When someone tells you they’re going on a date, what’s your initial reaction? Aside from being either excited or freaked out (depending on who’s talking) you picture them in a typical date setting. Your mind assumes they’re off to a nice restaurant for dinner and a few drinks. It’s a classic date idea – but is it a little boring?
How many times can you go to a restaurant and have something to eat with a few drinks? It gets super repetitive and can create a pretty awkward atmosphere. It’s weird being in a restaurant with someone and seeing loads of other couples around you; there’s pressure to do what they’re doing.
Also, when you get into the swing of a long-term relationship, you need to go on regular dates to keep things spicy. If you’re always going to the same restaurants for your date night, it gets stale very quickly. Instead, try these data night ideas that don’t involve dinner at a restaurant:
Book tickets to a show
Cinema dates are cute, but a show is one step up from this. You can dress up nicely to go out to a West End theatrical production featuring famous names and wonderful songs. Laugh or cry as you watch the performances in front of you and put your arm around your date. It can be a very romantic setting and a super fun night out.
And that is the key: fun.
If your dates aren’t fun, people won’t want to go on more with you. Even your partner of many years will start dreading date night because it feels so boring. You want your date to have a smile on their face the whole time and be talking excitedly afterwards. A show will do just that – and you can make it your thing to go and see a musical every few months or so.
Play mini-golf or other fun games
Don’t forget, you’re looking to make the date as fun as possible. Adding in a slight bit of competition can work wonders in this regard. Take your date to a mini-golf course and have some fun together. You can place a friendly wager that the loser has to buy drinks at the end or give the winner a massage when you get home.
You’ll be in fits of laughter watching each other try to make it around the golf course. The added competitive element means your date is eager to win so they get the prize at the end. It’s another one of those ideas that brings laughter and enjoyment throughout the experience.
This date night idea isn’t strictly geared towards golf by the way. You can play other fun games or do different activities too. Bowling is another popular idea or you could try laser tag. Some couples have fun going to old arcades and playing all the games there. It’s up to you – the key to this date is to know what your partner likes and dislikes. If they hate mini-golf, do not take them to a mini-golf course!
Do something they like doing
Sometimes, the simplest date idea is to do something your date likes doing. If they enjoy going to museums or looking at art galleries, take them there! You’ll have fun watching them have fun, and that’s the important thing.
If you come up with the idea of going on a date, it’s your responsibility to plan everything out. Don’t you think it’s a bit rude to plan something that you like doing instead of doing what they enjoy? You never know, this could be your first and last date with the person, so you better make an effort!
The trick is to learn about the person’s interests and plan activities based on what they love. Go hiking if they’re a nature nut, see a comedy performance if they love standup or visit a winery if they’re a big wine enthusiast.
As well as being a wonderful way to kick off a first date, doing things the other person likes is ideal for keeping a healthy long-term relationship. When you plan the date, do what your partner loves the most. They’ll return the favour when they plan the date!
We could go on and on with other date night ideas, but the point remains the same. You don’t need to go to a restaurant to have a good date. In fact, dinner dates are becoming more and more boring. Impress your date by going the extra mile and planning something else.
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