The New York Times, mimicking an earlier project by BBC Radio, recently presented its readers with “A History of New York in 50 Objects.” In keeping with the apparent journalistic gimmick du jour, we present to you our own take on the visual history: behold the perfect first date — in 40 objects (and a couple gestures, if we’re getting technical).

1. A Telephone Number, in Transcription

 

2. A Fist, Pumped

Related: The Ultimate First Date Guide

3. A Text Message, Short and Sweet and Dripping in Wit

4. The Best Smile You Can Remember Seeing …

5. … and Some of These

6. An Excessive Number of Reviews Written by Complete Strangers but Regarded as Gospel

Related: Be A Better Dater: Why Having a Plan Is So, So Important

7. Date In Calendar — It’s Official

8. Her Favorite Shoes

9. His Favorite Shirt

Related: 5 Common First Date Fears You Really Don’t Need To Worry About

9. And a Pump of This

10. A Secret Rendezvous

11. A Table for Two

12. A Watch, Glanced at Repeatedly

Related: The 22 Stages of Waiting for a Very Late Date

13. A Full Glass …

14. … and Empty One(s)

15. That Awkward Do-We-Hug-or-Not Thing When She Finally Arrives

Related: 7 Things Men Notice Immediately About Women

16. A Laugh, Probably Inspired by Mutual Disdain for Something

17, 18. An Unopened Menu, an Impatient Waiter

19. A Bottle of Wine

20. Or Two Good Pints

Related: What Your Drink Says About You On A Date

21. Whatever You’re Into …

22. A Shared App

23. That Unruly Strand of Hair (That I Know You Know Is There)

24. An Exchange of Forks

25. A Wayward Foot

Related: The Art of the Touch: 5 Ways to Show Interest Without Being Creepy

26. Check, Please

27. One Card

28. Or Two, Depending on What She’s Into

29. Breath Mints. One for Now …

30. … and Some Discreetly Pocketed Ones for Later

31. Somewhere to Put Your Hand

32. A Place Down the Street

33. Instruments

34. An Impromptu Dancefloor

35. More Empty Glasses

Related: Why You Shouldn’t Let A Great First Date Last Longer Than 3 Hours

36. That Room Where You Pee/Send an Enthusiastic Text Message to a Friend

37. Excessive Exclamation Points!!!

38. The Backseat

39. Well, Half of It at Least …

Related: 5 Surefire Signs You Should Go In For The Kiss

40. A Notice to the World:

Filed Under: