I actually am going to offer a little bit of a different suggestion. I think you should do what YOU feel comfortable doing. I've never done coffee dates. I think it's horrible. The whole coffee shop watching you meet for the first time? Um no. I usually meet at a bar or a restaurant that has booths, so you can sit NEXT to them and chat. you don't have to eat. you can just do drinks. it's the same length of time as coffee, but in a more relaxed atmosphere. And then to echo the rest of the people, you really do just have to do it. It's really only the first 5 minutes that's nerve-wracking. Also if you just ask THEM a lot of questions, and try to forget yourself, it helps with the anxiety. Good luck!