How to Get Your Girlfriend to Do Stuff With You

Do things together you'll both enjoy.

Not every date with your girlfriend has to be about snuggling while watching chick flicks, or going shopping together. If you both want each other to be happy there will be a need for each of you to give and take. Getting your girlfriend to agree to do a few of the things you like on a regular basis doesn't have to be a difficult feat; consider both your interests and plan to show her a good time no matter what you do.

Instructions

1. Find common interests. Now's a great time to find out activities you have in common. Start slow in your attempts to get her to do things with you. Don't expect her to jump all the way immediately to go skydiving or skeet shooting with you if the boldest thing she's done is walk her dog without a leash. Plan to do simple things like going to a cigar bar or to a shooting range.

2. Brainstorm to do something new together. Think up a few ideas for something neither of you have done before. Maybe you've been wishing to go indoor rock climbing and she's not quite terrified of doing that. Try doing something like music, art or sports that neither of you have done before.

3. Give her options. When you've settled on things to do, plan for alternatives for what you do in case she's completely turned off by the idea. Go for a walk on the boardwalk when a day of arcade games doesn't pan out. Tentatively reserve a hotel room in case the weekend camping trip doesn't go exactly as you planned.

4. Take it slow. Whatever you plan on doing, don't rush her into doing something she's not used to. Be very clear on the details of what you'll be doing such as telling her, for example, that the hiking trip will have no running water and you'll have to hike 10 miles. Don't upset her or your relationship by rushing and expecting her to want to do a boatload of things all at once.

5. Have fun. No matter what you do and how she reacts, focus on the fun you both can have together. Don't allow the activities to create stress in your relationship; the point of exploring new activities is to bridge your relationship closer.

References

• Psychology Today; "Compromise: Is there an Alternative?"; Allison Bond Shapiro; December 2010

Resources

• Active Outdoors: Fun Outdoor Things to do with Your Boyfriend or Girlfriend