30 Perfect First Dates

The world of first dates is full of potential for disaster. Apart from the fact that if you get it wrong you could lose a potential dream relationship there are the other worries too. Will you even like him or her? What if you run out things to say? Will you make a fool of yourself? What if you're really boring? What if she/he has bad breath? Or worse still what if you have bad breath?!

One way to take the pressure off slightly is to pick an environment for your first date where you would both feel comfortable and occupied. Not all first dates are simply a meal and a movie. However it might be an idea to check and see if your prospective date would cope with the chosen environment. For example choose a summer picnic and find she suffers chronically from hayfever, go to an all you can eat barbeque under the stars only to find they're vegetarian, she suffers from vertigo and you're taking her rock climbing...)

Bear in mind you're meeting your date to get to know them a little better. You're gonna need to talk at some point. Headbanging music, manic activity etc might not be terribly helpful. Furthermore if you are meeting a stranger for your first date your options must be limited to what's safe and sensible and ALWAYS tell someone where you are going and who with and what time you hope to be back.

Great first date ideas When you're more comfortable in the crowd Group events will show how your date interacts with others. A perfect first date in a crowd might be:

A day at the races - horse racing, dog racing, or car racing. Fun to watch and can be even better if your date is passionate about horses/cars etc

Casino - all bets are off! Spend the evening in a casino and a great way to observe how your potential date copes with pressure. And winning or losing!

Zoo - A lovely place for animal lovers to spend a first date and there's always something to talk about. From the animals themselves to environmental issues to travel

Aquarium - For the more ocean orientated this can be a lot of fun and again there can be much to talk about.

Art Gallery or Museum - If you're both into history or the arts what a great way of learning each others tastes and interests.

Amusement park - Thrill seekers. If she copes with the scariest ride in the park does that mean you're a pair?

Tourist bus trip - We all live in places where we walk past things everyday and have no idea of their origin or significance. Take a tourist bus trip around your home town - possibly open topped - and learn things together.

Boat trip - the same applies for a boat trip along the local river/lake. Bet you're lived there all your life and never done the trip. Make the most of the opportunity.

Cinema - This doesn't leave a lot of scope for talking but it can be a good way to break the ice

Theatre - The same applies to the above but it can be an enjoyable evening in a more formal way and the intervals can be a good time to chat and learn each other

Concert - noisy possibly but if you're both into a certain band/group it can be an excellent ice breaker

Comedy act - What better way to start a relationship than full of laughter?

If you're more comfortable being active on a date. Action dates are great for interaction between you which helps to create a bond with your date. Activities together will give the impression that you have spent more time with your date than you actually have and make you feel as if you know them more.

Mini golf - a step back into childhood possibly. And you can see how he copes with not winning;-)

Bowling - Your own lane, own table, you can talk to each other and you don't have to stare at each other the whole time.

Ice skating - Fun to do and it gives you both a perfect excuse to hold on to each other.

Paintball - Pull that trigger, sweat it all out and enjoy. Forget the paint and the mud all over you. Forget the poise and see the best and the most unwanted in each other.

Lasertag - Similar to the above but without so much adrenaline. Or muck.

Kite flying - A seriously romantic way to spend a first date and bound to win you some great brownie points - Years later people will ask about your first date and she'll say, 'He took me kite flying.' and everyone will go 'Ahhh, how romantic!'.

Sand karting - Unusual and fun.

Go-karting - Check the driving skills and see whether your date is a potential speed freak maniac or a back seat driver who tells you how to drive.

Billiards/Pool - Apart from being active and fun you can place a bet along the lines of loser cooks dinner for the winner. A great set up for the next date.

Dancing - Take her to a learn Salsa/Line dancing etc. (Check and see if she's keen first! She might be a professional dancer or have two left feet and the thought of showing off her lack of grace might be a big no no.)

Food based first dates

Go on a picnic - Picnics rank high; they're casual. If the date gets tricky you can go kick a soccer ball together or throw a frisbee.

Drink in a bar - A nice time limiting way to get to know each other. If you like each other you can go on to a restaurant afterwards.

Coffee shop - First dates aren't limited to evenings - sometimes enjoying a great coffee in a small cafe can be a perfect start

Go to a themed restaurant - Japanese where the chef cooks in front of you, or eat in the dark (Dans le Noir) Greek where you throw your crockery after you've finished eating. The options are many and can be a great focal point when conversation gets sticky.

Adrenaline junkies? Or just want to do something truly spectacular for your first date?

Bungee jump - Take a leap of faith. Your relationship and the jump!

Giant swing - See the fall at Oribi Gorge - if she or he is still keen on the idea of dating you then it's well worth exploring the idea.

Hot air balloon - A very romantic way of enjoying a first date, not only is it an awesome experience, you both get to know each other in a unique environment.

Abseiling and rock climbing - There are many indoor and outdoor climbing facilities and what better way to learn about the ups and downs before you than by climbing!

Please remember always tell someone where you are going and if you're meeting a stranger always meet in public.

If you're looking for fun activities and ideas for things to do go to find-fun. They currently have over a 1000 great ideas, and growing, to meet all budgets, ages and weather!

Written by Jen Errico - reluctant housewife, happy mum, author and web designer.
Love-writing.co.uk - on writing and the meaning of life ;-)