How to Plan a Fun First Date

First dates are a lot like first impressions. You want to make it a good experience because it'll likely be the strongest memory a person has of you, if you continue to see each other.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• creativity

1. Figure out how much money you'd like to spend on a date. This may limit your options, but there's plenty of fun things to do without spending a fortune.

2. Find out your date's interests. They may have a suggestion. Or suggest an activity of your own.

3. Try to be creative. Dinner and a movie is the stereotypical standard, but try to break out of that mold. Movies don't allow you to talk with someone or get to know them very well since you have to sit and be quiet in the dark for a few hours.

4. Pick an activity that will allow you and your date to loosen up. Physical activities are usually a good idea for this such as dancing, bowling, hiking, miniature golf, horseback riding (not recommended as a first date for beginners) or ice skating. Adding a bit of friendly competition will usually allow people to loosen up and laugh, but don't be super competitive on the first date; it may be a turn off.
   
   Be sure not to pick an activity that you don't like though. Putting yourself in a bad mood isn't a good way to make a good first impression.

5. Dress appropriately for the activity you choose. You want to look nice to make a good impression, but don't overdress or wear clothes that will inhibit you if you choose a physical activity date such as dancing.

6. Invite friends along and make it a group date, if you and your date share some of the same friends. It may ease the first date jitters to be around familiar people. If your date is not familiar with your friends however, it's probably best to introduce them at a later time if you continue to see each other.

7. Stay in-tune with your date's body language and reactions. They may not say anything if they're not having a good time because they'd like to be polite. If your date looks bored or upset, ask if they'd like to leave or do something else. Your thoughtfulness will probably be noticed and appreciated.

Tips & Warnings

• Be yourself. It's the only way you and your date will know if you're actually compatible.
• Show up on time if you're picking your date up or meeting somewhere, and be ready on time if your date is supposed to pick you up.
• Don't overdo the alcohol. Having a drink or two may help to relax you, but it's best not to leave your date with the memory of you being drunk.
• Don't promise your date that you will call them again sometime if you do not intend to do so. Just say that you had an enjoyable evening and that it was nice to meet them.

[sdguy]

on 10/29/2009 I don't agree about inviting friends along on a first date, but good advice about the dinner and a movie - that should never be a first date.

Some great first date ideas at http://www.hotdateideas.com/first-date-ideas

[Suzie88]

on 4/14/2008 I would have to say dressing for the occasion is one of the keys. Being under or over dressed is never fun:)

-SLB

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