I'm a chicken (dating, man, older, call)

[dialem28]

I joined an online dating website a few weeks ago. I have had phone contact with a few, but haven't had any solid plans to meet in person...until last night. The man seems normal enough. He is driving to my area and asked me to pick a place for dinner, drinks whatever. I was hoping for an afternoon cup of coffee, but it ended up a dinner time meeting because of his work schedule. I went to bed kind of excited, but I woke up in the middle of the night in a cold sweat wondering what the heck I had done and not wanting to go through with it. I don't know why...maybe I am afraid he will see me and run (my pics are current and up to date, before I get referred to the lying on profile thread!)? Maybe I am too lazy to have to make conversation with someone I barely know? I haven't done anything like this in over 5 years. If I can't shake the nerves by noon I will call to cancel and probably delete my profile. LOL I somehow feel more comfortable meeting someone irl first, but that doesn't happen very often considering the neighbohood I currently live in and where I work...maybe I am just getting old.

[Rakin]

Take a deep breath and relax. Just think of it as a casual dinner with a friend or coworker. He may even be thinking the same thoughts.

Remember in your life the new things that made you nervous then turned out to be no big deal ? This will be the same. You might even tell him that you are new and nervous. If he's a true gentleman he will understand and do what he can to make you at ease.

Just remember to relax and tell yourself it's no big deal. You can do it !

Hey, we all are getting older (and wiser). That's a good thing.

[Keeper]

I agree.. think of it as a friendly dinner. Pay for own meal if that makes you feel better. I too prefer to meet for coffee but it doesn't always happen that way. Remember he is probably just as nervous

[Red On The Noodle]

I was in your shoes too OP. it is scary the first time you go out after a long time.

Just smile and be pretty. You can do it!

[dialem28]

Thanks for the encouraging words. I think I can, I think I can, I think I can...lol

[moonsavvy]

Don't let fear stop you.

This will be a huge step in character building for you.

Just don't change locations. This is a dinner date to "test" the person out don't let it be anything else right now.

[Trimac20]

Yes pretend it's not so much a 'date' but say a social thing, just meeting someone knew. You've got nothing to lose, have you?

[srjth]

Aww you'll be fine and it'll be okay.

[The Dissenter]

Originally Posted by dialem28

I joined an online dating website a few weeks ago. I have had phone contact with a few, but haven't had any solid plans to meet in person...until last night. The man seems normal enough. He is driving to my area and asked me to pick a place for dinner, drinks whatever. I was hoping for an afternoon cup of coffee, but it ended up a dinner time meeting because of his work schedule. I went to bed kind of excited, but I woke up in the middle of the night in a cold sweat wondering what the heck I had done and not wanting to go through with it. I don't know why...maybe I am afraid he will see me and run (my pics are current and up to date, before I get referred to the lying on profile thread!)? Maybe I am too lazy to have to make conversation with someone I barely know? I haven't done anything like this in over 5 years. If I can't shake the nerves by noon I will call to cancel and probably delete my profile. LOL I somehow feel more comfortable meeting someone irl first, but that doesn't happen very often considering the neighbohood I currently live in and where I work...maybe I am just getting old.

Don't overthink it. Getting the first one out the way is crucial in any process, dating included. Go on this date and be yourself. That is all you can do.

[Chowhound]

Like Nike says..

Just do it.

Life is too short to waste....