Choosing a movie theatre or cinema for a date is a great choice for several reasons. First, it is a great way to have fun especially if you both love movies. Also, it is a very low cost, high reward kind of date as you both can enjoy something you both love, in each other’s company. As an added bonus, date night at the movies is perfect no matter which stage your relationship is at. However, date night at the movies does require a certain level of “etiquette”.
- Choose the right movie
This is dependent on the stage of your relationship. For those now starting to date, it is best to choose a movie that is exciting and fun, but not too boisterous. However if you are already familiar with the person you are dating and you have a general idea of their interests, choose a movie that satisfies you both. You should not go with a movie that will cause either one of you to fall asleep or be uncomfortable during the date. For the first date, it is best to avoid movies that are excessively violent, too childish, too boring or have excessive sex scenes.
- Choose the right theatre
Decide which option is best for you and your date. Is it the cool cozy indoor theatre, or is the drive-in cinema which is much more intimate?
- Be punctual
While you can probably get away with being late for a dinner date as most restaurants might hold your table for a few minutes, movies start regardless of whether you have arrived or not. Do not leave your date hanging, but make sure there’s plenty of time to get food and settle in before the movie begins.
- Guys, be prepared to pay…
…especially if you were the one to initiate the date. The only way you should not be prepared to pay for a movie is unless you two had a prearranged agreement that you would both pay for yourself. Also, it is a great way to show your lady that you are the perfect gentleman. Ladies, if your guy pays for the tickets, offer to buy the popcorn and drinks, even if he ends up turning you down.
- Avoid using your cell phone
Most theatres prohibit the use of cell phones (or they just ask that they be silenced), but it is quite rude to be on your phone for any date and the same applies for date night at the movies.
- Avoid excessive talking
This is a definite no in movies. Excessive talking can be a severe annoyance to your date (unless he or she is equally as talkative), not to mention to those around you. Some persons may be bold enough to ask you to be quiet during the movie, and this may serve to further embarrass your date. A little talking is fine, but there is no need for deep intellectual analysis during the movie. That can be saved until after the movie as a potential conversation topic.
- Do not overdo movie dates
While movie dates are fun, low cost dates, it is advisable that you mix it up a bit on date nights. Make sure that every date night is not a night at the movies (unless you and your date are movie buffs that enjoy that sort of thing) and engage in other dates where there is room for conversation and getting to know each other.
- Avoid being overly “touchy-feely”
This is another tip that depends on who your date is, what they are comfortable with and the stage of your relationship. Movie theatres tend to invite the cliché “yawn, stretch, and hand over shoulders” move. If this is your thing, then that is fine, as is some handholding, but there is no need to excessively touch your partner that you end up groping them in the middle of a theatre. But again, this is dependent on who your date is because some people may enjoy that. Some casual, intentional but subtle body contact such as accidental shoulder touching is perfect in creating intimacy with your date during the movie.
- Do something after the movie
The night doesn’t have to end when the credits roll. Use this opportunity to take your date somewhere for drinks, ice cream or maybe even some dinner. This allows you to set the stage for the (potential) next date as well.
Finally, and most importantly, have a blast! And with great company and a great movie, how could you not?
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