Boating, Blankets and Bingo: Great First Date Ideas

We all know that you only get one chance to make a first impression, and that concept is even more amplified when it comes to dating. Remember our Do's & Don'ts? So how do you stand out in a crowd? How do you wow your date in this tough economy? Tired of the coffee shop meetings? The cliche dinner and a movie getting old? (How do you get to know someone while watching a movie anyway?) Well, we have some ideas to help you out!

Great First Date Ideas:

1.  A picnic: Way more private, economical, and intimate that a restaurant. Pack a blanket, some wine, cheese, sandwiches, fruit, turn off the cell phone and get talking! No interruptions from a waiter, no awkward 'who pays the check' at the end, just relaxed conversation.

2. Get active: By the first date, you probably know enough about each other to know what interests you have in common. At least one of those is probably something active! So go for a hike, Rollerblade, golf, bowling, boating, whatever it is that you like. Healthy competition is always an icebreaker! I do not recommend certain activities though, such as tennis, swimming, or your favorite yoga class, as those do not work well with getting to know someone at the same time.

3. Get cultural. Check out an art gallery, a museum or take a historic tour. Nothing starts up a conversation like a Monet versus a Rembrandt or whether the old house on the corner is haunted!

4. Be a kid! Go to the zoo, the amusement park, get an ice cream cone, play bingo, see a magic show. Who wouldn't want to be a kid for a day again? What an easy way to let your guard down and really be yourself!

No matter what you do, just make sure that the date is stress-free, and you can both relax and (hopefully) enjoy each other's company.  That's the only way to know if there is going to be a Date #2!