FYI – “First Date” | Grandma’s Stories

Apr 17th FYI – “First Date”

Someone ask me the other day – “Do you remember your First Date?”

Well – I’m guessing that there is always something – which one never forgets??? When I was in High School and in order to get out of school – sooner – – I went to “Summer School” to get some credits – so that I would graduate a half a semester earlier!

During that last summer of the “Summer School – there was one young class-mate who offered to drive me home from school – and a couple of times offered to drive me to where I would work. He seem to be a nice guy and so I had told him that I sometimes would ride my bike around the neighborhood and sometimes even to the park. Well, he took a look at my bike and since he did not have a bike – offered to ride me around on the handle bars – of my bike??It sure was a good thing – that – that I did not weigh too much – back then – and that he was one of those guys which – were tall and very strong?

After a couple of weeks of school and seeing “Mr. A.B.” – he ask me to go on a date with him to eat at a restaurant near the “Fox Theater” and to also see a movie at the “FOX” after eating and that we would be taking the trolley car to and from – would I like to go??? Well – what in the world did I know about going on a date? What was I suppose to wear and what do I do in a restaurant with someone – do I offer to pay my share – as I did not think he had lots of money – although – he did also work after school??

One hundred and one questions – and I sure did not want to act like a complete “first class fool” – so my Mother told me to check with my Aunt Irene – since she was a “Lady of Etiquette” and would know all the whatever’s – that one should know – she would have very good advice! So, this was some “conversation” – Aunt Irene was older than my Mother – but she was a first class LADY – when it came to entertaining and being out with – the Ladies of her Church and other organisations – and she knew how all these things should be done??? Aunt Irene gave me some ideas – as to what I should wear and also how to dress.

The most important thing for me – was to find out – – what do I do when he asks me, “What would you like to eat?” – and – one thing I certainly do not want to ask him – – for something that is not with in his budget – – for this evening – – and I was not for sure – – should I offer to pay – for at least something – since he wants to also go the movie at the “FOX” – and they are a little more expensive than most theaters! So, here is what Aunt Irene said, “You know that he has some money – and that this will be his treat – so, when you receive the menu – you will look it over to see what you like.” Then Aunt Irene continues, “When you notice that he seems to have looked the menu over – you will ask him “What do you like or suggest for us?” – and then at that point in time he will have made some suggestions – of what he likes or is good to eat – – and – then you know that he can pay that amount two times – – so do not order over that amount – – of the suggested item – – that he is indicating he likes!” “And – always remember – if and when the bill comes and he looks like he would need some help – then you can always offer to help and loan to him whatever he needs – and everything will work out just fine.

Everything did turn out just fine – and I was sure glad that I had someone – like Aunt Irene, to check with and see – – – just how things are done – that is for seventeen year old girls – – back – then, in the 1950’s – so very long ago – -and I did end up having a very good time!