Guys vs. Girls: Expectations for a date

First dates are kind of a big deal.

Whether you meet someone on Tinder or in your local coffee shop, you get that nervous ‘butterflies in your stomach’ feeling when they ask you out on a date.

It’s the time when you get to know each other better, discover their likes and dislikes, and ultimately whether you’re compatible together. So if your date brings their pet hamster along with them and has a Christmas playlist blaring in March, at least you can say you gave it a shot.

That’s the thing about first dates – you never really know what to expect. It’s like car shopping – you can do as much research (or social media creeping) as you can, but being sure on the real thing requires a test drive, pun intended. You can only hope for the best and wait to see if the outcome is wonderful or totally disastrous. Both require a considerable amount of time, have long-term effects, and often involve diving into the unknown until you get to know someone, or the vehicle.

Expectations that we have for first dates have a huge role to play in how things work out. We’ve teamed up with Hyundai Ioniq to uncover the top five expectations for a date that both guys and girls have. Car shopping strangely comes with the same expectations…who would have thought these tips apply to cars and your next Friday night?

Be reliable

After weeks of texting, you’ve finally chosen a restaurant and arranged to meet at 7 pm. Chances are you’ll leave your place early so you can calm your nerves before your prospective love interest gets there. Well, that’s what your date would expect you to do. Nobody wants to be left waiting for ages on a date because that gives a seriously bad first impression. Pick them up right at their door and whisk them away in your ultra sleek chariot – on time. Be reliable and dependable, as cheesy as it sounds, we all want someone we can count on as a true partner.

Look good

Okay so we’re not saying you have to show up wearing a tux or ball gown, but it doesn’t hurt to dress up a little. After all, your aim is to ‘dress to impress,’ right? And while it’s not all about looks, it does matter. First impressions are everything so you might want to switch your hole-ridden converse shoes for a pair of boots. And if you’re driving, this extends to the overall appearance of your car. The Ioniq is stylish, fun to drive, and efficient. No need to compromise. Sorry, but that rusty van from 1989 needs to go – now.

Show your personality

Your first date is meant to be a time when you both do a lot of talking as you get to know each other. Your date, like your car, should have unique features that complement your lifestyle. Sort of how the Ioniq offers three different powertrains to meet everyone’s personalities – hybrid, rechargeable plug-in hybrid (called “electric plus”) and battery electric. Don’t be afraid to show your true self. Dating is basically a trial and error search for ‘the one’, so you may as well show your date the real thing. If you’re not able to do this then you might as well be at home binge-watching your favourite series, wearing a ‘proud to be forever alone’ T-shirt.

You want them to care

Hyundai Ioniq/Daily Hive

Not just about you, obviously. But the environment, too. With drastic changes happening as a result of climate change, it’s important for guys and girls to meet an eco-conscious partner. They’ll start to tick the right boxes if they recycle and drive a fuel-efficient car. Oh and if it’s an electric car? Even better.

Who covers the bill

So in the ‘traditional’ sense guys are often expected to foot the bill for the night on a first date. Well it’s a new era and most guys and girls want equality, right? And that means splitting the bill. Things can get tricky if nobody offers. Or if your date refuses to pay half, you might want to peace out. Challenge the traditional. It’s predictable and expected, and to be honest, a bit boring. And who knows, sometimes you find the ‘whole package’ in someone you don’t expect.

Now you have the chance to shine on a first date, by showing up on time in a brand new car. Hyundai is teaming up with Tinder to give six Canadians the chance to win an electrifying date night chauffeured in an Ioniq, plus a $200 pre-paid Visa gift card to treat your special someone. It’s easy to enter the contest online – you’ll have the chance of winning in the draw each month, for six months. To enter on Tinder, simply swipe right when you see the Hyundai profile card pop up in the app or go to www.HyundaiUltimateDate.com.

Be reliable

Look good

Show your personality

You want them to care

Who covers the bill

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