Dating in D.C. … sucks, for lack of a better word. We chatted with dating coach Erika Ettin, or “A Little Nudge” for tips on some classic D.C. dating dilemmas. You might not meet your soulmate right away, but at least you can have fun doing it. Check out her advice for how to set up your profile too, and stay tuned for our next episode with her on City Cast DC tomorrow!
Erika Ettin from “A Little Nudge” (Courtesy of Erika Ettin)
DO date across the river: People in D.C. get stuck in a geographic bubble and won’t think about someone amazing that’s just a metro ride away or (god forbid) across the river. It’s not long-distance; it’s Arlington.
DON’T make them come to you: If you ask someone on a first date, you should be willing to meet them where they are or choose a neutral location. Don’t just go to the bar downstairs from your building; it screams lazy.
DO talk about work: Just not the entire time. The "what do you do" question gets a lot of flack in D.C., but our careers are a significant part of our lives! Talk it out and then move on. Maybe try "what do you do for fun?"
DON’T do a big activity on a first date: This is a trial session. Stick to something like drinks, coffee, a walk, or something else with less commitment.
DO bring up politics on a first date: But only if it is important to you. Otherwise, leave it for later discussions. In the same vein, be open to different political leanings. “Moderate” doesn’t necessarily mean they voted for Trump.
DON’T sit across from each other: Sit next to each other instead. Grab bar seats or a catty corner booth rather than a high top which can feel formal and far away. Plus, your elbows can “accidentally” graze each other. Whoops.
