Valentine's Day is actually the perfect time for a first date. Dating experts explain why and how not to make it weird.

• Valentine's Day isn't just for established couples. The day can set the stage for a fun first date, says a therapist.

• Dating experts suggest keeping things casual by having a drink or doing an activity, such as going to a game bar or game room.• A casual atmosphere can clarify first date expectations while providing an opportunity to socialize during time you would otherwise spend alone.

• Spending Valentine's Day alone and alone can be tiresome. But if you're looking for more excitement than a Netflix session and solo relaxation, dating experts say the holidays are the perfect opportunity for a fun first date.

• "I encourage singles to go back to their childhood mentality around Valentine's Day, where it was all about cheesy candy hearts and silly decorations and meant to be fun and whimsical," says Sara Tick, therapist and founder of men's dating coaching service Modern Meet. he told Insider.

• If you're stuck in a dating situation after a series of mediocre encounters, the vacation's focus on romance could also put you in a positive, flirty mood, Rikki Dymond, a dating coach at the app, told Insider. Flirtini dating.• Since singles often spend the day alone, Tick says you have nothing to lose by asking someone out on a Valentine's Day date.

• And if you're worried about coming on too strong too soon, Dymond and Tick say there are plenty of ways to set realistic expectations for this type of first date, whether you ask via an app or in person.

• Don't be afraid to get involved in the topic of love.

• The expectations that often accompany Valentine's Day can seem high, but there are ways to suggest a casual and light-hearted get-together, Tick said.

• He suggested bringing up the cheesy elements of the holiday and engaging in them as a humorous way to woo a partner.

• If you're matching online with someone you'd like to go on a date with, Tick suggested saying something like, "I remember how fun Valentine's Day was in elementary school when we handed out cards and ate . "lots of sweets." .Why don't we go out and I bring you old school chocolates in a heart-shaped cardboard box or your favorite sweets? No pressure, let's just do something fun!”

• This will immediately set you apart from the serious couples who are committed to celebrating the holiday. At the same time, show your thoughtful side with sweets, said Tick.

• Skip dinner and keep the atmosphere casual to set expectations. "If you're worried that the romantic vibes of Valentine's Day might send the wrong message to a new date, focus on keeping your get-together casual," Tick said.

• It is recommended to plan a typical first date, e.g. E.g. having drinks in a cozy bar that is good for conversation and skipping dinner because it is a longer and more expensive date, which may suggest a more serious tone.

• “Sitting at a stranger's table during a long, formal dinner puts a lot of pressure on both parties,” Tick said.

• According to Tick, you can also skip the traditional bar date and opt for something more fun, like a visit to an arcade or gaming bar.

• According to Dymond, a plan that leaves room for jokes and adventure is essential, regardless of the day of the first date.She suggested meeting somewhere new to you and your date or trying a new experience together as a surefire way to keep things exciting.

• Tick suggested brainstorming a few options and presenting them to your date so they can choose one that fits their personality and interests.

“At the end of your date, thank your date for having a great Valentine’s Day,” Tick said. If you want to see them again, tell them and suggest a more traditional, intimate activity for the next date, like dinner and a movie or a concert followed by a drink and dessert, she said.

• If you both enjoyed the date, you can also end it with a gentle kiss, Dymond said.• “Stay calm, use humor to relieve the pressure, and treat it as you would on any first date: as an opportunity to meet someone new and socialize. Who knows, maybe it will even end with a super sweet love story,” she said.