Sure, first dates put a lot of pressure on us, but does it have to be this way? Before going out together, ask your date about their preferences and favorite places. This will give you a general idea of the activities you could enjoy together. But if you’re looking for good first date ideas that would work in most cases, you’ve come to the right place.
Go to an arcade together
Shake off all the nervousness by doing something playful together. Go to an arcade or choose something similar, such as bowling together. Arcade date is an interesting way to get to know someone, as you see them letting their inner child out. Feel free to laugh sincerely, joke and tease each other kindly, and share your childhood memories. Even if in the end this person won’t be the one for you, you’ll still have a good time!
Fun first date ideas like this one make it easier to open up in front of someone you’ve met recently. Awkwardness fades when you’re jumping together in a silly little game or winning prizes! Many relationship experts advise engaging in playful activities as a couple. In the book Eight Dates, the authors state that laughter and play help couples create a deeper bond. Read other key ideas of this guide on strengthening relationships in our summary.
Walk shelter dogs
…or cats, or bunnies, or find some other animals in your area that need help! Sure, for this date to work out, both you and your date should like animals. But you don’t have to be an expert at handling them, especially if it’s just a walk. You’ll be doing a good deed together while simultaneously getting to know each other — it’s a win-win!
Date at animal shelter can prompt conversation about childhood pets or volunteering for other causes. You’ll get the opportunity to see whether your potential partner is compassionate and kind-hearted, and whether your values match. It’s best to identify your compatibility early on in a relationship. Bonus point: if the conversation goes into an awkward pause, you can switch your attention to the cute dog you’re walking.
Start with sharing a drink
A dinner and a movie plan is commonly considered one of the best first date ideas. Yet, is it the best way to get to know someone? Consider the alternative: just go grab drinks together. This way, you won’t have to sit through a dinner or a movie if there’s no connection between the two of you. And if drinks go well and you’ll feel like spending more time together, adjust your plans then.
This date type is casual enough, but also offers you a chance to communicate. Choose a cozy cafe or a quiet cocktail bar. Most importantly, pay attention to what your date is saying. As psychiatrist Mark Goulston recommends in Just Listen, you should demonstrate your curiosity. When you’ve received an answer, don’t change the topic and go deeper. Find some more communication insights in our summary of the book.
Visit an art museum or gallery
When was the last time you visited a gallery or a museum? If it’s been a while, you have a reason to ask someone out on a classy museum date night! Even for avid gallery/museum visitors, there is always something new you can find. Museums don’t have to mean something complicated or boring; you can visit something fun and quirky, too.
This is a good idea for two reasons. Firstly, even if the date is not as enjoyable as you’ve expected, at the end of the day, you’ll still have visited a new, interesting place. So your night out won’t be a complete waste of time. Secondly and more importantly, conversations about art pieces or history can spark up exciting discussions. What a person thinks about a painting or a historical figure can tell you a lot about them. Don’t hesitate to ask deep, open-ended questions and give equally deep answers.
Book or record store date
Depending on your and your date’s preferences, you can choose to meet at a bookstore or hit a record store together. Who knows, if the chemistry is right, you might even combine both things in one date! This is a stress-free, casual date idea that can also help you build a connection. After all, the books or music we choose can reflect our inner energy.
Show your date your favorite book genres, and explain why you like specific titles. Ask questions about your date’s likes and dislikes. Same goes for a record store date, learn about your date’s taste in music, and share yours. Perhaps, you could listen to something together? If the date is going great, suggest buying each other a book you’d like the other person to read. Then set up the next date to discuss the books you’ve read!
There are many more ways you could have a good time on a first date. Whatever venue or activity you choose makes a difference, but it’s not the main thing. One could plan a seemingly perfect date with fun and creative activities and still have a mediocre evening. Don’t forget that it’s all about the right mood and mindset!
So what tips should you keep in mind? Most importantly, be yourself, even if it sounds cliché. This will always be true: you can’t build a healthy relationship without being honest about who you are. Also, remember that not everyone you meet is meant to be your soulmate. Perhaps, this date will grow into a good friendship or a professional collaboration — be open to all the possibilities!
Photo credits:
- Photo by Jarin Dominguez on Unsplash
- Photo by Joshua De Guia on Unsplash
- Photo by Jeppe Mønster on Unsplash
- Photo by Tadeusz Zachwieja on Unsplash
