On our first date, my wife and I went for a walk through a local college town. We walked for hours. Afterward, we sat against a tree trunk, under the stars, by a peaceful lake. We have now been together for almost thirty years.

She still tells me that our first date was the best time she ever had. I never spent a lot of money on our first or subsequent dates; we would just enjoy each other's company. She is that rare gemstone that you sometimes find in a pile of rubble.

We still enjoy walking together. We also spend time at a local bookstore that has a coffee shop inside. She drinks hot chocolate since she doesn't care for coffee.

Walking and coffee were my standard dating practices. If someone considered that insufficient and declined a second date on those grounds, I would be thankful. I would prefer to date someone who enjoyed those activities. I enjoy walking along with someone who is good company and would not want to waste time continuing a relationship with someone who considered those activities insufficient.

I don't try to make an impression or "woo" someone. What you see is what you get. If you don't like what you see, I am happy to move on and find someone who does.