You will have seen this scene millions of times: a couple having dinner in a restaurant before going to the cinema. It's a classic idea for a first date, but it's possible to think of something different. Consider what you know about the person you are going to invite and choose a seat accordingly. He might appreciate a dynamic date dedicated to a game or a sport, an adventurous date that allows you to become a child again, an original date, a traditional date (dinner and film) or a more intimate one (sharing a dessert and going for a walk under the stars). Choosing the perfect place for a first date will be fun, as long as you show that you are thoughtful and have thought about the other person's tastes.
Steps
Method 1 of 5: Choose the Destination for the First Appointment
Step 1. Think about what the other person would like
This is very important, whether you barely know each other or have been friends for a long time. Your partner will not enjoy an apparently anonymous or impersonal date. Consider whether they would prefer an active date, such as playing a sport, or a passive one, such as watching a movie.
- For example, if this person hates nature, don't organize a hike and picnic. Similarly, if she works in a coffee shop, avoid inviting her for a coffee. Keep his preferences in mind.
- Think about what you already know about your partner. Try to remember the topics you talked about. What do you like to do? What are your favorite dishes? What does he hate?
Step 2. Communicate all the most important details to your partner
If you're planning on taking a walk downtown, great, but you should warn her well in advance so she gets ready. If you don't want to give out specific information about the date, just make sure you give her clues as to what to wear - will she have to get comfortable or not?
For example, if you want to take her to the zoo in the middle of winter, let her know so she'll cover up well
Step 3. You could agree with your partner to decide where to go
Sharing the first date organization is a fun way to reduce the stress that planning brings with it, and then you'll have a chance to get to know each other a little better. You may decide the first part of the date, your partner the second. Alternatively, you choose the restaurant to eat at and her a fun activity to do next.
If the first date goes well, you could continue sharing the organization of the following ones. Instead of splitting the schedule for a single outing, decide the entire appointment in turn
Method 2 of 5: Arrange a First Dynamic Appointment
Step 1. Find out if your partner might be interested in a dynamic date
You can ask him directly or ask his friends to find out more about his specific tastes. If your partner is expecting a classic Dinner & Movie night, she may not be thrilled with the idea of playing tennis or bowling.
Active first dates are great for breaking the ice, and are great if you don't know each other very well
Step 2. Be competitive
You could go to laser tag, mini golf or bowling. When it comes to scoring, you and your partner can be as competitive as you want. They are low stress activities, perfect for relieving the tension of the first outing. In fact, the informal atmosphere will help you calm down.
Find out about special evenings organized at bowling or laser tag venues, such as karaoke or disco nights
Step 3. Look for a park to hike
For such an experience, you need to be confident in your partner's athletic training and preferences. Choose a path that allows you to chat and enjoy good company, nothing too exhausting. Bring water and remind your partner to wear comfortable shoes.
For the excursion, you could also prepare a packed lunch. Look for nice spots on the route to stop and have lunch, or wait until the end of the route. You can customize the picnic to be casual or romantic - the choice is yours
Method 3 of 5: Arrange a First Adventurous Date
Step 1. Be spontaneous
The first date will be remembered by both of you, so choosing a surprising place for your partner can make a great impression. Keep in mind that the other person should be well prepared for adventures, because they may be expecting a detailed planned appointment.
- This type of date is not for everyone. You need to know if your partner really likes surprises, not knowing what to expect. If you don't know her well, it's best to find out about her preferences first. If not, think of a contingency plan and work it out in detail.
- If it seems to you that your partner doesn't like an activity you have decided to offer or a place you have chosen, ask her where she would like to go or what she would prefer to do.
Step 2. Experience a completely new kitchen
First dates can be stressful: you are about to meet a new person, or you find yourself faced with facets you did not know. This also applies to your partner. You can at least partially relieve the pressure by experimenting with something new together. Trying exotic cuisine can be a fun and easy experience.
Make sure neither of you is allergic to or against the cuisine you want to try
Step 3. Play tourist in your city
Visit a tourist attraction your partner doesn't know about (or hasn't been in for a while). While you can explore monuments, museums, parks and other places by letting yourself be inspired by what goes on in the moment, you could also add those typical things that tourists do. Take unoriginal photos, consult the map and, before leaving a place, make a stop in the gift shop.
Make sure you consider the place and time of the appointment. It can be difficult to talk and have fun if you go to see an attraction at the busiest time of the day or week
Method 4 of 5: Arrange a First Informal Appointment
Step 1. Meet for a coffee or a drink
If you really want to talk and get to know your partner, invite her over for a coffee or a drink. This appointment has the added benefit of being potentially short. However, if you find that you are doing well together, you can immediately suggest that they go for a bite to eat or do another activity.
Studies have shown that drinking coffee together can create a feeling of mutual trust. Not bad for a first date
Step 2. Go for a walk
It's an easy way to get to know each other better, without the pressure of a face-to-face conversation. Instead, you can wander along a path or in the city center next to each other while chatting.
This appointment can have many variations. You could walk around the park and people watch or go to the downtown shops
Step 3. Go out for lunch or dinner together
If you want a casual date, you prefer brunch or lunch. This way, the meeting has a set duration, drinking alcohol is optional and, in the end, you can go your separate ways or stay together.
Consider the atmosphere of the restaurant. If you want to enjoy food in a relaxed way, avoid choosing fast food or too elegant places
Step 4. Go see a movie together
Cinema is a classic meeting point for a first date. We don't need to talk too much, it is possible to establish a certain complicity thanks to the shared film and, upon leaving the theater, it is an excellent starting point for conversation. Just make sure you both care.
Renting a movie is an equally good solution, and it would allow you to talk a little more; on the other hand, inviting your partner home can be a risky move for a first date
Method 5 of 5: Arrange a First Intimate Date
Step 1. Eat out
Choose a nice restaurant to dine in, or go for a dessert and have a hot chocolate. Look for a place that has a good menu, nice lighting and nice, but not too loud music. Your partner will be impressed by your concern.
On the first date, avoid ordering certain foods. We are talking about dishes that are too greasy, difficult to eat, that make you bloated, that weigh down your breath or make it unpleasant
Step 2. Attend a small concert or other kind of show
If you want to have a chance to talk, choose a small place, where the music isn't too loud. You could also opt for a larger play or concert. Sure, you can't chat in these cases, but it's still possible to have a drink after the show and discuss the performance.
Choose music or performances that are potentially interesting for both of you. A classical music concert or a play can add a touch of sophistication and intimacy to the appointment
Step 3. Explore an exhibit in a museum or art gallery
Keep an eye out for the temporary exhibits and invite your partner on a tour. If you prefer a less structured appointment, just wander around the museum and then discuss the pieces over a coffee or a drink.
While you can look for a museum or gallery you've never set foot in before, you can also go to a place you visit frequently. In this case, show yourself your favorite works
Advice
- To make a good impression, make sure you look good on the first date.
- Don't go to the classic places that all your friends usually hang out with. They may join you, and your partner will feel left out or ignored.
- Try sharing a drink of any kind. It has proved useful for many people.
