Where to Go For Your First Date - 10 Ideas
by Sharon Jacobse
When you meet a partner on the Internet, coming up with ideas to help you decide where to go for that important first date isn't always easy.
Because you haven't physically met your date before, different considerations are needed than when dating somebody you met in a more conventional manner, the main consideration being your safety.
Most couples opt to meet for their first date in pubs, bars or restaurants but with a little imagination, you could be having a lot more fun.
Here are ten ideas to help set you on your way.
1. Show Your Sporty Side
Do you both enjoy playing tennis or ice-skating? If so, why not pop along to the local skating rink, tennis courts, golf course or whatever happens to suit. If action sports aren't for you, you could always try ten-pin bowling or a game of pool, instead. And if you haven't played a sport before, remember there's a first time for everything.
2. Spectate
If you both appreciate a game of football, why not get tickets for a match? It's said that people are never quite as uninhibited as when they're watching their favorite sport so this option could well show you sides of your date that you wouldn't otherwise have known about.
3. Make Music
Well maybe not make it but whatever your musical preference, be it rock, pop, opera or classical, an indoor or outdoor concert can make for an enjoyable first date.
4. Theme Parks
Bring out the child in you. A pricey alternative but great fun for those who dare! Even if your date turns out to be a flop, the candyfloss will make it worthwhile!
5. Head For the Coast
A day at the coast can be both fun and romantic. For the sake of safety, choose a destination that's likely to be busy rather than a secluded cove, regardless of how enticing that may sound. Why not share an ice-cream?
6. Go Karting
Most large towns have a go-kart track where you can spend an afternoon of fun. There won't be much time for talking but there's no reason why you can't end the date with a light meal at a café or restaurant.
7. Be Cultured
Visit a museum or art gallery. The exhibitions will give you something to talk about and the larger venues generally have a café attached.
8. Be Bookish
Look in your local newspaper for any upcoming book reading events either at nearby bookstores or the library. Follow up with a late lunch where you can discuss the reading and get to know each other better.
9. Catch A Show
Check what's on at the theater. You'll have time to chat during the interval and the show itself will give you something to discuss afterwards. Why not make a real evening of it and go for dinner either before or after the show?
10. Visit the Zoo
Everybody should love animals so the zoo is the perfect place for a first date. You'll have plenty to talk about and, should everything feel right, lots of opportunity to hold hands, too.
11. Be Different
Ok, so there were only supposed to be ten but this is a bonus option. Do something that neither of you would normally do. Choose one of the above options or something completely different like attending a local council meeting or visiting a second-hand sale. Check your local papers - there's bound to be plenty of inspiration for unusual dating ideas.
At the end of the date, remember to thank the other person. No matter whether you've enjoyed yourself or not, good manners cost nothing and your date has given up their time to spend with you, too.
If everything went well, what happens next is up to you. First dates are always the most difficult and hopefully you'll have plenty of ideas of your own for the second, third and fourth.
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