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A first date is supposed to be a time of firsts. It is the first time you get to know someone, and it is the first impression that will decide if they are worth giving another chance or not. Here are my top 10 first date ideas for those of you who may need some inspiration on what to do on your next first date.
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1. Dinner at a Restaurant
Going out for dinner at a restaurant is a great way to get to know someone, and you can talk about pretty much anything. Just make sure it is not too formal. Steak dinners in fancy restaurants are great for first dates because they show that you take your date seriously – but don’t go overboard with the dress code (unless you plan to take them somewhere very lovely).
The dinner should be focused on conversation first and foremost, not the food. Don’t break your budget to impress them. Choose a place that you can afford. Don’t set up a high-end impression when you are struggling to get by. Go for a nice simple place until you can afford the fancy settings.
2. Drinks at a Bar
A Casual Drinks Date is a great first date idea for those that are more casual – it is also perfect if you don’t know where they stand yet. You can meet at your local pub or go to one of their suggestions (make sure it isn’t too loud). This first date idea is a great first date because you can learn a lot about each other during the first hour, but it’s casual enough that there isn’t any commitment if things don’t work out.
You can easily decide to let things slide and move on. It would be best if you didn’t drink too heavily on this first encounter since this can be a turn-off for your date. If you can’t handle alcohol, then this isn’t the place for your first date.
3. Coffee Date
A coffee date is suitable for those who have just started talking to someone – maybe they are relatively new friends or perhaps you are getting to know them first. Make sure to meet in a public place and keep it short – you don’t want your first date turning into an all-day event! This first-date idea is perfect because there isn’t any pressure or expectations but still allows for conversation and debate if things go well.
4. The Beach
Take your first date to the beach. If it is sunny, even better – if not, maybe grab some coffee first and then go. The first date idea of going to the beach will benefit everyone because you get to enjoy each other’s company in a beautiful setting. You don’t have to go swimming but sit and take in the cool breeze from the ocean.
The setting is also perfect if you are both strangers since there will be many people around you. You will also want sunscreen (trust me), so don’t forget.
5. Museum/Art Gallery
A visit to the museum/ art gallery is another great date idea if you don’t know your first date too well yet. You can learn a lot about someone by what they say and do when looking at art – it is also relatively unique. Since you are not sure how this first date idea will end up being open about it from the word go.
Women appreciate the effort and understand how hard it can be for a guy to decide the best place for a first date. She may not be into art, and that is okay. Bear in mind that the critical part of a first date is for the two of you to get to know each other better. If things go great, maybe suggest dinner or coffee afterward.
6. Movie Night at Your House
This first date works well if you have known each other for a while and decided to start dating. You can get to know your date better through conversation while snuggling up on your couch watching a movie. This first date idea is perfect because you don’t have the pressure of going out in public.
It would be best if you both decide on the movie that you are going to watch. This will ensure that it is something that you will both enjoy and have a great time with.
7. A Walk in Nature
This first date might not be for everyone, but I think it’s great if you are trying to get to know them a bit better before escalating things further. A walk in nature is great because you can talk about pretty much anything, and there isn’t any pressure either way if it doesn’t go well.
This is also a good time for you to take a pause from the hassles of life and enjoy nature. You could be doing it with a potential “the one.” If this first date idea goes well, maybe suggest dinner or coffee afterward for some more one-on-one time.
8. Cook Together
Cooking together is a fantastic first-date idea since it creates a comfortable environment for the two of you to be at ease with each other. You don’t have to go overboard, and sure, both of you will want to impress each other with your excellent culinary skills, which is allowed, by the way. It will also give both of you an insight into how you can work together as a team if things go well as a couple.
However, it is essential to suggest the idea beforehand to see if your partner will be comfortable. If they are not, then don’t put too much thought into it; give them time until they are ready to be with you at your home.
9. Game Arcade
Sometimes it is a good idea to break out of the formalities and seriousness of life and choose to unwind in activities that make you all giggly and relaxed, like playing games. You can hit the game arcade together and try out different games. The best thing about this idea is that you can team up against other opponents. This will help you get comfortable and be at ease with one another.
10. Picnic
You can have a picnic together on a first date. Both of you can bring along different snacks and items to eat together during the picnic. The vital aspect of this date is choosing the picnic point. You can share other ideas of places where you can hold your picnic and settle for one convenient for the two of you.
This is one first-date idea that needs the two of you to be in constant communication to pack all the items you will need for the date, especially if you are both carrying items differently and meeting at the destination.
Bottom line
Don’t pick first date ideas that are too personal (i.e., picking the girl up at her house). When you go on a first date, it is essential to make sure your first impression is good – no one wants to meet someone who comes off as creepy or desperate right away! So don’t do something like asking them out in the first email or text – leave it for that first in-person date.
