Picnics are a good date idea. Credit: Peter Anderson

Going on a date means uncertain times for many people; it’s hard enough actually being with a person you barely know, but, nonetheless you have to come up with good date ideas.  If you don’t choose a good enough type of date then the other person is much less likely to want to go out on another but, over think the whole process and they will likely be scared off for good. Good ideas for dates are often the ones which are not too simple, yet aren’t overdone; they are the middle ground in between.

A picnic in the park is a more interesting date which often goes down well with the other person.  It’s a lot less formal than a restaurant setting, which means you get a chance to see the other person actually being themselves.  The food you eat is also much simpler, there is no need for a tiny meal that you will overpay for, and with a picnic you can bring nice, fresh food along with a bottle of wine.  How romantic.  Also, there are less people around, than a crowded restaurant, which does leave the door open for more intimacy.

Although good date ideas may seem like they are hard to come by, the truth is any everyday activity can become a date.  Take for example a bike ride, you could hire a bike with your date (two singles or a tandem) and ride to a nice cafe or restaurant for lunch.  The bike ride gives you time to unwind and stop being nervous being around your date and the lunch/coffee gives you time to get to know them better.  Using a tandem bike is a great way to build a relationship with someone, as you are working together, and they will begin to feel safe with you.

Good ideas for dates are not that hard to come up with when you start thinking outside of the box. You need to realise that dates are not only a way for you to get to know the other person, but a way of representing who you are to that person. Careful consideration is needed to ensure that you show your best side possible, because if not, the other person is going to feel awkward and not be very receptive to another date with you.  People will judge you much worse when they barely know you, so in the early stages of the dating game, you need to give it 100%.  In other words,  show your best side.  The dating game may be hard, but with a few good date ideas you will soon get past it and start to build a  relationship that will last.

Mini Golf is an example of a creative date idea. Credit: Robin Norman

When it comes to going on a first date, the impression you give the other person plays a massive role in whether or not they will go on another date with you.  In this article we will look at creative first date ideas to ensure your date goes well and you actually get the opportunity to go out again.

One common mistake that people make is going out to the movie theatre for their first date.  While this is an easy choice, it’s not that original of an idea.  Think about this for a minute.  Do you think you will really get the chance to get to know someone, sitting in the dark, and not being able to talk to them? I think the answer is probably not.  Don’t make the classic mistake of going on a movie date, because this will likely result in the first date being your last date, at least with that particular person.

The truth is, that what you want to do is go out on a more creative date, this way you will impress the other person and they will want to see you again.  As they say, first impressions are everything, and what better way to impress someone, than with a unique and exciting date night.

Choosing a creative first date idea really isn’t that hard, you just need to think outside the square of simply seeing a movie or going out for dinner. Here are a few good date ideas:

You could go out for a game of mini golf, this is a simple game that anyone can pick up very easily and it brings some fun competitiveness to the situation.  Perhaps the man on the date could put his arms around the girl and teach her to swing the opportunities are endless for that.  After the game of mini golf, going out for an ice cream of hot drink (depending on the weather) is a great way to break the ice even further.

You should have had time to get used to each other and past the awkwardness at the game of mini golf, which only leaves time to truly connect.  This is a creative date that actually allows you time to talk one on one with your date, and that means you get to really gauge if they are the right person for you.  If not, it’s a reasonably cheap date, and a bit of fun.  There is nothing worse than paying for an expensive dinner and finding out the other person is not a good match for you.

No matter if you’re male or female, coming up with creative first date ideas isn’t too difficult.  It could mean the difference between a successful date and a disaster.  If you want a second date with someone don’t be boring and take the easy way out, come up with a creative date and have a great time.

Fun dates don't have to be expensive. Credit: Brunopp

Dating can be an expensive game to play, and because of that fact, every date you go on will not always end up with you in a relationship. Things can really start to add up.  That’s where cheap date ideas come into play, why pay for expensive dates when these more cost effective solutions can yield the same results?  (Warning: It should be mentioned that there is a fine line between ideas for cheap dates, and you being seen as a cheapskate.   For example, making your date pay, may seem cheap but really it just makes you look horribly bad).

