[do] First Date: 5 Ideas That Don’t Suck
During my stint as a dating columnist for another publication earlier this year, I became a bit of an expert in the art of the first date. Why? Because I attempted to go on as many of them as possible in thirty days… just to see what would happen (and maybe to create interest in my column). My first date blitz turned out much better than expected- I’m now shacking up with date number eight.
Going out on so many consecutive dates did make one thing clear – great first dates are hard to come by. Here are five suggestions to boost your odds:
- Eat somewhere fun. Sumo makes a great first date spot. Plus, you’re sitting at a table with like 10 other people, so if your date is less than awesome, you can always chat with them. And really, where else is it socially acceptable to catch flying shrimp in your mouth and be cheered on by complete strangers? While I prefer the sushi to the hibachi grill at Sumo, the food is decent, the drinks are strong (also a bonus on a first date) and you get to sit next to your date, instead of across the table. It’s perfect for a cuddle or hand-on-knee attempt.
- Try an activity. Going to a movie is a safe bet for a first date, but it’s also a guarantee that you won’t really get to know each other and will likely spend the duration of the film wondering whether or not he/she is going to make a move. And by make a move, I mean hold your hand. It’s an instant step back to junior high. Avoid the “will they or won’t they” moment and do something else. Bowling, perhaps? It’s fun, there’s beer involved, and you can laugh at your goofy moves and even goofier shoes. A little competition never hurt either. Head to The Alley and end the night with a friendly go-kart race.
- Be informal. Sure, a first date involving flowers, dinner at Chester’s and drinks at Oeno sounds nice, but it also means there will be PRESSURE. Alleviate some of that with a casual date. Burgers at TJ’s and drinks and a local show at Rock Island Live perhaps? Or maybe cocktails at Mort’s on the patio are more your speed. Keep it casual and get to know each other. Splurge on a “fancy date” once you know it’s headed somewhere.
- Learn something. Take the focus off awkward first date conversation and go to the Wichita Art Museum and dine at the museum cafe. Between the gorgeous Dale Chihuly piece and the excellent exhibits, the art museum makes an unconventional place to give it a go. And if cultural activities are your thing, this is a great litmus test to see if your date is just as enlightened as you are.
- Watch a game. Whether it’s hockey (Wichita Thunder), baseball (Wingnuts) or college (WSU), there are ample opportunities to cheer on your favorite team. In person (best) or at a fun sports bar (ok), sharing your love of the game is a great way to test your compatibility. Plus, there’s great opportunity for a celebratory kiss when your team scores.
So tell us – what’s your favorite first date activity?
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Know what’s a *bad* idea for a first date? Camping. Horrible, horrible idea. Not that I’ve had experience with that or anything ;-)
Mosley Street Melodrama was a good call! I mean, if he can’t watch me with bbq sauce dribbling down my chin and gets embarrassed by loud belly laugh, it’s not going to go very far anyway!
Going somewhere to eat is always never a bad idea. I like something casual like Chipotle. There’s variety and guarantee that there has to be something there the other person would enjoy. Sharing chips with guacamole is so romantic.
One of my favorites – miniature golf. Relatively inexpensive, opportunity to talk (especially if the course is crowded), get to see each others competitive streak, and get to be outdoors.
Bad choice – going skeet shooting – I don’t like to be around strangers who have guns.
So you’re saying the shooting range is out, Alan? Dang!
Yeah Chipotle is great as long as your first date doesn’t suddenly ask you to go dutch (I only ordered chips and water) and then sit in front of you eating a big burrito drowning in hot sauce followed by saying ‘I like hot sauce but it doesn’t like me – hopefully it doesn’t hit until tomorrow’…yes this did happen to me (and it only got worse after that!)
Shea: an important factor you overlooked.
How to find someone to take me on said dates that don’t suck.
I feel like you’re an expert in that area as well.
Veronica, you need a dating experiment. They work. Trust.
I think we need to collect some dating horror stories a la Alicia.
Coming from the other side of the Chipotle first date. Chipotle is a great atmosphere for getting to know someone but I wouldn’t go for the burrito. Maybe a bowl would be less awkward, but you still have the chance of having a green pepper hanging out of your mouth as you ask your date about their interests and hobbies. Sharing guacamole, not so romantic :) I think that’s more of a fourth date type thing.
I’m all for a post about first date nightmares! Apparently Alicia and Veronica have some fuel for that one!
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