Ridesharing is not only a cheap and convenient way to get from A to B. It´s also a great way to meet up with new people. Some of them can become your short term companions, others friends for life, and the most special ones can turn out to be your true soul mates. However, turning spontaneous sympathies shared in a car into something more is not always easy. Here are our tips what to do and what mistakes to avoid if you want to get a date with someone you met while carpooling.
1# First impression ARE important. In fact, if you´re supposed to make a connection during some 20 minutes long drive, it´s the first impression that matters the most. However, trying too much (and too obviously) is not the best way to impress your new friend. Try to be as relaxed as possible, greet your carpooling partner in a friendly manner and see where it goes from there. Remember that being your natural self will always get you further than pretending.
2# Watch for signs of interest. Although sharing a ride is without a doubt popular among adventurers looking for a new flirt, some people really use carpooling just to cut down the costs. Trust your instincts and watch for some genuine signs of interest before you make your move. If you want to experience openly flirtatious environment, head instead to flirt.com – online dating site with thousands of like-minded individuals where you can´t go wrong.
3# Start easily and make no pressure. If you´re making the first move, start with some easy conversation and make sure not to make any pressure – whether it´s physical (like moving closer to your interest) or psychological (asking private questions or opening serious topics). Let your partner feel comfortable and free and let him/her know you a bit before questioning them. Instead of “Where are you going?”, tell him/her where are you heading. Replace “What´s your name” by introducing yourself spontaneously. Once you´re talking, make sure to find some things you have in common.
4# You don´t have to show true colors right away. The spark is there and conversation unfolds naturally. It´s alright if you have the hots, and probably you´re even sure by now that it´s mutual. However, it´s still best to keep your cool and stick to friendly tone. Car is a great place to meet – but the next stage of knowing each other should probably take place somewhere else. Want to ask for a number? Great. How about finding some completely innocent reason, such as showing your new friend the great bar you were talking about or lending him/her your favorite music? If your interest is mutual, he/she will surely understand…
5# Avoid raising any safety concerns. One obvious disadvantage of ridesharing is that you don´t really have the choice to say ´no´. The same applies to revealing some personal information such as address where you´re currently living or working (the place where you´ll probably get in or leave the car). If you want to avoid causing any worries and concerns, make sure not to emphasize the fact that you actually know where the other one lives. If you end up wasting your chance to ask for some contact, it´s really not a good idea to come knocking on the door in person.
6# When you need a second chance… While knocking on the door without invitation (nor creeping “accidentally” around the house!) isn´t the best idea, all musn´t be lost when you missed your first chance. Romance seeking through car sharing services became such a phenomena that it even gave birth to separate sections of popular social media such as Craigslist´s “Missed Connections”. You can always post your inquiry for a “second chance” there and hope that it will find it´s way to whom it concerns…
