Thinking about what you want to do on a first date can be challenging, but it can also be a lot of fun to plan. The first thing to remember is not to panic. Take the pressure off. Everyone gets nervous on a first date, so relax and enjoy it. To calm your nerves, even more, check out our Best Dating Tips for Your First Date (and what not to do!)
Ideas on what to do on a first date
First dates are exciting and scary for many people. Generally, we’re talking about a person you don’t know well. In fact, you may have barely met them. This means that you don’t necessarily know what kinds of things she likes to do. That’s okay! There are a variety of things that almost everyone will enjoy doing on a fun first date. Check out these best dating tips before you go on a first date.
Go out to dinner. If you really don’t know what to do, going out to dinner is an easy way to get to know each other in a neutral place. Choose a well-lit restaurant that you’ve visited before. It’s also a good idea to stay away from ethnic foods that your date might not enjoy. Save those types of options for a second or third date.
Go for a walk. Another great way to get to know someone is to walk around a public place, such as a pier, a park, or a local tourist attraction, such as a lake. This usually won’t cost you anything and will allow you to talk and find out what you have in common.
Have coffee. Coffee shop dates are another cheap, but fun thing to do when you’re still trying to get to know someone. If you choose to go to the coffee shop early with your date, this can always turn into something else later, like dinner or a movie.
Go to a local festival. Local events are often relatively inexpensive and provide an opportunity for you and your date to do something active. Take a walk, eat some candyfloss, and learn about each other.
What not to do
When it comes to figuring out what to do on a first date, it helps to know what not to do. While every date and every couple will be different, there are some things that many people agree are not good first date material.
Movies: while watching a popular movie can work if it’s just a part of the date, accompanied by dinner or coffee, it’s not a good idea for your first date to be just that and nothing else. This is because there really isn’t much opportunity to talk or get to know each other during a movie.
Cooking dinner for your date: While a romantic dinner is considered a plus on subsequent dates and in romantic relationships in general, cooking on a first date is not only daunting, but can also be disastrous. Cooking for a new person can be stressful and that’s not the kind of energy you want to bring to a first date. Similarly, it can be dangerous to invite someone new into your home so soon.
Expensive or elaborate dates: While it’s understandable that you want to impress your date, it’s generally not a good idea to plan something expensive or elaborate. The date may not work out and then you would simply run out of money. Also, the expense may make your date feel uncomfortable or give her the wrong impression of you.
Hopefully, these best dating tips will give you a head start when it comes to having a successful first date. Deep breathes, relax, and have fun!