Got a hot date, but no idea where to take him or her?
Deciding the location or activity for a first date can seem as daunting as the act of approaching someone to ask for one. But don’t panic! Read through the following suggestions of where to go and what to do (or where to not go and what to not do), and your afternoon or night out will be a sure success.
Be Afraid Of The Dark
Shame on whoever started the myth that a movie makes a good first date. Sitting in the dark for two hours with a stranger whom you’re unable to talk to could only be made more awkward by inviting your parents to come along. (And that’s not a suggestion). During a first meeting, daters need to be somewhere that they can actually converse and get to know one another. Save the movies for a fourth or fifth date, once you’ve begun to feel comfortable sharing longer periods of silence with your partner.
Dine Another Time
Dinner is great for getting to know someone, but it often puts too much pressure on individuals in a first date situation. Expensive, romantic dinners in particular can get especially awkward, and set the bar too high to start with (do you really want her expecting dinner at Morton’s Steakhouse every night?). In a pinch, you might be able to get by with a casual meal (it’s certainly not as bad as the movies), but dinner is really best for a second or third date.
Get Active?
Bowling, ice skating, or attending a carnival can all be great activities to enjoy with a romantic partner, and might even help break the ice (especially so for ice skating…heyyyooooo!). But if you don’t know your date very well, you run the risk of that person not being into the activity. There’s nothing like taking a cute girl to the circus, only to discover that her uncle was murdered by a clown. I would also recommend saving more involved activities (e.g. skydiving, swimming with sharks) for later dates, once you’re more certain of your partner’s likes and dislikes.
Grab A Drink
If you’re over 21, a bar is a perfect place for a first date. This nighttime setting sets a fun and low-pressure – but sexy – vibe. Plus, the fact that it doesn’t require much bankroll means it will be easy to top on a second date. In the event that you’re not of drinking age, meeting up for coffee or snacks during the day is a nice alternative. Beverage-fueled dates are all about having a brief encounter with another person (two or three hours, maximum) that will allow you to leave feeling excited about seeing them again.
Take A Stroll
If you’re super strapped for cash, a nice little walk on a lovely day or night can be great. Buy her flowers, window shop, and collaboratively people watch. A quick, low-pressure date like this will allow you to figure out if you guys have enough chemistry to spend more time with one another.
Get Out Of The House
If you do decide to go the low-budget route, do NOT simply invite a guy or lady over for your first date. If your date accepts an invitation for a nightcap at your place at the end of the night, congrats on an impression well-made. (Just remember that hanky panky on a first date has its own consequences). But be sure to start your date on neutral territory in order to get to know one another without any distractions or the possibility that you’ll come off looking like a creep. And if you try to pull this off while living at home with your parents, well…good luck on ever getting a date in that town again.
