I’m about to embark on my 4th first date in as many days, thanks in part to the great social experiment of 2018 (version 2.0).

First dates are exhausting, especially when you are definitely NOT a match with someone and you know within the first 5 seconds of meeting him. Not only is it the prep time before the date, but the date itself can last hours if you’re not careful. Side bar: This also means I’m advocating for setting up the first date ASAP so you’re not wasting too much time in anticipation.

One time, I was on a date with someone I really didn’t want to be on a date with (and to answer the question you’re probably asking: I thought I wanted to be on the date with him before the date, but not after we actually met and started talking #nofire). We had our obligatory one drink, and as soon as I took my last gulp, he asked if I wanted another round. I turned to the window and it immediately started pouring down rain. Buckets, I tell you! “Sure, I’ll stay for another!” It certainly gave him the wrong impression since he texted me afterwards asking for another date, but I had walked there and was potentially without an umbrella.

So, what if instead of me relenting, a giant buzzer had sounded after 1 hour? Like an extended speed date.

If the date isn’t going so well, it’s only 60 minutes out of your 1,440-minute day. If it’s super duper awesome, you can see each other again! Sidebar #2: every minute either of you is late is included in the 60 minutes. Take that Friday guy #1 who showed up 30 minutes late…

On the other end of the spectrum: I am the queen of marathon dates (much to my therapist’s chagrin). So, instead of showing all my goods (my heart and my mind) in ONE DATE, what if I spread that lovin’ out over multiple dates? It leaves much to the imagination and leaves the guy wanting more, instead of knowing so damn much after 1 date.

So, ladies and gents, whatcha think? If you’re with me, start advocating for this! Open up ya Bumble, ya OKC, ya POF, and ya Tinder and write it:

I’m a firm believer in the one-hour first date! If it sucks, we can leave after 1 hour. If it’s great, we can set up another date! 

P.S. Wish me luck – not just for tonight, but also the 3 other first dates I have this week. What did I sign myself up for?!