You meet someone, a connection develops, and you swap phone numbers. You set the first date after some amusing text exchanges. You’re naturally excited. But then they do something so horrifying, so heinous, that you’re prepared to end the whole thing: You’re invited out for supper and a movie.
Is there anything more monotonous than a routine dinner and movie date? It’s too long, too personal, and such a snooty way to get to know someone. And even while that could have been how some of our parents met, neither our parents used online dating nor the phrase “f—-boy” in casual speech. First dates need to evolve with the times, right?
Go for a lengthy stroll in the park: If you’re fortunate enough to live somewhere with lovely outdoor areas, take advantage of the landscape and ask your date to join you for some exercise and fresh air. Bonus: Since a walk in the park has no predetermined duration, you can end it early if you’re not into the date or continue walking if you are.
Meet for breakfast: A breakfast date is fantastic since it frees up the rest of your day. You may extend the date if you two click over bacon and eggs. No sparks? There is still time for anything else to come up in your evening.
Visit a bookshop and go over the selection; books are the best discussion starters. Plus, most stores offer coffee shops where you can talk about your purchases while sipping a brew.
Enroll in a culinary class. Ambitious? Sure. But it’s a really effective strategy for forging strong bonds. In the worst case, you’ll leave with a few tasty dishes to try again.
Visit a marketplace outside: Going from booth to booth at a flea market or farmer’s market is a wonderful opportunity to meet new people.