It’s a classic question: coffee or drinks on a date? The difference is the possibility of either making an ass of your self while sober -- or because you got drunk. The good thing about it is that looking like an ass sober is about the same as looking like one drunk. So how will you choose to proceed?

Going out for a drink on a date is a classic. It gives you time to get to know one another in an interesting setting -- if you’ve chosen well. But the mood can change drastically from your local coffee shop to a bar. People drinking non-alcoholic beverages look and act differently. They’re there for a certain mood or experience while those looking to slurp spirits are in a different frame of mind. When you think of a coffee shop, what images come to mind? When you think of a bar, what people frequent them? Drinking on a date is an important choice to make as it says something about who you are and what you’re about so you should take that into consideration when you’re looking to make an impression.

“All you can do when deciding what you should be drinking on a date is keep you and your date in mind.”

I’m not saying drinking alcohol is bad – not by a long shot. At least half of my first dates are at a bar or restaurant and usually involve a glass or two of a strong red wine. But control is key. You don’t want to drink too much that you lose control or make yourself look bad. If you notice you have some issues with moderation, it’s best to stay away from something that will hurt your chances with your date. The same goes for coffee. If you’ve ever seen someone who’s overstepped his or her bounds and got a coffee a size too large, you’ll know what I mean. That frantic, twitchy look is just about as detrimental to your first impression as ending up drunk.

All you can do when deciding what you should be drinking on a date is keep you and your date in mind. Listen to what they suggest and ask them what their idea of a good time is. You may find yourself with a kindred spirit sitting at a stool by the bar singing dirges in the dark or wired to your limits down at the local java joint. But the best piece of advice is that everything is good in moderation, and playing it safe, at least on a first date, is always your best move.