Though dinner and a movie is a safe set of date-time recreational activities, deviating from these old standbys may help you better make the most of your time with your partner.
The purpose of dating is to get to know the person, to try them on for size as you would a pair of pants and see if the fit is right.
Instead of playing it safe with a sans-talking movie or a dinner, where you will likely learn little except for your date partner’s food allergies, opt for a distinctive date option.
Not only will this make the getting-to-know-you portion of your outing more fruitful, it will likely also impress your date.
1. Go Birdwatching
Escape distractions by venturing into the woods with your date, a pair of binoculars and a birdwatching book. Spend your time strolling hand-in-hand really taking in the world in a way that so few do.
The leisurely pace and solidary nature of this date make it a perfect get-to-know-you activity.
2. Head To The Grocery
When most people think, “What do I want to do with my Friday night?” their potential activities don’t include visiting the market. While it is inarguably true that stopping to pick up your eggs and milk isn’t all that exciting, shopping for edibles can be a delight, if you do it right.
Skip the corner market and head to a gourmet grocer. Wander around, trying samples if you’re lucky enough to happen upon them, and purchase ingredients that you have both always wanted to try.
Make your next stop the kitchen and work together to whip up something that is as perfect as your love for each other.
3. Explore A Bookstore
If you possess an acute appreciation for the written word, put your partner to the test and see if he or she shares this affinity. Pick a sizable bookstore and make it the home base for your date. Wander the aisles, talking over the books you have read and want to read.
Spend some time reading each other’s favorites in the conveniently placed, cozy armchairs. Conclude the date with the purchase and exchange of recommended books.
4. Play A Childhood Game
Dating isn’t always about getting dressed up in fancy duds and putting on airs. Instead of doing something stuffy and formal, make a night of staying in by inviting your partner over for a childhood game.
Dust the cobwebs off your Monopoly set, shuffle your Uno cards or fish your Scrabble tiles out from under the couch. Spend the evening munching on snack foods, chatting and challenging each other with these classic games.
5. Visit A Brewery
You were probably going to drink on your date anyway, right? Before you and your romantic partner imbibe, spend some time learning about the beer making process. Walking among the casks of beer and listening to learn about the surprisingly complicated task of brewing.
Though seemingly simple, this event will prove an uncommon shared experience upon which you can build in the future.
6. Volunteer Together
Show your partner that you are philanthropic through-and-through, and see if he or she shares your passion for bettering the world by planning and volunteerism date. Arrange for you and your date to dish out food at the local soup kitchen, walk dogs at the animal shelter or help out at an area school.
At date’s end, you will not only know more about each other, you will also have a shared opportunity to feel good about yourselves.
7. Sweat Through A Color Run
If you and your partner are mutual fans of fitness, try out a color run. Find a run in your local area, or make a day trip out of it and venture further.
Not only will you almost certainly enjoy this exercise and color rich experience in which you are pelted with paint at various points in the run, you will also have an excuse to spend copious time with your partner pre-date as you both get into tip-top shape, and post-date as you clean up!
8. Gaze At The Stars
Little is more romantic than snuggling up with your date under a twinkling-star-rich sky. Partake in an experience to remember by staying up past your bedtime and heading out stargazing on your date.
Select a site that is far from the light and pollution of the city. Study up in advance, so you can point out some constellations or, for an easier option, download an app to aid you in your night sky exploration.
