Avoid the Pitfalls of First Dating

#Lifestyle

First dates should be fun, but too often they are awful experiences.  Be honest, no one really likes dating, especially not in the beginning stages.  You’ve just met someone and are just hoping they aren’t total losers when you go on the first date.  It’s a total crapshoot.  This is enough to make the best of us nervous.  But instead of being nervous and worrying too much about making a good impression, concentrate on getting to know each other and enjoying yourself.

Here are 10 great first date ideas, from the classic to the quirky, so you can pick one that is right for you.  If you’re not a fan of planning the date but feel your date needs some guidelines, throw out some ideas and allow them to pick.  That way, you make sure you don’t end up in a movie theatre where it’s dark and no way out for two whole hours, and you still get to gauge their personality by seeing which of your options they chose.

Wine tasting – Going wine tasting gives you a legitimate reason to have a few drinks to help your first date nerves. Learning something new together is a great way to bond and build on any common interests. If you fancy something non-alcoholic, try your hand at a cooking or dancing or class instead.

Breakfast – Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so make the most of it! Having a breakfast date is a casual way to meet, means your conversation isn’t shrouded by alcohol and is a fun way to start the day. Also, you both have a great excuse to leave if the chemistry isn’t there!

Bowling – Bowling is great way to check out just how competitive he or she is! Whether you are any good at it or not, it is a laid back activity that gives you a chance to have a laugh together and relax. It’s great for a bit of flirting and he can use his manly skills to show you just how it’s done.

Bike ride – Free, fun activities are great in the credit crunch and enjoying the outdoors is one of the best. Unlike going for a long walk, a bike ride means you don’t have the pressure of having to find constant conversation. Take a picnic and stop for some nice leisurely breaks together.

Go for dessert – When money is tight there should always still be room for dessert, so why not make it the highlight of the night. It is a bit more fun and quirky than going for dinner, it makes a cheap night out, and there is less pressure to find enough conversation to fill three courses.

The Zoo – Everybody loves animals, don’t they?! Zoos evoke memories of being a child and having simple, unadulterated fun – great for a first date. It is a good choice as there is so much to see and talk about and you are bound to have a few amusing encounters to tell the grandkids about.

Comedy – Most women cite a sense of humor as one of the sexiest qualities in a man and what better way to test it than at a comedy night. It will help get you talking, create a fun atmosphere and take the pressure off the conversation. Just make sure you don’t sit in the front row!

Theme park/fair – Harness your sense of adventure and get ready for some roller coaster rides. Doing something scary gives you a chance to show that you are fun to be with. And he can always win you a cuddly toy as a souvenir of your date as well.

Skating – It’s okay if you may not be up there with the experts, but skating is a fun way to break the ice – although hopefully not literally. In winter, some outdoor rinks can be very romantic and there’s always the need to cozy up with each other to get warm afterwards over hot chocolate.

Eat & Play Combo – Dave & Busters and Jillians are great places to have a relaxing dinner and games afterwards. Like bowling it’s great to have that competition, only if it doesn’t turn into attitudes and arguments. But, it’s a great way to have no stress and pressure while having fun and making each other laugh.

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