If I imagine me and my partner doing an escape room I know I'd take charge and read the initial prompt out loud to try to get us both started. Then I'd immediately start brainstorming out loud on solutions. And I'd hope my partner would "yes and" me and match my energy. But they wouldn't. They'd just follow my lead, so I'd end up solving the puzzles close to solo. And it isn't necessarily great for either of us, because they'd feel left behind with how fast I charge ahead, and I'd feel alone in my enthusiasm and skill. And that just... It matches up with nearly every relationship I've had so far. I just want someone to bounce ideas with. Someone who will take charge with me. An equal. But I always end up in a leader/follower dynamic. And I really gotta reflect on whether I need to slow down or have being at the same level as a must have in a partner, or just continue leading in what I wished was a level playing field.
as a former escape room host i highly recommend doing an escape room as a first date. its a great way to learn how ppl react under pressure and how well they collaborate with you right off the bat. also more than once ive seen people enter an escape room as a couple and exit broken up LOL its a fantastic litmus test