情人節：如何來個浪漫而成功的第一次約會?
a first date falls into two categories: following up on an introduction, or pursuing personal instincts when asking out someone of your choosing. no matter which approach is taken, first dates can be stressful for both parties. it is normal to be a little nervous as one always wants to put their best foot forward and make a good first impression. the question commonly asked is how to go about planning a date that says "i like you" and "i want to get to know you". in order for your level of interest to be conveyed it is important to show that effort and thought went into setting the right tone for your time spent together.
初次約會一般有兩種情況，一是經人介紹，而是由於個人直覺，對自己心儀的對象提出邀約。無論是哪一種情況，第一次約會會讓雙方都感到頗有壓力。人人都希望事情有個美好的開端，給對方留下美好的印象，所以感到些微緊張是很正常的。人們通常會問，要怎么計畫這樣一場約會，才能告訴對方“我喜歡你”，“我希望更多的了解你”呢?為了傳達你的心意，很重要的一點是，你應該讓對方知道自己為了這場初次約會進展順利，投注了許多心思和氣力。
begin the process with a phone call. as old school as it may sound, texts, tweets or emails just don't cut it as a way to ask someone out. direct communication where conversation can flow back and forth is still king.
首先，給對方去一個電話，這雖然看起來有點老土，可是，當你想約某人出去的時候，發簡訊、微博或者郵件都不如電話直截了當。雙向的對話和直接交流仍然是王道。
pick a location where you can talk without screaming. hip and cool is fine, crazy loud with a thumping sound track is a no-no. the restaurant's atmosphere and people watching are great sources for dialog. observations made can be very revealing about each other.
第二，挑選一個你們可以自由交談，不用大聲高喊的安靜環境。嘻哈風格的場所還差強人意，帶有打擊樂背景音響的特別吵鬧的地方就不行了。在安靜的氛圍中，餐廳的環境和周圍的客人可以作為極好的談資。你們對對方的觀察也可以更加清晰透徹。
don't pick a see and be seen place. the focus should be on the two of you without the interruptions of having to interface with the people you know in the room. plus no reason to inform your immediate universe what you are up to.
不要選一個有熟人出沒的地方。你們應該以兩人單獨相處為重點，杜絕此地還有你認識的人介入的情況。再說，還沒必要讓你的交際圈知道你正在乾什麼。
movies are a perfect third or forth date idea as they provide food for thought later in the evening. as far as first dates go, stick to plans that allow you to get to know one another rather than sitting in the dark munching on popcorn.
到第三、第四次約會時再去看電影更好，因為電影能讓你們在散場後有思考交談的共同話題。至於第一次約會，還是選擇能讓你們了解雙方的活動，而不是坐在黑暗中嚼爆米花比較好。
common hobbies and shared interests are great for couples to engage in, but not on a first date. as your initial get together, hiking, biking, sky diving may not be an ideal way to connect. no need to show them your sweated up look right away. making small talk while gripping your knees and panting is not sexy.
共同的興趣愛好對一對情侶來說是經營感情的絕佳手段，但是對於初次約會的兩人來說則不是。在初次約會時，遠足、騎腳踏車、跳傘都不是理想的交流方式。沒必要此刻就把你汗津津的樣子展示給對方。當你精疲力盡，一邊支著膝蓋喘氣、一邊跟對方聊天，這可不夠性感。
coffee: not the best idea for an initial meeting. a cup of joe says "i don't want to invest too much money or time with you". "i am in it for quick recon". although coffee houses can be quaint and atmospheric, they tend to be viewed as in between activities, not the main event of the day or evening.
喝咖啡：不是初次約會的理想方式。約一倍咖啡會讓對方覺得你“不想為對方花費太多的金錢或時間”、覺得你“只是想快速偵查一下”對方的情況。雖然咖啡廳環境頗為古雅浪漫，但是喝咖啡通常被認為是人們辦正事的間隙時間裡的消遣，而不是這一天或這一晚上的主要活動。
lunch: a mid day meal can be seen as a one hour, more stilted, business like encounter rather than a date. on the other hand, a weekend picnic in a park, sitting on a blanket with savory threats is romantic.
吃午餐：一天正午的這餐飯可能會被看成程式化的，時間固定的商務會面而不是約會。另一方面，在周末去公園野餐，坐在毯子上吃著美味的點心倒是頗為浪漫。
drinks: clinking glasses is festive and shows a commitment of time and provides an upbeat vibe. what is appealing about drinks as a first date is that it leaves the door open for dinner. if things are going well it is easy to expand on your evening.
酒吧暢飲：去酒吧開懷暢飲，相互碰杯可以製造愉悅發氣氛，表現你願意為對方投入時間，而且能夠調動雙方的情緒。初次約會去酒吧暢飲的一大好處在於，你能很自然的約對方吃晚餐。如果進展順利的話，你就能輕鬆的將約會順延到晚上的用餐時間了。
dinner: this demonstrates a willingness to spend an extended period of time with someone. nothing expresses interest more than a two hour meal, especially on a saturday night.
吃晚餐：吃晚餐會告訴對方，你願意長時間與對方共處。沒什麼比一場兩小時的晚宴更能表達你的心意了，特別是在周六的晚上。
the exciting part about a first date is that if it moves in the right direction, you are paving the way for second and third get togethers. when saying good night, assuming all went well, let it be known and take the initiative to plan another outing, leaving you both wanting more and giving each other something to look forward to...
初次約會讓人開心之處在於，如果進展順利，你們就可以準備進行第二、第三次約會了。當你們互道晚安，如果你心想一切都很順利，要及時把自己的想法告訴對方，主動安排下一次見面，讓雙方都想要繼續，給對方一點可供期待的念想……