Great Date Ideas

When it comes to first dates, a first impression is monumentally important; even more so when you’re meeting an online dating companion for the first time. In this segment, we’re going to give you some great date ideas to help you make a lasting first impression (in a good way!)

Great Date Ideas – Location

The location of your first date is extremely important in making a good first impression. When choosing the location of your first date, be sure to take into consideration the common interests between you and your date. But also consider the “safety tips“ of meeting online daters in person.

For example, if you both love rock climbing, you can’t set up your first date to hiking up a cliff. This breaks the prominent rule of meeting in a populated area. Instead, choose a rock climbing facility. If you both have a passion for exotic coffee, find an international coffee house with lots of rare selections on the menu. Perhaps you both enjoy the same local sports team? Try getting tickets to a game.

Other good suggestions may be a concert, mini-golfing or an amusement park. The beach can be a very romantic place for a date, but when suggested by men, it may also imply that you want to get a good look at their body – not a good sign. Put some thought into your date’s interests and choose wisely.

Great Date Ideas – Dress Accordingly

Make sure that you will be comfortably, and properly, attired for the location of your first date. If you’re doing something outdoors, like mini-golfing, do not wear a suit or sequence gown. Wear something attractive but comfortable – not sweats! Shorts or pants and a button-down shirt for the guys, blue jeans (shorts or pants) and a stylish top for the ladies. If you’re going out dancing, then a more formal attire may be appropriate.

Great Date Ideas – For Men

Men, don’t show up empty handed on a first date. Bring her something she will like, but not too extravagant. Most women love a small arrangement of flowers, but don’t be cheap – go out and buy them, don’t pick them from somebody else’s yard. If you have a garden yourself, then that’s acceptable so long as they look nice.

While flowers are always a good choice, you can make a better first impression by being more creative. Just be careful not to get too extravagant here. Jewelry, for instance, is out of the question. If she collects splendid rocks, on the other hand, or sea shells, try looking for an especially nice quartz rock or conch shell. If you have enough information about her interests, try to be original and creative – otherwise stick to flowers!

Great Dating Ideas – Be Complimentary

Upon first meeting your date, you can make them feel more comfortable by complimenting them. Their clothing, hair and general appearance are all good examples. Be sure you sound sincere in your compliments. A simple “Nice shirt, John/Jane” does not sound sincere. Instead say something like “I really like your shirt, it compliments your (insert color here) eyes.” If you can’t find any features worth complimenting, don’t bother lying since you’ll be uncomfortable and looking for a way out anyway.

Great Date Ideas – Mind Your Manners

Be sure to use good manners on your date. I don’t mean saying “yes, ma’am” or “yes, sir”, but use common sense and be kind. Say thank you for the date, and if they do something kind, again, say thank you. When they are speaking, pay attention and never interrupt. Don’t let your eyes wander off to some other person who just walked in the door, or the clock on the wall. Also, avoid boring or controversial topics. Don’t spend 30 minutes talking about how much you hate your job or boss, or how your last significant other dumped you (or why you dumped them). Keep the conversation light and good-hearted, and try to have a good sense of humor without making a joke out of everything.

Great Date Ideas – Be Positive

A positive attitude begets a positive response. When one person is grumpy, complaining or outright negative, the other will not be able to have a good time – at least not without the aid of alcohol; a strict no-no on a first date. Try to avoid alcohol on a first date. If you do have a drink, make sure it’s something light, and only have one. If you get sloppy drunk, you’ll either do something you’ll regret later, or you’ll relay the message that you are an alcoholic and can’t control yourself – or both. These are terrible impressions on a first date, regardless of gender.