First Date Ideas
Before choosing a suitable first date idea there are a few
things you need to think about:- - Make sure you choose a public place for your first date as you and your date are both still strangers to one another and you will both feel much safer and comfortable meeting where there are other people about.
- Remember to reread your date's online profile and messages you have sent to one another. It may help you choose a venue for your date and remind you on their likes and dislikes. Look out for useful information on topics such as eating, if your date is a vegetarian then planning a date to a steak restaurant is not a good idea.
- Make sure your date venue is at a location where you can both arrive and leave independently, easily and safely.
- Choose a venue that you will also like. There is no point in choosing a venue that you know your date will love but you will hate. You could end up not having a good time which is disastrous for a first date and your date will pick up on your attitude. Maybe leave that particular location for a future date.
- Think of the expense. Don't spend all your money impressing your date, be realistic and sensible. If you can't afford a fancy restaurant, then don't go to one; there are plenty of alternatives. For some great low cost date suggestions, see our article about dating on a budget.
- Try to avoid noisy places such as clubs where having a conversation is nearly impossible. However, if you and your date both enjoy going to clubs, then maybe you could go to a club and move on to somewhere else after, or even meet up in a less deafening location beforehand where you will have a chance to get to know one another.
- Action dates are great for interaction between you which helps to create a bond with your date. Activities together will give the impression that you have spent more time with your date than you actually have and make you feel as if you know them more. Action dates can also be more fun and memorable which helps to build a connection between you and your date, both physically and emotionally. Remember to warn your date beforehand, so they can wear suitable clothing to the date.
- Remember that a first date doesn't necessarily have to be in an evening. Day time dates or lunch dates are also great choices.
First Date Ideas
Restaurant
Going to a restaurant is quite a safe option, as long as you know the type
of food your date likes, or there is a variety of food options available on the
menu. You will have a chance to have a conversation in a restaurant and the
opportunity to move on to somewhere else after if desired. It is not advised to
go to an expensive restaurant, which could end up costly which is not good
especially if the date doesn't go as well as you'd hoped.
Coffee shop
Meeting for a coffee is an ideal option for a first date. It is affordable,
classy, and comfortable and has an intimate surround where you can get to know
your date. It is a perfect location to have relaxed interesting conversation
and a memorable first date.
Drink in a bar
It is important you choose carefully about which bar you would like have
your first date in. If you choose a popular bar on a Friday or Saturday night
then it may become very crowded and loud making conversation difficult to
achieve. Also, you risk bumping into people you know, which isn't always what
you want when you are on a first date, plus if you meet friends they may invite
themselves to sit with you. Choosing a cosy bar on a week day will usually be
quieter where conversation will be possible, allowing you to get to know your
date more. This is quite an inexpensive which would also be suitable as a lunch
date.
Cinema
Going to the cinema doesn't allow for much conversation on a first date.
However you do have the option of meeting beforehand for a drink which also
gives you the opportunity to discuss which film you would like to see, which
can be useful especially if you don't know what to talk about. Try to watch a
film that you both agree on as it won't be a good first date if you don't enjoy
the film. Going to the cinema is a good idea particularly if you are shy. You
don't have to talk during the film but it will give you something to talk about
afterwards.
Picnic
Going for a picnic, for example in the park, will give you the opportunity
to have stimulating conversation in a quiet location. It will show that you
have made an effort without over doing things. Try to keep the food simple,
sandwiches and fruit salads are perfect. Sitting on a rug sipping a glass of
wine can be romantic as well as relaxing which will help the conversation to
flow and beautiful surroundings will give you something to discuss.
Zoo
If you both love animals, this is a perfect choice. You can spend as much
time at the zoo as you need, so allow plenty of time. If conversation isn't a
strong point for you, then going to the zoo is ideal as there is always a
distraction about usually in the form of an animal behaving in an amusing way,
again possibly giving you something to discuss.
Mini golf
Mini golf is an excellent action first date idea. It is fun, inexpensive,
and an activity you can enjoy together. It allows for some physical contact,
especially if you have to show your date how to hold the putter.
Bowling
Bowling is also an excellent action first date idea. It is an activity you
can enjoy together and still have the opportunity to have a conversation.
Ice skating
Whether you are an expert at ice skating or not, it is a great first date
choice which is fun and inexpensive. It gives you the perfect opportunity to
hold your date's hand and have a good giggle, either at yourselves or other
people falling over.
Art Gallery or Museum
Going to an art gallery or museum can be an uplifting experience. It will
give you the opportunity to look at interesting objects and will either allow
you and your date to discuss the artistic or historic items, or have a giggle
about what you have seen. Either way, it will be a light-hearted and memorable
date.Whether you choose horse racing, dog racing, or car racing, an afternoon at the races is a good idea for a first date, especially of one of them really interests you. It can help take the tension out of a first date and give you something to discuss as well as being fun to watch. Be careful not to get too carried away watching the races and forget all about your date.
