Pulling off the Double Date

At some point during your life, chances are you will go on a double date. Usually it’s two really good friends that happen to have boyfriend/girlfriend’s and want to do something together. Can it be awkward? - Oh yeah - but I’m giving you some tips on how to make it a great (or average if you are in that much trouble) night for the four of you.

My fiance and I love going on double dates. There’s something great about going out with people who can relate to what you’re going through and laugh about things that another couple would understand. My fiance and I typically go on a double date at least twice a week with different couples. I’ve found that there are some things that work great and then there are things that turn out to be horrendous.

Things to keep in mind:

1. Figure out where the four of you will go BEFORE you get together -This would seem like common sense, but I’ve been on double dates when all of us stand around asking each other what to do. This usually lasts for awhile until it’s too late to actually do anything. Ask the other couple where they like to eat, where they like to go, etc. You don’t have to have an exact plan, but get a general idea of what you want to do before you get together! 
2. Don’t forget that you’re still on a date - This one is HUGE - especially for all you guys. I’ve seen guys who think that since they are with other people they don’t have to act like Christian men who love their girlfriend’s. Guys - keep opening doors, pay for meals and speak highly of your girlfriend - just because you are out with another couple doesn’t mean that you should stop doing these things!
3. Don’t feel like you have to always include the other couple in every point of the conversation - I know some people are reading this and wondering what I’m talking about, but it really does make sense. It’s OK at times to look to your boyfriend/girlfriend and say something. It will give the other couple an opportunity to talk themselves - remember - BOTH couples are on a date, so it’s nice to do something alone.
4. Show up on time - This one drives me nuts. I’m a very punctual person, and so when the other couple shows up late it can really start things off on a bad note. You especially don’t want to show up late if some people don’t know each other!
5. Be relaxed - Sometimes I feel as if you need to give the impression that your relationship is perfect between you and your boyfriend/girlfriend. I quickly learned that all couples are not perfect and chances are they are dealing with some of the same issues as the two of you!
6. Be yourself - This is a big one. I’ve been on double dates where it’s like the guy I know just turned into some crazy kid. Don’t try and be someone you’re not because chances are people will know.
7. Don’t show too much PDA - For all of you who don’t know, PDA is short for “public display of affection.” This is a big one. I’ve been on dates where it seems like the other couple is all over each other. That may be fine for the two of you, but it may make the other couple feel awkward (especially if they just started dating!).
8. Stay away from “personal” topics - By personal I mean things that can cause a huge division between the four of you. These could be anywhere from politics to abortion (I’m definitely Pro-Life but you never know about other people). Also, try not to bring up “inside jokes” that only you and your boyfriend/girlfriend know about. You wouldn’t want the other couple to do that - so you shouldn’t either!
9. Don’t forget about God - Once again - you’d assume that this would be common sense on a double date between two Christian couples, but I’ve seen people who seem to forget this fact. You should still pray before meals, and can even talk about what is going on at your church. Simply talking about your church (if the other couple attends there as well) is a great conversation starter and can lead to great discussion!

Apply these tips and you’ll be well on your way to pulling off a successful double date. As with everything posted on this site, use judgment when figuring out how to personalize the date. Who knows, you may have found a couple that you become great friends with!