Dating is exciting. You get the thrill of meeting somebody new, exchanging ideas, and learning all about them. Your heart quickens when their name pops up on your cell phone and you think about them all the time. But…sometimes dating isn’t all that fun too. Once you’ve reached a certain age, you’ve done it all, and even when you really click with the person, dinner and a movie just isn’t all that thrilling. So, we here at life daily, have devised a few ideas for you that aren’t all the same old song and dance.
You can try:
The same old song and dance: Ironically, the same old song and dance is not what it sounds like. Go out dancing with your date or take a class together. Our grandparents were onto something back in the day. There’s actually something rather alluring about learning the foxtrot with a partner. It comes across very innocent, but you have all the fun of close contact, flirting, and accomplishing a skill together. It will also give you something to laugh about when you both go the wrong direction (which will certainly happen).
Go for a hike: Hiking is great because it allows you to talk alone without the distraction of waiters and loud music, while also giving you the opportunity to walk in non-awkward silence if you run out of things to talk about. You can observe the beauty of nature and sweat together while discussing the intricacies of life (or at least what you enjoyed about last night’s Game of Thrones). However, if you met this person at a bar or on Tinder, don’t go to a secluded trail on your first date. Make sure you’ve vetted them first and are assured they aren’t going to turn the date into The Most Dangerous Game.
Meander through a street fair: Who wouldn’t love a ballon festival, pickle festival, or beer festival. Most festivals and street fairs have rides, bizarre food contests, and bad cartoonists (occasionally a good one is known to sneak in). It will give you the opportunity to laugh and talk about all the oddities around you. You might even run into some interesting characters or see an entertaining magic show. Whatever you do, just make sure you don’t bring your date to the garlic festival.
Build a campfire: Again, if you’re going to be in the woods or your dates backyard, make sure you know them well enough to be sure your Tinder date isn’t going to turn your bones into tinder for his fire. That being said, on a chilly night, it’ll allow you to romantically snuggle under the stars, drink hot coco, and make s’mores. Just make sure you check that the place your having the fire allows them. You don’t want the cops crashing your date because the neighbors thought the house was burning down.
Be a tourist in your city: Whether you’ve been living in your hometown for one year or ten, there’s usually some fun, touristy activities you can do with your date. Explore a museum or take a tour of a local attraction. You don’t need to be from out of town, to act like you’re from our of town. You might even learn a thing or two about your area and your date. For example, if he’s surprised to hear George Washington was the first president, that might be pretty telling about the rest of the relationship.
Hit up a theme park: Did you know that near death experiences bring couples closer together. While I hope you aren’t having any near death experiences on your date (seriously, stop dating serial kills that worship The Most Dangerous Game), roller coasters are very good at simulating the terror of death. If gets adrenaline pumping and makes you feel invigorated, which in turn, bonds you with your partner.
Sneak into a pool: While trespassing probably isn’t the most romantic way to spend an evening, it’s fun and fairly easy (not that I’ve um, done it or anything). It’s thrilling to do something that might get you caught and if you do, most hotels or public gyms won’t really bat an eyelash (they’ll just kick you out). You don’t have to be James Bond to sneak in. Pretend to wander, act like you own the place, and simply walk in.
Watch the sunrise: It’s worth waking up early to see the beauty of the early morning. If you live by the beach, it’s even better. Grab a coffee with your date, go for a brisk morning walk, and watch as the sun comes up over the horizon. It’s beautifully peaceful (and symbolic in a 10th grade English class way) to watch the sun come up as you embark on a new relationship.
Take a painting class: If you or your date are artsy people, you’ll enjoy the creative outlet of taking a painting class together. Paint Nite is a popular class that teaches you step by step how to recreate your own version of a famous masterpiece. They also offer wine when you take the class, and nothing eases an artistically awkward first date quite like wine does.
[Featured Image Credit:Susanne Nilsson via Flickr]