it's a great idea when the weather cooperates. But it's not possible in some parts of the country because you'll freeze in the winter or die of heat exhaustion in the summer.

When I was dating a few years ago, I did coffee dates. That worked for me because I love a hot beverage so even if the date was a dud, I got a treat I liked. It only cost me a few bucks, or, if he insisted on treating, it was only a few bucks.

I'm pretty blunt, so if I didn't feel any chemistry, after 10 minutes or so, I'd tell him it wasn't going to work and take my drink and leave.

If I lived in a place with decent weather year round, I would have tried meeting in the park as an alternative. I like the idea.