Tasha Dhanraj on double dating

My boyfriend and I have gone on several double dates recently. You know, the dates where one couple goes on a date with another couple and always at least 50 per cent of people around the table don’t know the others. It is either awkward from start to finish, or is great until your partner’s friend’s new date slips out a comment on either religion or politics and the whole evening descends to shuffling feet and coughing. Luckily, the double dates we’ve been on have been lovely. They’re the perfect thing for the couple that don’t have much time to see each other during the week, but neither wants to be accused of stopping the other from seeing their friends. A lazy person’s social multitasking.

Of course, there are a few problems. There is always the slight issue of the paranoia that settles in the second you part from the other couple. While Andy and I might have a train journey back reminiscing and laughing about what a jolly old time we had, what if George and Esther spent the whole trip home talking about what vile people we are? What if the reason that the second double date took so long to arrange was because Esther hated me and thought my hilarious story about the time I got locked in the toilet was inappropriate discussion over a meal?

Added to that, relationships are such private things that double dates are essentially inviting people to take a peek into your lives. I can’t be the only person who uses double dates as a way to affirm how perfect and amazing and wonderful my relationship is, right? No matter how lovely a time we’re having I can’t help but think “Ah good, they always split the bill too” or “Oh, they don’t eat off each other’s plates? Now either we’re too relaxed or they’re too cold.”

“Ah good, they split the bill too”

While double dates are a good way to meet your boyfriend’s friends without the fear of being overpowered by testosterone, it’s a lot more than going to a restaurant with just one person. What it all boils down to, after weeks on rain-checks and reschedules; after the pings on Facebook about whether to go out to eat Indian or sushi; after hours of panicking about whether your boyfriend’s best friend’s new girlfriend liked you or not; it seems like the easy option is to probably just stay at home with your boyfriend, watch another DVD you bought for £2.99 and eat Super Noodles.