First Dates Ireland is full of moments that make us laugh, cry and dismay from the sheer level of cringe.
However, for those who are out looking for love, it can educational viewing too.
Here are some lessons learned from First Dates Ireland over the years.
1. DO remember to pay attention
Rule number one when going on a first date...remember their name.
Other information like where they work, how many brothers and sisters they have etc all pales in significance if you can't remember the person's actual name.
Because, if the first date goes well and you're lucky enough to get a second one, how embarrassing will it be when you keep referring to your date as "dude" or "babes" or "me oul flower". Just look at what happened to Mila and Jack (not difficult names to remember). They both forgot each others name…on national television.
The level of awkwardness will make your teeth itchy.
2. DON'T decide to experiment with new foods
You really don't want someone to think you're a spitter, especially on a first date.
That however, is exactly what Stephen did on his first date with Denise. Browsing the dinner menu, Stephen decided to order the oysters. The conviction in his voice screamed of a man who has spent years trawling the oceans and catching his own molluscs. So much so that he convinced Denise to follow suit. It all seemed like a match made in heaven, a meeting of minds over the fabled aphrodisiac.
Sadly, the mood was swiftly killed. It soon became apparent that this was Stephen's first oyster experience and he was not enjoying it. Highlighted when he regurgitated his first gulp of oyster back into it's shell right in front of poor Denise. Charming.
3. Be it good or bad, if you take someone's number, DO text them.
Ireland is a small country. The chances of running into people from your past is greater than in most places.This fact rear its ugly head on the dating scene. Especially when it comes to blind dates.
Take Frankie and Nathan as a perfect example. Both were expecting to meet new faces on their appearance on First Dates, but it in a matter of seconds, they realised they had met before, intimately.
Not the worst scenario in the world, except Frankie couldn't remember Nathan's name (a rookie mistake we've covered above) but in his defence, he gave Nathan his phone number in the hope they could learn more about each other but Nathan never contacted Frankie. Awkward.
Let this be a lesson to all Irish first daters. Whether you want to see someone again or not, cover you bases and send a text, Ireland is too small for your past not to catch up with you.
4. DON'T beat around the bush. If you know, you know.
There is no shame in being honest. Like a band aid, ripping it off quickly is the better option than prolonging the pain.
It's a little clichéd to say you'll feel sparks fly and you'll be riding on cloud nine when you meet your perfect partner, after all, life isn't a movie. But your gut feeling tends to be truer than we give it credit for.
You might have a laugh, share common interests and even, dare I say it, share political opinion, yet when you don't feel that intangible feeling that leads to romance, don't kid yourself or your date. It'll be better for everyone involved.
That's why we should all take a leaf from Jorie and Jeff's book. They had fun, they laughed, there were no awkward silences and they even agreed they'd go for a drink together again, but as friends. They just knew romantically, it wasn't going to happen and no one's feelings were hurt.
5. If it's all going well, DON'T be afraid to get the in-laws involved
It's happened! You've found the person of your dreams. The second you met, you hit it off. You haven't stopped thinking about them, and every time you meet, the feelings grow stronger.
Weeks pass like days and finally, the time comes, you must meet the parents or introduce them to yours. But why wait for this big, defining moment.
Let us all take a leaf from Micha and Harris' book. On their very first date, Harris' phone rings and it's Mammy. Micha, taking the initiative answers the phone, and gets to know Mammy from the get-go. Hat's off to you Micha!
6. Blind dates DO, in fact, work (sometimes)
While the idea of a blind date is pretty daunting to most, the fact of the matter is, they do work. Even the ones that play out on national television. Just look at Áine and Gary.
Áine, a baker from Meath and Gary, a Donegal lad with a most charming accent, both came on the show looking for love and they found it.
First Dates Ireland revealed on their Valentine's Day special on season 2 that the pair were not only still dating but they had made it official...Facebook official!
Nawww, we love a happy ending.
First Dates Ireland sponsored by Lucozade Zero airs every Thursday on RTÉ2 at 9.30pm.
