Dating: While often times a dreadful experience filled with mind-games, cyber-stalking and bad dates, dating can (from time to time) be worth the hassle. With a fun partner and the right night planned out, a bad date night can be changed into a good date with only a few adjustments. Here are a list of date-night alternatives that are a little more fun!
Good:
Do something active
Let me rephrase that.. find a competitive activity that is not too active. [Generally, if a girl took the time to get all fancy and ready for a nice date, she is not going to want to get all hot and sweaty within the first five minutes.]
Instead of the same old dinner and a movie routine, try something new to show your date your playful side.
Stick to activities like putt putt, bowling, or even arcade games at Dave & Busters. With his competitive side and her love for winning, this would be the perfect date to flirt, laugh and even be a little touchy-feely.
Bad
Doing something too active
Chances are you will be able to tell upon first impression of your future date if your partner would be up for a game of one on one on the basketball court. Unless you are already in a close relationship with this person, save the bike trails and batting cages for Hollywood (we all know it doesn’t really happen like that).
Good
Think outside the box
Go to the local county fair, visit an aquarium for the day, or take a cooking class with your partner. Doing something a little more out of the ordinary will tell your partner that you are adventurous and really planned ahead for the date. Pigging out on junk food, playing with animals or getting your hands dirty will let your personalities shine through on your date, even if your nerves are getting the best of you at first.
Bad
Too much too soon
Taking an intense hiking adventure, spending your day screaming in terror at an amusement park or making her bare-all at a water park are dates that are meant for later in the relationship. You want to learn about your partner’s likes and dislikes before you pay $30 to get in an amusement park and find out that they are terrified of roller coasters.
Good
Go for drinks and music
Whether it is a classy jazz bar or an 80’s cover band at a local sports bar, going to see live music while enjoying a couple of drinks is a relaxing yet fun way to get to know someone.
Live bands generally have diverse music so it will be a fun change of pace, and they also take breaks every couple songs so you will still have plenty of time to talk to one another. Having alcohol there to loosen you up will also help those first date jitters.
Bad
Going to a rock concert
The key is to avoid any situation that will not allow you and your date alone time. [You generally go on a date to get to know someone.]
Something like a rock concert will force you to only pay attention to the band and will not allow you to enjoy the company of your date.
The key to a perfect date is simply having fun! The conversation, the partner and the atmosphere all come together to make the experience something new and exciting.
If all of these ideas are too busy for your style, stick to the oldie but goodies! Put a twist on an old favorite; instead of doing the classic dinner and a movie, find a drive in and bring snacks to share. Switching up old date ideas will keep your partner enticed.
Let me know what your ideal date would be like! Or share a horror story of a date gone wrong!
Kirsten Hamilton 