Ideas For The First Date

If your online dating goes well, then there is going to be a time when you want to meet up with someone face to face. Arranging the first date with someone you have gotten to know on a dating site can actually cause a great deal of anxiety and some people feel a lot of pressure to get it right. It is only natural that you want a first date to go well, particularly if you really like the other person, but you really do not need to agonize about what to do. If you follow the advice we have provided below and put a bit of thought into things then you will be just fine. We’ve also listed a few of the most popular suggestions for first dates.

Make Some Effort

First and foremost, you really should make some effort when arranging the first date, as a lack of effort can easily be perceived as a lack of interest. If the person you are meeting doesn’t feel like you’ve put any thought into things then the date is unlikely to get off to a great start. This doesn’t mean that you have to spend hours and hours planning a date, but there are a few things you should take into consideration. For one thing, there is no harm in asking your date if there is anything in particular they would like to do – or like to avoid doing. They might be a strict teetotaler, for example and not feel very comfortable in bars. Or they might love the outdoors and really want to do something outside.

You should also think about where your date lives and how easy it will be for them to get to the date. If they have told you that they don’t drive, then make sure that you choose a location that is relatively close to them or has good public transport links. The important thing is really to just bear in mind everything that you already know about the person you are meeting, and be as thoughtful as possible in what you arrange. A bit of consideration can go a long way and can greatly improve the chances of a date going well.

Keep It Simple

Although it is important to put some effort into arranging the first date, it is just as important not to go overboard. You might feel like you want to try and impress someone by organizing something really extravagant, but that can all too easily backfire. There is nothing wrong with being a little bit creative if you feel it is appropriate but, generally speaking, a simple first date is usually best.

There is enough pressure for a first date anyway so it’s not a good idea to create any more by trying to do something amazing. Remember that the whole point of first date is to get to know each other better, so just focus on that rather trying to make some grand statement.

Popular Suggestions

If you can come up with your own unique idea about a first date that is appropriate and likely to go down well with the other person then don’t be afraid to suggest it. However, there is absolutely nothing wrong with sticking to something tried and tested either. If you are struggling for inspiration, then you might find the following list of popular first date ideas useful.

Go for Dinner or a Drink

Meeting up for a few drinks or having a meal together, or a combination of the two, is very common. They might seem like boring suggestions but the fact is that they work. A comfortable and relaxed environment with plenty of opportunity to talk is an ideal way to get to know someone better.

Watch a Movie

This is also a common first date, and can be a good way to meet each other without any pressure to make lots of small talk. It’s a good idea to combine it with at least a quick drink before or afterwards though, so you will have some time to chat.

Visit a Tourist Attraction

If there are any interesting tourist attractions, of any kind, local to you, then these can be great venues for a first date. Depending on exactly what the tourist attraction is, it should give you something to do and/or talk about.

Talk a Walk

This is a very simple first date, but simple can be good. A gentle walk through a local public park, for example, can be very relaxing and provide a great opportunity to talk. It’s also a very flexible date, you can make it a short walk or a long walk depending on how things are going.

Go Bowling or Ice-skating

An activity such as bowling or ice-skating can be great way to meet someone for the first time. The activity provides a good focal point for the date and it is still easy to chat and get to know each other.

Take a Class Together

This is a bit more unusual, but is well worth considering. If you have a local college or something similar where you can take one-off courses in things like cookery, this can be a brilliant way to spend a couple of hours. It can be a good deal of fun and allow for plenty of interaction.

Go Shopping

Obviously if you hate shopping then this probably won’t be right for you, but having a wander around the local shops might appeal to some. It’s a good open-ended date that can be as short as you want, and you’ll have plenty of opportunity to talk. If the date is going well, it is easy to extend it by going for a coffee or something to eat.