Lesbian Dating 101
notes from a butch4femme lesbian currently in the dating trenches...
i went on a date a week ago and while it was long (7.5 hours - in classic lesbian fashion) i immediately had post-yap regret and post-date clarity. let me explain:
this was our first date, and we'd had class together, so i'd figured we'd have at least something to talk about, yeah? so while conversation flowed, i realized afterwards that i spent most of it keeping the conversation going—and mind you, i don't mind and sometimes the dynamic works better this way, but this was giving dry and platonic.
i get that first date nerves exist!! i understand fully that some folks like listening more than talking, but if i'm walking away from a date asking 1) was that actually a date? or 2) did i learn anything about her? then something isn't quite right.
i look back on the date fondly, but i fear she was so nervous that she fell into some dating pitfalls. let's talk about those!! (i'm going to use the pronouns she/her below since i'm using experience with my date who uses those pronouns)
when on a date, AVOID/DON'T:
call her dude, bro, queen, any typically platonic endearments (unless you're ALSO flirting (something that was NOT happening)) don't accidentally friendzone her on the first date!!
forget to talk about yourself! while it's important to listen, don't forget that the other person wants to know you too! remember that dating is that you're learning a stranger, so make sure you do equal parts talking and listening!
pretend to be someone you're not. be open and your most authentic self — to do anything else is a disservice to yourself and to other people!
when on a date, TRY/DO:
if your date flirts, try to flirt back! it's not easy, but the more you try, the easier it gets (also, try to read the room, notice what she's comfortable with! baby steps, casanova!). remember that not everything has to be suggestive, but banter also counts as flirting! if you can gently tease each other, this is a great sign!
you should match each other's freak at some level! try to match their energy (*but don't be someone you're not - reference above!!)
keep an eye open for red and/or beige flags!! this is ESSENTIAL!! if you already see something that bothers you or doesn't quite jive with you, DON'T brush it off. it'll come back to haunt you.
these are just some i can think of off the top of my head currently, but if ya'll have questions and/or would like to read more, do let me know. i have quite a few thoughts on dating, especially now with dating apps in the mix (BOY do i have a lot to say about those). hopefully these help - have fun and be safe out there, folks <3











