The way I see it, there are as many reasons for dating as there are people who date.
Some want ability to claim a number of dates in a given week, month or year. Dating is an activity in itself and is goal oriented.
Others may use dating as a methodology to getting laid.
Still others use dating to find their someone special.

Personally, I look at dating as a way to possibly meet someone that thinks I'm special too. How can I show her my true nature if I cloud it all up with pomp and circumstance that doesn't reflect who I really am? Dating, to me is to get to know that person as they really are in real life and her to get to know who I really am.

Once the personal/intimate bonding relationship is established, then a bit of pomp and circumstance can be entertaining.

I don't usually get dressed to the nines and attend formal functions.
I don't usually load up the truck and do a weekend camping/trailblazing excursions.
I have done those things but they are not my normal me activities.

I do go to the beach, take walks in parks, go bowling, watch movies and sit by the firepit.
I do go grocery shopping, grill food and sit on the porch.

So, I've been giving this a bit of thought myself.

For safety's sake, i'm going to meet in an area that's public but not crowded.

Though he's requested I choose our venue, I want a place that has options he can choose from too. He may want to see what my tastes are, but shouldn't be stuck with them all day if they're not nice for him too.

I think I'd suggest meeting on the Plaza, which is a place I'm familiar enough with to feel quite relaxed, and has a chill enough atmosphere to make most anyone feel at ease. It's also a place that hosts enough dining and entertainment options to meet a wide variety of tastes. I could offer him a tour of the fountains, and historical buildings while he scopes out the restaurants and bistros along the way so he might choose a place for lunch. Or we could grab something from a deli to take for a picnic at Fountain Park or the botanical gardens. Then possibly end our date with a stroll along the canal if the weather's nice, or pop in at the art gallery if it's not. If he doesn't care for any of those options, we're in the perfect spot for him to choose something else.

If I meet someone, it will be where people know me and have my back. If that person doesn't like it, bye.

Trust can be just as easily built in a neutral environment, so why would we not?

You mean trust a stranger? Please clarify. If I am meeting someone, it will be where I feel safe

Curious? Do you normally feel threatened?

I was agreeing with your statement and wondering why anyone would risk not doing the same. I mean a neutral environment as in safe for both of parties. Not at either one's home, but in public.

In this day? Not normally except meeting a new person. Why would a woman risk it?

Honestly, I don't know. I would never meet anyone somewhere that I didn't feel safe.

Normally, it isn't a big deal. I am great by myself

Yeah, I guess in this day women AND men should opt for safety first.
Anymore, predators can be either sex.

True, a friend of mine packs a pistol in her purse for a first date. But she is in Chicago..so...

Though, she's not a lunatic, and carries it for safety in certain situations, it makes me want to warn all the men out there watch out for wacko women who might be toting.

You think it would be wrong if I ask to frisk them on meeting?

I imagine you'd get quite a mix of reactions based on who your date was. Some might like it...a lot!

So far this sounds close to my idea of a perfect date to me. All except McDonalds, I'd rather stop at one of those little food carts that vendors set up around the lake or in parks.

Add a moonlight walk or horse and carriage ride around the lake, and that would be perfect.

A trip to see the fabled Brigadoon, my favourite story ever.

Now you understand. But, then again...I was only speaking for me....a woman

Look out fellas!

Hummm a perfect date to me does not matter where you are as long as the conversation is great...

Ohh and it is not McDonald's ~~~~hahahaha I could do Jack-in-the-Box, Whataburger anything but McDonald's or Burger King

But if your talking first meet with someone then it is a place half way in between a Restaurant. Always a public place, and first meet is always in the day time~~

Really wacko cause they tote ohhh hell nooooo... Girl you must have never been to Texas here your wacko if you don't tote..

I don't carry mine with me yet got to get permitted first then it will be on me~~~