When it comes to inexpensive date ideas you need to stop thinking like a cheapskate and more like an informed person.  One example is the classic meal out; going to a nice restaurant for example, can lead to a bill getting well into the hundreds of dollars, especially when alcohol is added to the mix.  However there are other options, which really are just as good.  Here’s a good example: A picnic is much cheaper than a meal out and it gives you the choice to select any food that your date would like.  This is much more preferable to a menu that may not cater to their particular tastes; it also means you get larger portion sizes.

Another option, such as simply going out for an ice cream or coffee is a simple idea for a cheap date, yet it can be very effective.  Because it’s just both of you sitting there and having something light to eat, you are given plenty of time to actually connect.  There are no distractions, like you would get eating a full meal at a restaurant, do you really want someone talking whilst they are having a 3 course meal? This type of date is also a great way for screening potential partners.  If you find both of you have little to talk about and obviously don’t click then you are unlikely to work out anyway, but if you get on like a house on fire then they may just be the one for you.  When it comes to inexpensive date ideas this type of date really does give you the best of both worlds.

Finding the best ideas for cheap dates may seem like a difficult task when you first get to thinking, but there are plenty of them out there and they actually do work.  Potential partners are not always impressed by flashy dinners, they just want to get to know you as a person, no matter what the date costs.  So if you are a bit broke, or are just looking to save money, consider some of these cheap date ideas and still find the right person for you.

Do you know what men really want? Credit: Harrison Keely

Well, for starters, that’s not an easy question to answer.  What men want is as different as men are themselves.  However, there are a few basics that can go a long way towards making yourself more desirable and interesting to very man, especially the single ones.  

It seems that men are looking for a woman that has all the charectaristics of a friend, and a lover.  They want to spend time with somebody that is smart and witty, yet vulnerable enough to let them take the lead.  It’s important to show a man that you are confident and able to take care of yourself, but don’t go overboard.  Men can be easily intimidated by a woman that is too independent or strong willed.  They don’t want to battle you or argue with you about every issue in life.  Sometimes, they just want someone to listen to them and agree with their thoughts and feelings. 

Men also want their woman to demonstrate beauty on both the inside and outside.  Your natural curves and smoothness work magic on the mind of every man, but he needs to see the beauty that you also carry within your heart and soul.  Show him that you are generous, caring, and loving.  Spend time talking and sharing your feelings, but be sure to listen to what he thinks and learn that men are pretty simple most of the time, but they do present thier challenges occasionally. 

So, is there more to what do men want in a woman? 

The simple answer is yes.  Men want a woman that gives them excitement and adventure.  They want to feel that they are really living in the moment when they spend time with you.  Now, even if you are not typically that exciting, there are a few things you can do to help your man get that sense from you. 

Be Spontaneous: 

When he wants to whisk you away one weekend for a romantic interlude, don’t be the downer that has too many obligations on her plate.  Just go with the flow and let it take you wherever that may lead. 

Be Open Minded: 

He may want to try things that are a little different, both in the real world and the bedroom.   This is a natural human response for a guy and you should be happy that he wants to include you. 

Be Understanding: 

Men often deal with complex emotions, just like women, but they often need help working through their emotions and understanding their origins and possible solutions for dealing with them.  Be there for your man.  Talk to him, listen to him, help him to be more emotionally involved in his life. 

Well, if you are interested in finding out more about what men want in a woman, be sure to check out Women Men Adore to find out more about this fascinating subject.

Just smile and make small talk. Credit: Harrison Keely

It’s perfectly normal to be a little nervous on the first date, but that’s no reason not to have a memorable night together.  In fact, talking often helps ease you into a more mellow mood and helps you get to know your guy even better.

Here are a few ideas about what to talk about on the first date:

Music:

Talk about you favorite album, band, current song.  Let him know what you like on your Ipod.  Ask him about his favorites.

Food:

Talk about your favorite restaurant.  Where did you have your best meal ever?  Do you like to cook?  Find out if he knows his way around the kitchen.

Travel:

Where have you been?  What did you love about it?  Would you go back?  Share your best travel stories and ask about his adventures.

Keep the conversation light and fun.  It’s probably best to avoid too much talk about work, family, or politics this early in the dating game, but you can always just cover the basics to get to know each other better.

If you’d like more in depth dating advice, be sure to check out How to be a Guy Magnet, which has a lot of great, easy to use information about dating.

