Not sure on whether to date. I'm a bit scared

[yourson]

So a few months ago before I left for college I posted a Craigslist ad for dates/bf in the new city I'm gonna be in. I talked via email to one guy on and off for that period. He's 55 years old, I'm 18. I say off and on, because sometimes I'm hesitant, I mean, I'm bisexual, in the closet, never been kissed or on a date..guy or girl. Then i'd get over it and email him back. He seems like a sweet guy.

I just emailed him, "so, when is our super romantic date?" And he responded a few minutes later with "tonight is ok". Tonight is fine by me, I got nothing to do, but to be honest, I'm a little nervous. I've never been on a date and its weird tht my first date and maybe kiss will be with a guy.

Is it normal to be nervous/scared before a first ever date?

 

[yourson]

He said we can do it tomorrow, so I may leave it till tomorrow, because he wants me to call him first, but my roommate is in the room.

He offered to pick me up near my school, but idk. I think it'll be safer to take public transportation.

Should I find a way to call him today for tonight or wait till tomorrow?

Sorry if I'm being annoying with these questions

 

[IowaGuy]

Be safe - meet him in a public place to make sure everything feels ok to you.

 

[Rolyo85]

If you're bi, it doesn't matter whether your first anything will be with a guy or a girl. Take a chance (while still being safe), and see how you feel. Don't do anything that feels forced to you, but also don't be afraid of a little risk

 

[HunterM]

Advice:

1. Never let your date (that you don't know in person) know where you live. Don't let him pick you up or drop you off.
2. Set your first date in a coffee shop or a bar for an hour (not an entire night). If you two don't hit it off, then you only have to spend one hour and say goodbye. That's all. If you like each other, then you can extend the evening or set another date.
3. Relax. Be confident. Have fun!

 

[TheOscar]

Man, he's really old for you. I don't mean to try and put you off of this, but don't you think you should try some other areas before jumping on Craigslist and going out with someone three times your age?

You're in a new place, you should try and look around your school for GLBT clubs or events of the sort that can help you meet other guys your own age and in a much more interesting manner.
Wouldn't you rather do that, then remember your first date being with someone you met randomly on Craigslist? Who knows, this man could be desperate for sex and not really care about you in a real way. And I'm not saying it has to be love, but something at least more meaningful.

 

[Seasoned]

I'm 65 years old so this is not an ageist thing, but I'd be careful with that type of age difference considering how you met. Call me old-fashioned but I think any age difference might be ok, but I'd be more comfortable had you met face to face at first and it grew into something romantic.

I'd rather look at 18 yr old junk, too, but really I'm happy with my 50-something yr old partner.

Again, anything might work, but it seems from what you wrote that you're going after what you perceive to be your only choice.

If you're looking for a date and nothing more I'd offer some cautionary advice and tell you to enjoy yourself. If you're thinking this might be a romance I'd tell you to watch out for exploitation.

Meet him in public using your own transportation. Better to be suspicious than sorry.

I'm sorry that I can't be more enthusiastic. I'm uneasy and would be happier if he was closer to your age. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

 

[KaraBulut]

Set your first date in a coffee shop or a bar for an hour (not an entire night). If you two don't hit it off, then you only have to spend one hour and say goodbye. That's all. If you like each other, then you can extend the evening or set another date.

^^QFT

What's getting lost here is that you're planning a date with someone that you haven't really met. Someone who is old enough to be your grandfather that you really don't know much about.

The safest thing for you to do is to meet in a public place and talk. Decide if you have enough in common to go on a formal date.

It's very possible that you may meet him and decide that there's no romantic interest. Or it may be that it develops into something.

But the primary advice to anyone who is 18 and is just starting to date is that you should never expect that things are going to go well at first. Dating is like driving a car- the first time you get behind the wheel, you're not going to be racing at NASCAR. Just like a car, it takes a while before you get the hang of it- mastering when to push the gas, when to put on the brakes and how to steer it in the direction you want to go. And part of that same learning process is understanding that you may be the best driver in the world but there are a lot of stupid drivers out there who will still get you in a wreck.

And for that reason, you may want to consider dating guys your own age, figuring out what you like/don't like and getting some perspective on what dating and relationships are all about.

 

[hotatlboi]

I try not to be ageist with these kind of things so I'll just say, if it doesn't work out then perhaps try to find a guy closer in age for the next date and see if you have better luck with that.

 

[TheOscar]

OMG, the OP hasn't came back. D;

 

[youngnihilist]

55? Really? Why not another 18 year old? Or someone in their 20s? Seriously? 55?