Hey Jester! Just wanted to clarify- what I meant by that is that when you go out on a date with someone, it's easy to put a lot of pressure on yourself and the experience. I know people that immediately start talking and evaluating whether or not their date may be "The One", and thinking very long term after only 1 or 2 dates. This to me puts way too much pressure on a situation where you really don't know the person at all. What I found really helped me to feel less nervous was to think of it not as a "Date" but as two people getting together for drinks as friends, or enjoying a meal together, not a job interview for a potential future husband. It made me feel much more relaxed to not jump to any conclusions or situations over my head.
I think this attitude could help people out there that are very shy and can't even bring themselves to TALK to someone they're interested in. By considering them as just a potential friend rather than future partner, it's more natural and less performance anxiety.
I would agree with you that it's important to not keep with this attitude for too long, as to avoid the Friendzone. It's more of a temporary viewpoint to take to help break the initial ice/get to know each other a little better.