Host: Should I set up a safety phone call during a date?
Gloria MacDonald: Lots of people set up that kind of safety phone call, so they have a friend call them 20 minutes into the meeting time so that you can kind of; say “oh, gee, an emergency. I have to run.” We are all adults and most people can see through that.
So I recommend that you don’t have that safety phone call. Well, that’s one of the reasons why frankly, you shouldn’t make it a big, long dinner. The first time you are meeting somebody, do something so that you don’t have to commit more than, say 45 minutes to this.
You don’t have to have coffee or a drink with somebody for more than 45 minutes but again, you should be able to at least honor yourself and the other person enough to be able to carry on a conversation for 45 minutes. You know what, if it is tough, then great. This is a perfect opportunity for you to practice your conversation skills and get out there and learn how to keep a conversation going. Ask more questions and volunteer some information.
So if it’s difficult, force yourself to use this as a practice opportunity but it’s a bit rude to have that safety phone call and we should learn enough manners so that we can graciously say, “It was pleasant to meet you and I have to get going.” So can the safety phone call?
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