There is no definitive right or wrong answer for how much to drink on a first date.

How much you drink on a first date should really be based on your own level of tolerance and how you react to alcohol in your system. Keep in mind it’s extremely hard to determine rapport with someone if you’re half in the bag. Getting “blackout” should not be an option.

Approaching a date with sober eyes provides you with an amazing opportunity to see your date for who they really are and vice versa.

With that being said, if you do chose to drink, here are some general guidelines:

• When pre-drinking:Keep your pre date drink to one drink. Also, you’re likely drinking on an empty stomach so as best you can, try and stay away from the hard liquor. Think of a good pre drink as one 6 oz. glass of wine or a pint of beer.
• When you’re on the date:There is a tendency to want to take the edge off on a first date. If you’re drinking, try sticking to one drink per hour. Again, be careful with the quantity of that one drink. Try to stick to that 6 oz. glass of wine versus the full bottle (as hard as that can be sometimes)!

The best indicator of if you should be drinking on a first date is by asking yourself the hard questions:

Do you do and say things that you wouldn’t normally when you drink? Are you quicker to jump into bed on the first date if you’re drinking and then regret it the next day?

I wouldn’t say your chances are “ruined” by getting drunk on the first date, however it may give a first impression that is not indicative of your true self. That is a risk you take when you drink too much on a first date and there are no guarantees for a second. Why not put your best foot forward and not take the risk?

Answer the question in the poll below and really reflect on your answer to determine whether to drink or not on that next date.

Can you authentically be yourself when you drink?

• Yes! I am able to be myself when I drink.
• No! My personality changes when I drink. I do things that I wouldn’t normally do.

Dates are about having fun and getting to know the person. If you’re confident that you can bring your authentic self to the table, whilst drinking a few drinks, great!