about limiting your consumption to one. It's easy for the initial taste of alcohol to get you in the mood for another one and another one etc. You may be able to handle ten martinis and still function to one hundred percent capacity when it comes to walking and talking but think about the look on your date's face when the waiter keeps bringing them to you. 

2. Control

When you are used to alcohol it's easy to believe you are in control of yourself and the situation. Beer or whatever your drink has never caused you to slur your speech or walk funny. The problem is that is from your perspective. Needless to say what your date sees will probably be something slightly different. You review the date the next day and come to the conclusion you were the epitome of decorum. Your date says you were okay until you got loud and obnoxious. Don't remember that part? Alcohol no matter how much we believe we can handle it has a way of fuzzing our viewpoint.   

3. Pre Date Drinking

Nothing screams lack of control to your date than feeling like you've got to get a buzz on before you actually go out. Even if your date drinks, smelling alcohol on your breath or detecting its after effect on you can be a real turn off.  They probably figure by the time the date ends you are going to be under the table.

4. When in Rome

You like your dating partner but they do not drink. They say they do not mind if you do have a couple. See if you can go without. Enjoying their company with nothing but water tells them you are making a serious effort to please them. It also says you can enjoy your date without any artificial stimulant to help you along.

5. Travel

Your blood alcohol count may be below the legal limit but don't take a chance. Impaired means just that. Don't scare your date by getting behind the wheel. Let them drive, call a cab or if neither of you live that far walk. The air will do you good and your date will appreciate the fact that you are not going to take a chance with their safety or yours.    

Getting together and having a couple of drinks with your date is just part of the dating scene but there is a fine line. If you can do without it this time around than go for it, limit your intake to below what you normally would. Being social is one thing, giving your date the impression you have a problem is another.