Love Tips With Donny Benet: On the Date

Last week in Love Tips, Italo disco funk musician Donny Benet guided us from the delicate art of securing a date through to the even more delicate art of extracting said date from her mom and dad’s house. This week he shows us what a romantic night out is like, Donny style.

After getting out of her parents’ house relatively unscathed, you’re now free to begin a night in paradise with your newfound Helen of Troy. All it’s taken is a bit of courage, some forward planning, and a few street smarts to get to this point but believe me; a girl this beautiful is going to keep you on your toes. You’ve got to walk that fine line between having the edge and keeping relaxed, so a shot of sambuca or grappa in the car before you enter the house will help to numb those pre-game nerves.

Having said that, it’s now the perfect time to break the ice and lubricate some of that nervous energy in the air. West Coast Coolers aren’t going to cut it tonight, so it’s time to go upmarket. I’d suggest a wine bar, a cocktail bar, or even a Mediterranean gentlemen’s club as the perfect venue to have a little glass of lambrusco and some quality one-on-one time. In all my years of playing the scene I can say that it’s invaluable to be a great listener and an asker of many questions. We all like sharing our dreams, fears and humorous anecdotes about ourselves but why not give her chance to open up first. She’ll appreciate your interest in her and instantly feel at ease opening up emotionally later in the evening.

Now that you’ve broken the ice, shared some laughs and had a few tender arm squeezes the night should be moving along beautifully. Now is the perfect time to step up the romantic intensity. I find French restaurants provide the ultimate setting for newfound lovers so I strongly suggest making a reservation to avoid any disappointment. Make sure to have a bottle of the best chilling in an ice bucket ‘cos girls just wanna have fun. They say French is the language of sophistication, so it doesn’t hurt to do a bit of homework in order impress your lady by casually conversing with the wait staff. Voulez vous coucher avec moi ce soir is not the way to order your escargot so make sure you get it right tonight.

Again, be a good listener, keep the compliments and booze flowing and in no time you’ll be reaching that point where anything could break between the two of you.

So, when the evening is coming to an end, how far will you take it? Where do you want to have your breakfast panino tomorrow?

Personally I have a reputation to uphold and it pays to be a man of respect.  I think it’s always best to be around for tomorrow, and the next day, and the next day, so you’ve got to honour her and the family. Have her home with a feeling of longing rather than regret and shame. Think of it this way: how great is it when you find a fantastic restaurant that you’re able to go to every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus get the window seat and some tiramisu on the house every time? Sure it’s always exciting to experience new and exciting things, but when dealing in the currency of love your heart seeks quality rather than quantity.So take my advice, do the right thing and hopefully you’ll be able to delete your online dating profile and stop visiting the second chance love/singles bars once you’ve found your new life partner. And who knows —one day you might even get nonna’s secret cannoli recipe!

Don

xx

Follow Donny on Twitter: @donnybenet

Previously:

Love Tips With Donny Benet: The First Date