I had a first date last night (6/23). It went very well. Our next date is this coming Saturday, June 30th.
Now, here’s the thing: her birthday is Independence Day, July 4th. What should I do?
Obviously I can’t do nothing. I must acknowledge it in some way. On the other hand, we’ll only be two or three dates in by then, so I don’t want to do too much either. I see strong potential in this one, so I don’t want to screw it up.
Advice?
Buy her some fireworks. Nothing says “I think you’re special” like an box full of M-80s.
Take her out to see the fireworks and tell her you arranged it all on short notice just for her birthday.
Depends on what you think of her by then. We don’t know how well you know her, or how well you want to know her, or in what way, so it’s rather difficult to say.
Supposing, if it were me, that I liked her but didn’t know her too well, and that it was only the third date, I would either ask her out to dinner and to see the fireworks.
If you wanted to show more interest in her, sending flowers would be a nice touch and shouldn’t be overboard unless you blow a hundred bucks and send it to her at work. That might be over the line.
At the absolute least give her a call to wish her a great day.
Of course, if you get her into bed the night before, you can tell her that first thing in the morning. 
I love getting flowers. Getting flowers, on my birthday, at work is even better.
A Girl secret here - we love to get flowers at work because then we can sit and gaze at them on and off all day, and experience that little shiver we get when thinking about the really thoughtful/cute/sexy guy that sent them to us.
And if we’re so inclined, make the bitch in the office next door jealous :rolleyes:
I’m thinkin’ flowers. Don’t overdo it, but don’t go cheap-o, either. Red roses are OUT. Maybe alstromeria, or stargazer lilies, or try to subtly squeeze out of her what she likes. Wildflowers are always nice for a first time. They don’t have such particular meaning as roses, and they’re just simply beautiful.
I like ** Ginger **'s flower idea. Her birthday has always been a holiday, so make it a BIRTHDAY—red/white/blue NOTHING. Maybe movie/concert tickets so she can take you on your next date—wrapped in birthday paper.
Flowers at work are too much fun!! I love them!!
This is Perfect Picnic Opportunity™!
Think of the possibilities! You arrive early at the fireworks location and get up close to the launch point so that the aerials are detonating directly overhead. Did I mention that you two will be lying down together on a handy-dandy blanket that you had to bring for the picnic? A bottle of well chilled champagne and some cardboard cups (no styrofoam allowed) will help.
Here is a picnic menu for you:
A few nice sodas or fruit juices to drink with the food
[sup]TRY TO FIND SOME NICE GLASS BOTTLED SOFT DRINKS[/SUP]
Crackers with pepper or sesame seeds
Triple cream Brie
Sliced Italian dry salami
Marinated artichoke hearts
Marinated mushrooms
Cold fried chicken
Potato salad
Fresh strawberries
Chocolate truffles
Chilled Champagne
Cloth napkins
Utensils
Extra blanket (if it gets cold)
Send her flowers at work the on the 5[sup]th[/sup], to let her know how much you enjoyed her company.
At least get her a single rose.
Thanks for all the replies! I don’t know if I’ll even see her on her birthday. I already have plans and I assume she does too. That’s what makes deciding what to do in this case so difficult.
Very good advice about separating the birthday from the holiday, Cyn. I once had a girlfriend whose birthday was December 25th, so I’ve already learned that lesson.
And for those who suggested sending flowers to her workplace: she’s a part-time midwife at a hospital, so it’s not like she’d have a desk to put them on. Besides, I’m worried that might be too strong of a statement at this point.
I think I’m going to just get her a present and give it to her the last time I see her before the 4th. Suggestions?
Well, just ask her what her plans are for her birthday. That line usually works for me.
As for a present, simply say you’d like to take her out to lunch or dinner on her birthday.
BTW, you didn’t say how old she is, so I can’t custom tailor these ideas.
Just to follow up: we went out again the Saturday before Independence Day. It was a brunch date, we both had a great time (I thought), and when we parted I asked, “will I see you again before your birthday?” She wouldn’t commit to anything but said she’d call.
She didn’t. The 4th came and went. The following Saturday (last Saturday) I sent a nonchalant email which was ignored. So today I sent her a WTF email, kindly worded, and got the following response. I may not have mentioned that she’s in grad school:
Believe her? Well, of course I believe her. Doubt would just make me feel worse.
Thanks for all the suggestions anyway, folks. If I ever have another date, I’ll keep them in mind.
Don’t sweat it, Fiver. This is just God’s way of saying that you are still available for Elisabeth Filarski, once she gets that pea-brained idea of marrying a future NFL quarterback out of her deluded mind. You’re in, Fiver. You are SO in.
I’d believe her. I know a bunch of career oriented gals that would do the same thing. Offer to help her out if you can. It’ll keep you in her life and, by corollary, let you see her more. Of course you run the risk of being banished to the friend zone for all eternity. OTOH, there’s nothing like those late night study sessions turned make out sessions. She’s gotta relax somehow, right? 
My advice? Move on, Fiver. Don’t waste anymore time with this one.