So I was thinking about first dates the other day, and realized that while in truth I haven't had all that many, what transpires is a good indicator of the relationship to come. If there is one. 'Cause let's face it, some first dates don't lead anywhere - not first base, not a second date, and certainly not a relationship. To illustrate my point, we're going to take a walk down dating memory lane as I share some of my not-so-romantic first date experiences.

A lot of people choose to go to dinner and a movie for their first date with someone. I guess they reason that it's a laid-back atmosphere where both parties will relax enough so they can get to know each other without awkwardness. First of all, it's impossible to get to know someone while you're sitting in a dark movie theater watching the latest cinematic wonder. Unless of course you're one of those annoying movie-goers who talks through the whole film, but that's a story for another day (maybe). With that being said, the majority of my first dates have been to, guess where, the movies.

My very first first date was to see what turned out to be a very ironic movie - How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. Our relationship didn't even make it to date #2. But I'm getting ahead of myself. This guy worked with me and was constantly asking me to do stuff like go to parties with him or to let him take me out sometime. I always had other stuff going on so I didn't just flat-out turn him down every time, although I have to admit I was never attracted to him and the only real reason I finally accepted was because my mom prodded me into it. This guy, bless his heart, made me feel so awkward. I don't know if it was because he stared at me in such an uncomfortable way, but it was the most awkward I've ever felt on a date. I mean, if you picture the epitome of an awkward first date, that was it.

Want to know the worst first date movie I've ever seen? Click. First of all, I'm not a big Adam Sandler fan. There's only so many times you can make fun of his egg-shaped head and it be funny, but that's besides the point because this movie actually doesn't do that. What it does do, though, is depress you by the time it's over. The climax is - spoiler alert - Sandler's character dying. But, back to the date, because there's much more than the poor movie choice to talk about. I should have known better than to agree to go out with someone who asked me out on Myspace, but I knew him from school and thought "what the heck, it might be fun." The ride back was the highlight of the first date. I don't remember the conversation exactly, but I can tell you it involved him asking what I would do if he drove off into a ditch and wrecked. I guess that was a good indicator that our relationship would crash and burn after three months.

Ok, so it wasn't 20 minutes in, but I did have an experience similar to the one above. And by the way, I totally just noticed that the cartoon girl has red hair. Bonus!

This was another guy I worked with (these experiences are why I refuse to date coworkers). I don't really remember what we did for our first date. I recall seeing Transformers early on in our month-long summer fling but I can't say for sure it was date #1. He was another case of being talked into agreeing to a date by my mother. And I'll admit that we had fun once we got past the first date. The date itself isn't what's significant though; it's what happened afterwards. He dropped me off at home and then went and got drunk with his buddies, which of course led to a drunken phone call in which he professed his undying love for me. That should have set off red-flag warnings to his stalker tendencies. After we broke up, he took to driving by my house repeatedly and even followed me back to school. (this doesn't really compare to my actual stalker, who i never dated, but we won't go there)

Then there was the relationship where there wasn't a first date. We went out a couple of times in the course of our relationship, but I classify a first date as one that happens to start a relationship. The lack of first date should have warned me about this loser. After we parted ways, he started telling people we weren't ever really together. He just let me think that to suit his purposes.

My last first date was not to see a movie. We went to dinner at a place with a very relaxed atmosphere. He broke the ice by making me laugh, which sealed the deal right away. We talked and got a feel for each other's personalities and really just clicked. If you picture a perfect first date, that would be it. And I truly hope it's a sign of things to come.