Coffee Dates: From Scandalous to Swipe Right

It’s hard to imagine a world without coffee houses. These cozy little spots have become a staple in nearly every city and town (including Wroclaw!), offering a place for people to gather, chat, work, and drink coffee. But coffee houses haven’t always been so beloved. In fact, there was a time when they were seen as scandalous.

The Sordid History of Coffee Houses

Back in the day, coffee houses were a go-to spot for married men looking to cheat on their spouses. They were like the Ashley Madison of the 18th century. This didn’t sit well with the powers that be, and there was a movement to make coffee houses illegal. Some even called them “schools of vice.” In an effort to deter ladies from entering, some coffee houses had to post signs that read “No Women Allowed.”

Coffee Dates in the Modern Era

Fast forward to 2023, and coffee dates have become a staple of modern dating. It’s hard to imagine a romantic comedy set in this day and age that doesn’t involve at least one coffee date. If “Superbad” were set in 2023, Seth and Evan would probably have met their respective love interests on a coffee date (or, more likely, a virtual coffee date). Or what about “When Harry Met Sally”? Imagine if Harry and Sally had met on a coffee date instead of on a cross-country road trip – how different would their relationship have been? And let’s not forget “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” – imagine if Peter and Rachel had met on a coffee date instead of at a Hawaiian resort. As for “The Wedding Singer”? A coffee date would have been a lot more low-key than crashing a wedding reception.

The Rise of Tinder Coffee Dates

One of the main reasons coffee dates have become so popular is the rise of dating apps like Tinder. It’s easy to swipe right on someone you’re interested in and then suggest a coffee date as a low-pressure way to get to know each other. With the option to do a virtual coffee date, it’s even easier to connect with people from the comfort of your own couch (or bed, no judgment). But despite the convenience and ease of Tinder coffee dates, there’s still some backlash from people who see them as a cop out or a cheap way to have a quick date without much investment.

The Future of Coffee Dates

So where does this leave us? It’s hard to say what the future holds for coffee dates. Will they continue to be a popular choice for first dates, or will they go the way of the dinosaurs? Only time will tell. But one thing is for certain – coffee houses have come a long way since their scandalous beginnings, and they’ll always be a special place for people to come together and enjoy a good cup of Grandissimo (and maybe even find love).