Flirting with your man can be fun. Credit: Christine Lavarda

It doesn’t really matter where you’re at in this beautiful world of ours, it is very important to have a firm grip on one of the most important skills anyone can have and that skill is the know how to flirt with your man. 

Flirting on the first date makes it fun and exciting, but to flirt properly, you must forget about your doubts and insecurities and just go with the flow of the moment.  After all, it’s perfectly okay to be attracted to him and to show that with your actions.  Yes, you may be taking a chance by putting yourself out there for rejection, but the chances are that someone as beautiful as you, on the inside and outside, won’t be turned away.

Here are a few flirting tips for your first date with that someone special:

Put your best foot forward for this special night.   Take the time to be well groomed and wear your best outfit.  Show him that you went to the trouble to make yourself look good and that you expect the same from him. 

Keep your head up and make eye contact during conversation.  Don’t spend the whole night talking about yourself.  Spend time listening and show a genuine interest in your guy.  Mind your body language.  Keep an open posture and smile.  Don’t sit or stand with your arms crossed as this represents a defensive stance and is a big turn off.

Don’t be afraid to be open and offer a touch when the moment is right.  Hold hands or just stand close and share your personal space.  Guys don’t always want to be the ones to make the first move.  It can be very refreshing for the girl to take the initiative and show him what she wants.  Don’t forget the alone time.  This can build intimacy in a new relationship and helps with bonding.  Whisper, make more direct eye contact, snuggle up to him, show him that you’re interested.

These are some good basic flirting tips for your first date night.  Another good place to find out more about how to flirt with your guy is the book How to Flirt with Men which is full of tips and tricks for making flirting with your man easier than ever.

A couple having fun on the first date. Credit: Margarit Ralev

We’ve all been there, right?  You have a person in mind that you’d like to get to know better, or maybe its someone you consider a friend already and you’d like to take the relationship to the next level. Whoever it is, it all starts the same.

First, there’s making eye contact, saying ‘hi’, perhaps sharing a cup of coffee in the break room, whatever.  The point is you’ve got a little crush on someone.  So, what are you going to do about it?   Sit on it? Do nothing?  Wait for your special someone to make the first move? Not you, you are a go-getter, I can tell. You had better ask them out, and I mean the sooner the better.

I hate to burst your bubble, just when you thought the hard part was over. After all, you’ve done so much work already, right? I mean, wasn’t it you that had the sweaty palms, the corny inner dialogue, and the huge ball of nerves in your stomach until you saw the perfect time to make your move? and now its actually worked!! They said YES! You should be so happy right now!

But sadly, you’re dazed and confused when it comes to an idea for a fun first date.  Here’s my personal dating story:

It didn’t take too long for the anxiety to set in, but at least I knew the source.  That very morning, I had invited my new co-worker to a New Years Eve party.  Yes, he was cute, and yes it would be our first date.  Sounds perfect, but I had no plan.  It comes as no surprise that if you want to ask someone out on a date for the first time, you had better have a fun and creative date idea loaded up and ready to fire.  After all, nothing kills a new relationship quicker than boredom and mundane small talk.

Now, lucky for me, I did come up with a plan for the night.  It involved music, pool playing, and a kiss at midnight.  It turned out to be a good date.

Here are some other fun first date ideas, that I could have attempted:

• Late Night Picnic:  Gather up a few simple things, like bread, cheese, fruit, and don’t forget the wine and lay out in the beautiful night air under the stars.
• Walking along the River:  Spend time, hand in hand, strolling alongside the local waterway in town.  Spend time talking and exploring each other’s thoughts.
• Ferry Boat Ride:  Hold on tight, as the gentle, moist breeze blows through your hair.  See the sights after dark, when everything is all lit up and looks so beautiful reflecting off of the water.
• Home Cooked Meal:  Start at the grocery store picking your favorites and then take it all back home where you can show off your awesome cooking skills.
• Berry Picking at the Park:  During berry season, the public park in my town was loaded with gobs and gobs of wild blackberries just waitng to be harvested by an adventurous set of souls.  What a fun idea it would be to pick berries and then go back to my place and make something sweet like a pie or homemade ice cream.

Are you looking for other fun and creative dating ideas?

I have decided to offer my services in your quest for  fun first date ideas by starting this writing project / blog.  I will offer my personal insights on dating and links to other dating resources that you may find interesting and helpful.

Thanks,

Karen