I am a 27-year-old male residing in State College, Pennsylvania, in the United States. I am originally from Haiti and have lived in the United States for 12 years and I am writing because I recently asked a friend of mine on a date for Valentine's Day. Although I have known her for nearly one year, I found it a little challenging to ask her on a date because I had never asked a girl out on a date before.
Dating is not common in Haitian culture and I have learned that going out on a date with someone does not imply any romantic interest from either party involved. My question is how do I not let my romantic interest interfere with the way I interact with my friend on our date this coming Valentine's Day and still behave in a way that allows both of us to have a good time?