Hmm, I never really thought about it one way or another. I don't know many guys who would judge a date's appeal on how much she did or didn't eat. I guess they exist, but I never particularly cared. Every dude is different, and every woman is different. Some people have big appetites, some don't. Live and let live, ya know?
If I had to pick one or the other, though, I'd agree with my fellow Guyspeaker, John Devore: I prefer a chick with a healthy appetite, because I like to eat, too. If I'm sitting there tearing up a nice pork chop or a piece of fish and she's picking at a beet salad, then I'm gonna feel kinda stupid and gluttonous. That doesn't mean I want to watch her eat an entire chicken, though. Everything in moderation.
Some girls I knew in college would eat a big meal at the school cafeteria before going out on a date so they could order light in front of a guy. That's lame and phony to me, and it can make a woman look like she's trying too hard. If I'm taking a date to dinner, then I want to have dinner, both of us, something good and fun and enjoyable. The more we eat, the less we have to talk, anyway, because first dates can be awkward.
But hey, that's me and you're you. If salad is what you eat and like for dinner, go for it. Be yourself, I always say. If a dude can't handle it, he's not the one for you, anyway.
I don't remember ever worrying about trying to impress anyone with the type of food I did or did not order on a date. I order whatever looks good to me and depending on how hungry I am. Although, I have at times made a choice based on the price of the item out of consideration for my date if he was paying for the meal. In other words, I may have chosen something in the low to mid price range rather than the most expensive because I didn't want him to have to spend all of his money just to feed me.
I don't really care what she orders, as long as I get something bigger. I know it's stupid and old fashioned, but I just feel embarrassed if a girl out-eats me.
I find that when I'm eating out with anyone, I try to match the food of whoever is paying (price wise). If they can afford to go out and have a steak, and have invited me along I'll get a big ticket item too. If they order an appetizer, I'll also just order an appetizer.
Hell, even if they're not paying I'll still match them up. There's nothing worse than a person ordering a steak, while the other is eating a small bowl of clam chowder. It just feels awkward, like Carey said.
On a slight tangent, I find it uncomfortable if I'm paying for a meal, and I can see the other person visibly calculating how to make their meal less expensive so I don't end up paying too much. I mean c'mon, I'm not going to choose a certain place to eat out if I can't pay for a full appie, entree, dessert, and drinks meal at that particular restaurant, even if we don't order that much. It's damn annoying because I would like to treat a person out, but they'd feel more comfortable at a less pricey venue. So ah well, what can you do?
Be you. Order what you would if you were with your parents. Nothing is more attractive than self confidence, and casual banter. It sure would take the edge off.
Me and my guy have been going out for awhile and he loves the way I eat, I find when you and the person your eating with share common food intersets it deepens the relationship hell even if you don't for instance if he's a burger dude and you like salads get a taco one and load up a fork full of meat and cheese with dressing and sum lettuce and say "here try this". He might like it and this is good because not only are you helping him to eat a little better, but he's experienceing new things with you and everytime he orders one he'll be reminded of you, if he doesn't care for it see if he'll let you take a bite out of his burger for taste ...complement him on his good judgement of meal, this will smooth things over and impress him by showing him you're not afraid to try new things
Me and my guy have been going out for awhile and he loves the way I eat, I find when you and the person your eating with share common food intersets it deepens the relationship hell even if you don't for instance if he's a burger dude and you like salads get a taco one and load up a fork full of meat and cheese with dressing and sum lettuce and say "here try this". He might like it and this is good because not only are you helping him to eat a little better, but he's experienceing new things with you and everytime he orders one he'll be reminded of you, if he doesn't care for it see if he'll let you take a bite out of his burger for taste ...complement him on his good judgement of meal, this will smooth things over and impress him by showing him you're not afraid to try new things
Oh yea ... I forgot to mention sorry for posting twice ....my bad but IF you're a good cook another way to impress him is through talent! If you know he likes something cook it and surprise him the next time you see him, its a thoughful gesture especially now that's its cold season if he gets sick bring him sum great italian wedding soup. You'll score sum points! And you'll show him your more than looks you've got talent and that's attractive and worth keeping around.
If a guy asks you to dinner, say, "You cookin'?"
Puts the ball in his court, and then he get to stress about what he has to make. Then you say, "Make me your favorite meal!"
Deflection technique.
Just request the absence of asparagus, and tell him you love it when a guy eats fruit. Especially pineapple. Yeees, pineapple...!
A strategy for the "desert".
Sorry, that's a little naughty.
On a related note, when I am having the first few dates with a future boyfriend, I usually avoid salad or spaghetti. The reason being is salad sometimes flicks dressing around and I'd rather avoid that. I am not great at eating spaghetti either, so sometimes sauce flicks around. (at home I cut my spaghetti :-D
I just feel more relaxed not having to worry about how I am eating. I guess I avoid big burgers too, since you have to open your mouth (I have a small mouth maybe?) really wide to eat them and it can be difficult. Otherwise I order anything, just depends on my mood and appetite that night.
You could the opposite approach and order something tricky to eat, and then when things go "wrong" it becomes a bonding/laughing experience... whatever you're comfortable with I say :-)
I don't care what she orders because, afterall, she's the one paying.
Heh.
Seriously, I don't care what she orders, as long as she eats it.
(For the record, Dirtmonkey, I love pineapple.)
(blush)
I figured out in high school that guys don't give a shit about what you eat. If they do they are assholes and not worth being with in the least.
The only thing I have to offer aside from be your own self is to now order soemthing too messy (ie, sphagetty, a huge taco, or anything dripping). Getting stuff on yourself is not exactly attractive.
You really shouldn't spend that much time worrying about food orders ! I personally order whatever Im in the mood food, if it's a first date I just steer clear of messy foods or things that could potentially get stuck in my teeth ! First date, I ordered a steak and potatoes meal and My Now boyfriend said he loved that about me..that I can eat and that Im in great physical shape.