oh I've met up for dinner after an email back and forth just for random conversation and go from there (it helps I live next to a nice busy area full of restaurants with outdoor seating- in nice weather it is enjoyable alone or with pretty much any company). I've also been a date for the opera for an older guy who just wanted a date for the evening- it was great fun to have a fancy dinner and the opera and pleasant conversation with a total stranger with lots of great stories to tell. I've also exchanged a few emails back and forth first and met for coffee (and ended up moving to a bar and talking all night). I'd try to meet up for coffee or a drink or something, or a casual dinner, not make a big deal out of it. I'd say the most awkward moments are in your own mind before you meet (at least for me, a totally shy introvert); I'd just go in with some topics/casual questions based on your emails/calls to start a casual conversation- hopefully it flows from there. (you wouldn't happen to be in the dc area? I'd totally meet up for random dinner if you are...
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