[x2d4d]

A big problem I have on a first date is that we'll be having a good time, and 90-120 minutes go by and my attention will be focused on her the entire time, to the point of ignoring everything else around me. It's not crippling, I don't get startled by the bartender or anything like that, but I'm sure I'm not generating as much attraction as I could be.

So I'm looking for tips related to engaging the environment and otherwise improving situational awareness.

This is mainly an issue on first or second dates, when displaying some social dominance has a good payoff, but the presumption is a one-on-one arrangement. Subsequent dates the girl is actively trying to keep my attention so it's easy to just relax and engage the environment whenever it seems natural to do so.

[HiFlo]

People watch and make fun of people

Like "Theater of Life" on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fzfxzK8J5Y

[gringochileno]

I wouldn't worry too much about actively engaging with your environment by talking to other people or whatever. If a good opportunity comes up then great, but in general I like to eliminate outside variables on a first date and keep the focus on me and the girl.

One thing that can be pure gold, though, is making funny observations about people or things around me. There's one bar where I like to take dates that has a bunch of paintings of naked politicians and other ridiculous shit on the walls. It's always good for a few laughs and is a great icebreaker right after I show up. If there are other couples in the bar you can ask her whether she thinks they're dating or just friends before giving your opinion. You can play marry-fuck-kill. The list goes on--in general, the environment is a great source of conversational material but I prefer to use it as a jumping off point for fun conversational threads rather than engaging with other people in the bar directly.

[Gmac]

(07-28-2012 02:15 AM)HiFlo Wrote:  

People watch and make fun of people

Like "Theater of Life" on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fzfxzK8J5Y

This is what I do.

[hypesession]

(07-28-2012 07:18 PM)Gmac Wrote:  

(07-28-2012 02:15 AM)HiFlo Wrote:  

People watch and make fun of people

Like "Theater of Life" on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fzfxzK8J5Y

This is what I do.

Man I just watched that. goes to show being funny and game skills can be worlds apart.

btw, thats not an example of engaging their environment. theyre not really psyched about interacting with people. it's all passive aggression. i used to do that with my best friend but it never got me laid. its fun though