Most people get into a dating rut and can’t think of good date ideas. Instead, they go to the same places to meet people. Then they take their dates to the same places. With this strategy, they get the same amount of second dates, which isn’t as many as they would hope.
Good Date Ideas That Will Land You a Second Date
The standard, de-facto date is the “dinner and a show/movie.” First off, I’ll tell you why you should never do this date, at least until the 4th date. You don’t know if you like this person yet, and you may be trapped with them for the next two hours at dinner. You are seated across from each other, like in a business meeting, which does not invite closeness, touching and flirting. In fact, it can unintentionally get people into the work or interview mindset, which is never sexy.
If you’re a guy, then you’ll also be dropping anywhere from $50 – $200, depending on where you live and where you go, on someone that you may have zero chemistry with. Then you go to a movie in which you can’t talk, can’t connect and chances are good that at least one person isn’t going to love the movie. Let’s break you out of your mold and inspire you with some good date ideas that will allow you to have fun and connect with your possible partner!
The Activity Date
Socrates said he could learn more from a person in an hour of play than in a lifetime of conversation. Put that to the test! Go do something fun! It could be mini-golf, shooting pool, trapeze lessons (seriously, this is a thing!) or hiking. You’ll be able to learn so much about your date. For instance, you can see how they react to a little competition. Are they cool with losing? Do they need to be in control of everything, or can they let loose? How do they treat the other people that are working there? People relax more when they have a physical thing to concentrate on, and there can be natural pauses from talking that don’t feel uncomfortable.
The Food Date
Okay, okay, you really want to take your date to get some food, all my advice be damned. If you must, don’t go the traditional route, take them to something different. Look for restaurants like Cacao 70 that only serve desserts. Desserts already bring in a level of sensuality and fun. After all, feeding each other a shrimp appetizer somehow doesn’t have the same connotations as feeding someone a gooey scoop of sundae. You can also go to a local ice cream parlor, get some cones to go and walk down the street chatting while you enjoy your delicious treat.
The Learning Date
Why not use your date as an excuse to learn or try something new? There are so many fun and interesting classes, events, lectures and more around your area. That way, even if your date sucks (and I hope it doesn’t!), you can walk away from the evening having grown and bettered yourself as a person. There are easy and fun events like “Paint and Sip” where you bring your own wine to a painting class and enjoy some vino and Van Gogh in the same go! You can also look for local dance classes. It doesn’t have to be boring waltzes or anything. Instead, try Hip-hop, African or Irish dancing to spice it up a bit. If you both enjoy more intellectual pursuits, check out the list of guest lecturers at your local university or community college.
The Free Date
I totally understand that times are tough, and the job market just isn’t what it used to be. Maybe you want to meet someone but are embarrassed that you don’t have enough money to take them out. When I was a starving actor, I met a cute girl but couldn’t even afford a pizza date. Instead, I asked if she wanted to go on a walking tour of our city. We walked up and down the streets, pointing out interesting architecture, cool landscape design and unusual features. While we walked, we chatted, talked and held hands. This was honestly more than 15 years ago, and I still remember it when I have totally forgotten all the “traditional” dates I went on.
Go volunteer at an animal shelter. Nobody has a bad time getting licked by a happy puppy! Go to each other’s churches, if that’s your thing. Go cheer on your local high school sports teams. Get up early and watch the sunrise together. The point is, you don’t need money to date.
The Money to Burn Date
If you’ve got enough money to take her out to a fancy restaurant, why not do something different? Rent a limo and go on a search for the best margarita, pizza slice, or coffee in town. You get to have fun in the limo, and you’ll also have time to chat as you sit next to each other. Then, you can hop all around town having a blast. This plan also ensures that you’re not stuck in one place. That way, you can always look for something else if one of the places isn’t exciting. Another idea would be to go on a hot air balloon/helicopter/boat ride. It’s always fun to see your area from a different perspective, and it adds a little dash of adventure and adrenaline.
With these good date ideas, even a bad date doesn’t have to be the worst thing in the world. Use your imagination, and you’ll be able to begin any relationship in an exciting and memorable way. Doing even one of these ideas with a new partner is sure to set you apart from the rest of the boring dating pool.
Did these suggestions help you decide on some good date ideas? Let me know how they go in the comments below!
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