In case you couldn’t tell, we’re big proponents of the lunch date. A casual meal in the middle of the day breaks up the monotony of a typical workday and offers a no pressure, relaxed setting for you and your date to talk face-to-face. Think of it as a dating game-changer for busy professionals.

Over the years, we’ve matched thousands of couples and picked up a few go-to pointers for acing lunch dates. So the next time you ask someone to grab lunch and mean more than grabbing a sandwich from the cafeteria, remember these four tips:

1. Think Ahead
   If you’re planning on having a lunch date, you want to be able to actually enjoy it. Don’t let loose ends at work or poor scheduling hold you back from being present on your date. Plan buffer periods before and after your lunch so that if a work emergency comes up five minutes before you’re supposed to leave, or you end up really hitting it off with your date, you can still make it work.
2. Be Prompt
   Chances are you both have busy schedules and only a limited amount of time to dedicate to this date, so make sure you don’t start things off on the wrong foot by showing up late. Set an alarm for yourself, plan your time accordingly, and if you absolutely have to be late, give your date a heads up. Promptness is key. After all, you don’t want to start your love story a minute too late!
3. Put Down the Phone
   When someone is in front of you, you should always give them your full attention. Being present and actively listening are super important for showing your date that you’re having a good time; continually looking at your phone doesn’t make a good impression. If you must have your phone out for work, apologize and explain the situation. Your date’s going to be more understanding if you’re upfront about it from the beginning.
4. Follow Up
   In the end, lunch dates are just like any other meeting – you don’t want to let the opportunity pass you by. Show you want to see things develop by letting them know you had a great time, and following up on your date with a quick email or text message. Bring up something the two of you discussed and suggest you do it together sometime, that way your date will know you’re interested.

Make your lunch date work for you, keep these four tips in mind and you’re sure to impress your future significant other. Now get out there and enjoy your meal!

By Christi Schreckengost, Matchmaker and Dating Expert