Buzz
Season two of Netflix’s *Master of None* is a blend of wit, emotional depth, and thought-provoking moments. Amidst the season’s high points, the "First Date" episode stands out for its portrayal of the awkwardness and complexities of online dating, showcasing the funny yet painful reality of first encounters.
The episode "First Date" provides an honest portrayal of online dating from a man’s perspective, and the women Dev dates in the episode demonstrate the many things to avoid on a first date, regardless of gender. Through their awkward blunders and Dev’s own mistakes, the episode highlights red flags and insensitive actions that often go unnoticed by those involved but are clear to viewers as cautionary lessons.
Here are some examples from the episode that showcase dating pitfalls and red flags to watch out for:
Don’t push for personal details when someone asks not to discuss them. Dev presses Christine about her job at a Dog Hotel even after she says she’s not ready to talk about it. Although his charm saves him this time, he’s lucky she’s patient.
Avoid getting too high or drunk, especially if you’re not doing it together.
Don’t reveal awkward or off-putting reasons for canceling plans. When Stephanie admits she canceled to watch wrestling, it gives Dev the impression she’s not excited to meet him. It’s better to keep things vague with something like “something personal came up.”
Don’t disappear for long periods of time during your date. If you must handle work or other matters, apologize and try to make up for it.
Don’t send generic messages like “hey” to everyone on a dating app. Dev’s opening line might be better than a simple “hey,” but it still doesn’t engage the person. Take time to read their profile, and start with something relevant or interesting to spark a conversation.
Don’t ramble on about topics your date isn’t interested in. If it’s obvious they’re not into wrestling, video games, or whatever, shift the conversation to something else.
Don’t mistreat service staff and then act like they’re the problem.
Don’t film, take photos, or send Snapchats at inappropriate moments, like when a fight breaks out nearby.
Don’t check dating apps while on a date. It might seem obvious, but it still happens.
Be upfront about your intentions. If you’re on a dating app just to make friends, make it clear in your profile and during your conversations.
Don’t sleep with someone if you have moral reservations about it. Respect yourself and others.
Naturally, there are a few redeeming qualities in the behaviors of these lost, idealistic romantics:
Use humor to break the ice and keep things light-hearted. Just ensure your jokes are appropriate for the situation.
Make sure to establish that you’re on a date, not just hanging out as friends. It’s crucial to clarify this if there’s any confusion between the two parties!
If things are going well, consider changing the location. First dates work best in casual settings like bars, cafes, or ice cream shops where conversation flows easily. Avoid movies! If the date is going smoothly, transition to a new spot—perhaps dinner, more drinks, or even a pleasant walk. It’s like hitting refresh on the date and setting a more relaxed, comfortable tone.
If you’re feeling uncomfortable or something off-putting happens, it’s okay to call it a night. It’s wise to meet somewhere you can easily leave from, using your own transportation, so you have the freedom to exit at your own discretion.
Aziz Ansari, known for dissecting the intricacies of modern dating, also wrote the book *Modern Romance*. The book explores how we navigate love in today’s digital world, blending humor with psychology and neuroscience to uncover what true love really is. If you’ve read the book, the "First Date" episode will feel like a delightful recap of the dating dilemmas you’ve already explored in print.
Even if you haven’t read Ansari’s book, there’s still much to learn from this episode. It serves as a crash course on modern dating, especially for those who are single and ready to... well, swipe. Recognizing these mistakes might help you avoid disastrous dates in the future and save you from becoming someone’s unforgettable, awful dating story.
