Buzz
After two fantastic dates, you're both eager to meet again—but who should be the one to make the move? There are so many factors to consider: who asked who out first, who’s been more active in texting, and so on. Don’t stress! We’re here to help you navigate these tricky questions and even provide some helpful third-date advice. By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly what steps to take to secure that ideal third date!
Steps
Who should initiate the third date?
Either one of you can make the first move. As long as you both share mutual interest and excitement, both of you should feel confident in taking charge of setting up a third date. Outdated gender norms have no place in modern dating. Sticking to these so-called “rules” often leads to misunderstandings and missed opportunities. So go ahead, be bold and ask your crush out!
- If you're a woman feeling hesitant about asking a man out, don’t be. You have the right to make decisions about your own dating life without waiting for someone else to take the lead.
- If you’ve already initiated the first two dates and feel like it’s their turn, keep in mind that the other person might not see it the same way.
- By adhering to unwritten “rules,” you may miss the chance to connect with someone amazing just because their dating style doesn’t match yours.
If you want to see them again, go ahead and ask them out. Your mind might come up with endless reasons to shy away from taking a chance in love, but the truth is, you'll never know unless you give it a shot. It’s easy to expect the worst when it comes to romance, but you should always challenge those negative thoughts. When dating, prioritize honesty, directness, and courage.
- People often overthink their date's texting style, assuming it holds all the answers. In reality, everyone texts in their own unique way!
- If you’ve been more enthusiastic with your texts than they have, don’t let that hold you back from asking them out.
- Even if they aren’t interested, that’s okay. Rejection is natural, and there’s no need to take it personally.
- Accept their response and move forward, knowing you didn’t let fear prevent you from pursuing potential happiness. Be proud of your bravery!
When is the best time to ask for the third date?
There’s no wrong time to ask for the third date—but it’s generally best to act sooner rather than later. If you really like this person and feel like things are going well, consider asking them out within the next few days, or even that same night. If you're certain about wanting to see them again, reaching out sooner rather than later demonstrates your genuine interest and seriousness.
- Reader Poll: We surveyed 1461 Mytour readers to find out when is the best time to ask for another date, and 53% of them agreed that it's best to ask within a few days to a week after the previous date. [Take Poll]
How to Ask for a Third Date
Suggest a creative idea based on something you've already talked about. This shows you’ve been paying attention and care enough to make the effort. Think about something you’ve discussed, laughed about, or done together that could serve as inspiration for a fun third date.
- “Hey, I remember you said you wanted to try Nigerian food. I found this great spot nearby. Want to check it out on Thursday?”
- “After joking about how hopeless I am with fashion, I think I could really use an expert’s advice. How about we go thrifting this weekend?”
- “I had such a blast ice-skating with you, I think we should stick to the theme. What do you think—rollerskating on Sunday?”
Be open and sincere about how you feel. When asking for a third date, it's perfectly fine to let them know you've enjoyed getting to know them. Just avoid going overboard with excessive compliments (e.g., "You're perfect."). Keep your message brief, genuine, and express how they make you feel.
- “Hey, I’ve really enjoyed getting to know you so far. Would you like to grab dinner again sometime? Maybe Friday?”
- “Hi! Just wanted to say you’re a really cool person. How about drinks this week if you're free?”
- “Hey :) I’ve had a great time hanging out with you. Would you like to meet up again this week?”
TELL US YOUR THOUGHTS
What do you think is the key factor in deciding whether to ask for a third date?
46 total votes
This feature will be available soon! Thank you for your interest.
Thank you for participating in our poll!
Take the QuizSee More Quizzes
Invite your date with humor to keep things fun and appealing. A well-timed joke can make you seem confident, fun, and approachable—all the qualities you’d want to show your date. Whether it’s an inside joke or a playful jab at yourself, laughter can break the ice and build attraction.
- “Remember when I tripped on my way out of the restaurant? If you join me for a third date, I promise there’s more clumsy moments like that to come :)”
- "I know you love music, so I grabbed us tickets to an awesome underground band. They're called The Wiggles. Let me know if you're into it!"
Why is the third date so thrilling?
You’ve built a connection, so now it's time to enjoy each other’s company. After two dates, you probably share inside jokes, mutual understanding, and great memories. The first two dates were all about establishing the basics and finding a spark. But by the third date, you can truly relax and focus on having fun together. Use your growing connection to your advantage—remember things they’ve shared with you, ask thoughtful follow-up questions, and keep the fun banter going.
- Show you're paying attention by remembering personal details: "Oh, you mentioned your sister lives in Dallas, right?"
- Demonstrate interest in their life: "Hey, how did that presentation at work go?"
- Revive old jokes to strengthen your bond: "If the ravioli here is as spicy as last time, we might need to call the fire department after dinner!"
The third date may reveal the true potential of your connection. By the third date, you might start to sense that this could be something long-term—exciting, right? Continue getting to know each other and take note of how you feel when you’re with them. Now that you're more comfortable, not every moment has to be spent keeping the conversation going. Take a step back and ask yourself:
- How do I feel when I’m around this person?
- What qualities about them really stand out to me?
- What else do I want to know about them?
The evening could lead to a more intimate moment later on. Keep in mind, there’s no set timeline when it comes to becoming physically intimate. However, the third date is often when people feel ready to take things a bit further. If this is your intention, make sure your place is tidy before leaving. Additionally, focus on:
- Ensuring your date feels at ease
- Making them feel unique (give them your full attention, surprise them with a small gift, etc.)
- Offering kind words and small touches (a gentle hug or a compliment like, “Your eyes truly shine.”)
- When the moment is right, ask for consent (this is a must!)
