While dating can be tremendously frustrating and extremely disappointing, it can also be that one period in your life that’s full of exciting, new adventures – especially if it’s with your first love.
However, we all know first love rarely lasts. In the moment, when it ends, you’re devastated. You can’t imagine ever going on another date with any other human being. Eventually, you get over it. Some may take longer to open themselves up again. Some jump back onto the bandwagon straight away.
Despite the amount it takes for your heart to heal, there comes a point in time when you decide to go on a brand new date with a brand new person. Who knows, this new person may be your last. In which case, you need to make sure your first few dates are ones straight out of a fairy-tale, or the best relationship advice book you’ve ever read. You want to make these memories last.
In fact, you want to be able to look back and think that those were the best dates you’ve ever been on. After all, dates are supposed to be different. Definitely exciting. Most definitely enjoyable for both individuals involved. So if you’re looking for any ideas, apart from the boring old dinner and movies, have a look at the following list of enjoyable date night ideas for couples:
1. Picnic
You can have one of the most enjoyable, relaxing dates by organizing an outdoor picnic in your backyard or balcony. Although it is one of those date night ideas to rather try during the warm summer months instead of winter, picnics offer a great opportunity for you to get to know your date by having fun, uninterruptible conversations.
If you’re organizing the date, remember to check for allergies and foods your date may not enjoy in order to avoid turning your relaxing date into a trip to the ER. Make it extra special by adding fairy lights and a blanket or two to get cozy when things get steamy.
2. Arcade
Want to feel like a kid again? Why not take your date to the arcade to see how they react under pressure. Find out if your date can be a team player, if s/he is competitive, or even a sore loser. This can save you a lot of heartache in the future, as well as give you an opportunity to have a lot of laughs and enjoyment. Don’t worry about letting your hair down for once in your life. It’s alright to act like a kid every once in a while.
3. Boat ride
This particular date night idea can be extremely romantic if you know how to pull it off. Although not very complicated, you need to find a location with tons of pretty lights, make sure you pack a blanket or two, something to soothe your appetite, and definitely an enjoyable drink to add to the meal. Your date will absolutely enjoy this idea if you’re both water-lovers, so check first to avoid a major disaster.
4. Theater
Why not choose classic and formal by asking your date to go to the theater. Whether you choose a night of ballet or an enjoyable play, going to the theater requires you to dress up a little and act like a lady and a gentleman. It’s definitely a date night idea to try at least once in your life. Something you can remember for the rest of your life. So go ahead, find the courage to ask your date out.
5. Drive-in
Although this may still fall into the category of watching a movie, it’s a whole new experience you have to try. If you’ve never been, the typical drive-in consists of finding a parking space of your choice, purchasing a few snacks and drinks at the allocated tuck-shop, and watching your favorite movie on a large outdoor screen with your sweetheart. The classic rumors also consist of stealing a few kisses while you’re supposed to watch the movie, but that’s for you to find out for yourself.
6. Cooking
One of those extremely sweet ideas where you have an instructor/showing a few couples how to cook a complete meal, from starters to dessert. You get to flirt a little bit with your date without coming off too desperate – enjoying a date night out cooking a meal together which you will enjoy together. It’s also a fantastic way to see how well your date can cook to prepare you for future meals.
7. Dance classes
If you love to move to the music then partaking in a dance class is an excellent idea. Some dance schools or clubs offer dance class nights where you can learn a few moves from their instructors and enjoy snacks and wine with fellow beginners. Don’t forget to invite your date and impress them with your skills, or flirt a little by pulling them close when it matters most. Trust me, it’s definitely a must-try date night idea.
8. Dinner at home
What better way to have a relaxing date than by inviting your boyfriend over for dinner. Of course, this is only a great idea if you know how to pull together an amazing meal, including a dessert of course. Any woman loves a man that can cook, so this is one of the easiest ways to impress each other.
9. Carnival
Enjoy a night at the carnival eating cotton candy and winning fun prizes with your date. Besides, what’s the better way to enjoy a fun date night than by riding the tea cups. Sure, this may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s a great way to look into your date’s eyes and completely flatter them with your charm.
10. Outdoor ice-skating
This particular date night idea is a great option for the cold winter months when some cities have outdoor ice-skating rinks. Whether you have amazing ice-skating skills or you’re a complete amateur, ice-skating can be for everyone. ‘Teach’ your date how to skate by holding their hand and rescuing them from falling down. Your date may see it coming, but if they’re into you, they won’t mind it for one minute.
Remember, dating is all about impressing that one person you have your eye on. First impressions definitely count more than you may realize so you might as well go all out when planning your first few dates. It may not last forever, or you may find yourself spending the rest of your life with that one person, but it’s definitely worth putting an effort to make it one of the most memorable times of your life.
Think long and hard about your chosen date night ideas and whether or not they’ll match your particular interest. More importantly, if your date will enjoy what you have planned. Also, don’t forget about all the good questions to ask your guy – at the end, dates are all about getting to know each other.
After all, you want to impress your date by making it obvious that you were thinking about their feelings and what they might enjoy. Find enjoyable ideas that’ll give you the opportunity to learn more about your date’s personality and perhaps spark new interests. It’s the quickest, easiest way to find out if you’re a potential match to turn the first few dates into a long-term investment.
Besides, the whole point of going through all the trouble to make your date nights memorable is to find the one person you can continue going on dates with even when you’re old and gray, wouldn’t you agree?
