The First Date: Part 1 - ideas

A close friend recently moaned about some of her boring first dates and how unoriginal guys are when it comes to venues and conversations.  Many guys go for the tried and tested dinner or coffee scenario.  This is fine but too easy and isn’t going to make the date one she’s going to remember.  When taking a girl out you don’t want to be like the other boys – you want to be the man.

We take our time to make sure we are dressed to impress but that won’t mean a thing if you fail to impress with an original and fun date.  A good first date allows for conversation and takes pressure of the two of you to constantly talk.

Remember:  actions speak louder than words.  Before I went on a date with Kush, she told me on the phone she was broadminded, but when it came down to trying a new dish, she wasn’t interested.  What does this show?  It shows that she was not what she claimed to be.  No-one wants to waste their time with someone who isn’t who they say they are, and who isn’t fun and interesting from the start.

With the help of my friend (thank you J), we’ve compiled a list of first date ideas that will make her want to spend even more quality time with you!

Go-karting

Who’s a better driver – boys or girls?  Go karting is a fairly cheap and an exciting day out.  Plus you can show that your speeding points were worth it!

Bowling

No matter how awful you may be, bowling is fun!  The friendly atmosphere will make your date feel relaxed and comfortable, which is important.  If she’s comfortable, she’ll have more fun, and if she’s having fun you’ll have a second date.

Snooker / pool club

Why not suggest “Whoever loses has to cook dinner?”  And just like that, you’ve got yourself a second date – but make sure you lose so you can impress her with your culinary skills.  There’s no need to be macho competitive this early – you can show her your manly skills on the third date!

Mini golf / driving range

This is a great daytime date; and it doesn’t matter if either of you don’t know the difference between a wedge and a sandwich.  If she’s not a golfer, helping her with her swing is a great opportunity to get up close and personal!

Country walk

I love the great outdoors and there is nothing better than exploring the great outdoors with your date.  Most girls I know love walking in intriguing and picturesque places.  This will suit the cute surfer girl from Cornwall more than the high-maintenance daddy’s girl (the one who always wears 5 inch heels and prefers expensive champagne at the Dorchester over homemade cider).  This is a great way to take the lead and show off what you’ve learnt from watching Bear Grylls.

Play the tourist

We often take where we live for granted.  So why not find out what exciting local festivals, events and sightseeing tours are worth seeing and show off your home city.

Zoo / Aquarium

Don’t think that going to the zoo is for children – they are great places for a first, second or even third date.  Going for a leisurely walk around the monkey and lion enclosures in the zoo or seeing colourful, playful and weird fish will keep the pair of you interested and broaden both your minds.  Girls love learning new things and she’ll tell all her friends about what an amazing day she had with you.

Music concert

How many times have you asked your date “What music do you like?”  Everyone loves music so why not find out what she’s into and find a local music show so you two can share each other’s company over her favourite sounds.  Word of warning, if her favourite music is rock I would avoid the show as you don’t want to end up in the mosh pit!  It’s happened to me and I didn’t look good!

The beach

This is the perfect way to enjoy the sun, play games and flirt – you may even get to see her in a bikini!  If she’s not game, there will be enough eye-candy (for both of you)!

Picnic

This is my favourite, and like going to the beach, it’s a relaxing day out. Pack some homemade sandwiches and a flask of tea and share intelligent and casual conversations in each other’s company whilst also appreciating the surroundings.  She will love this - trust me!

Theme park

Alton Towers and Thorpe Park have targeted themselves to grown-ups and couples of the years.  She will love the adrenaline rush of being on Nenemis, and she’ll remember you forever if you win her a teddy bear from a stall!

Casino

Money brings power, and women are attracted to this.  Take her to the casino and play the roulette wheel, or get her to blow your dice before you roll on Craps.  You will feel like James Bond and she can be your bond girl.  Warning: casinos’ are no place for the weak and the poor so don’t take your date there if you cannot afford to as you will lose more than you bargained for.

Balloon ride

There is nothing like seeing the world from a bird’s eye view – stunning!

Roof garden

Taking your date to the highest point in the city can be exhilarating for both of you.  Many hotels and restaurants have roof gardens for people to enjoy the view – especially at night.  Going to one by the seaside will be amazing as you two can watch the sun set and see the tide come in from a high vantage point – beautiful!

These first date ideas provide the right balance of conversation and pleasant distractions.  Do get to know the girl first – her interests and her personality – before the date as each activity suit every person differently.  Enjoy!