We've already talked about how online dating can get a bad rap. But when I press people to elaborate on their general complaints, I often find daters who are simply aghast at the idea of sitting through an entire evening of awkward conversation over dinner with someone they know they won't wanna kiss come midnight.

Here's the thing -- suck it up. Being stuck on a week-long vacation in a one-bedroom timeshare is one thing. But ONE evening of your life won't kill you, and it may even broaden your horizons or open up some other possibilities. I don't think it was generally excusable to try and cut a date short twenty or thirty years ago, no matter how awkward or sparkless things may have felt. It was simply not polite, and it still isn't.

Of course, before the comments get TOO hot and heavy, let me establish that we're not talking about a date with someone who gives you a serial rapist vibe, or some other deeply disturbing impression -- we're just talking about a date in which you know you don't have any spark with your companion, and won't be looking for a second encounter.

I think even if you're convinced there's no chemistry, you can still gain a lot from one evening out with a new person. For example, I once went on a totally unromantic date with a nice but not my type guy who gave me an idea for a startup business and encouraged me to put some of my musings into a formal book. (I'm still working on it, in case you were wondering!)

If you're THAT reluctant to commit to a full date with someone you're unsure about, you're in luck! The online dating era and its "no promises" attitude have moved us into a trend of only meeting up for drinks instead of full-on dinner. So if you're still hesitant about sitting through two whole hours of watching someone chew and swallow, then opt for the liquid-only route -- but make sure to schedule it at a non-mealtime! Otherwise, your date may decide to upgrade to a full evening based on his or her appetite, and you may be stuck along for the ride (and possibly expected to pick up the bill, since all bets are off these days).