Time for Romance – How to Plan the Perfect Date
If you’ve been in the dating scene for a while, chances are that you are bored by dates that consist of dinner, a movie, or dinner and a movie. If you are really looking for some time out for romance and to really get to know your date, you have to think beyond conventional and come up with dating ideas that are inspired, fun, and affordable.
How do you plant the perfect date? The answer is that it’s a combination of perspiration and inspiration. Let’s start with the planning part first:
Who? -If you are in an established relationship, then planning your date should be easier, since you know what your date is interested in and what will appeal to them. If this is your first or second date, you may have to consider more carefully depending on whether you are trying to impress or just get to know your date.
What? -The date itself should be fun, but you have to take into consideration other factors such as budget and whether you are trying to get to know a date or come up with something fun. Dinner is a great way to get to know someone, but taking a new date on a lengthy boat ride or a baseball game where they may feel trapped may not be the best idea.
Where? -Choosing a location is not as simple as you may think. You want to choose a location that is easy to get to, and that offers other activities if you may want the date to continue.
When? -Timing can vary but you have to start with some mutually agreeable ground rules. If it’s the middle of the week, for example, you may be constrained on time because of work. Be sure that you leave enough time for something special.
Now comes the inspiration part. You need to get your creative juices flowing to come up with something out of the ordinary that will make a perfect date. Here are some thoughts to get you going:
- Dinner variations -Instead of going to a hot new restaurant, try some different dining ideas. What about a picnic, either as a lunch or even a dinner outing? Why not hire a local chef or even a culinary student to make a special meal at home? What about a romantic dinner cruise? Or maybe even planning and preparing a special meal together.
- Be a hometown tourist -Why not see the local sites through the eyes of a tourist. Go to a local amusement park or zoo. Check out the local events such as a street fair or rodeo. Do what tourists do when they come to your town.
- Concerts and sporting events – These are murky waters when it comes to dating, unless you are sure of your date. If they are a real sports fan then taking them to a game may not be a bad idea. Or if you take them to a concert be sure you know their taste in music before you book the tickets. Also bear in mind that while these dates can be fun, the event itself will probably overshadow any romantic time together.
- The adventure date – If you are daring and so is your date, you can try something adventurous. It can be something as simple as taking a hike, or something more avant-garde such taking a skydiving lesson together. You can check out local climbing walls, or choose a biking destination. Again, be sure your date is up for an adventure or your date could be a disaster.
- Special events -Check the local paper for street fairs or other special events in the area. Try a local winery for a tasting at harvest time. Or check out a special museum or art exhibition. These are always good date venues because they allow you to share time together and give you plenty to talk about.
- Dinner and a movie -If you still want to do dinner and a movie, there are places that do combine the two. See if there is a local restaurant that shows movies or find a way to make it special.
