I have my first date next week—what’s the usual flow?

It’s columnist Saito♪ Why not be honest with her and talk it over during dinner? If you try too hard at the beginning, it’ll only become more difficult to keep up as things continue. And you probably wouldn’t want to make things especially generous at first, only to downgrade them next time. If you’re hoping to continue seeing her for a long time, I think you should honestly tell her how you feel and then decide what to do based on her reaction. The harder something is to bring up, the more valuable the experience can be. Good luck next weekend. I’m rooting for you.