Dating is a frustrating yet necessary aspect of finding a partner. And the first date can often be the worst, especially if you did not know your date previously. First dates can be awkward and forced as you try to determine if a complete stranger is good for you. While it is uncomfortable and frustrating, it is often one of the only options. But, luckily, we have some ideas for first dates that can make your experience a little less awkward.
Coffee
The best part about a coffee date is that it can be almost anything. Coffee could mean fifteen minutes at the Starbucks around the corner, then dipping if things don’t go well. It can also be talking for hours in your favorite hipster coffee shop. Going out for coffee is one of the chillest first date ideas, and it does not put pressure on anyone. Plus it is super cheap.
Drinks
Drinks are a classic form of first date interaction. Going out for drinks is similar to a coffee date, but it raises the bar a little bit. Everyone dresses a little nicer and it is night time. But alcohol can also relieve some of the pressure of getting to know someone. It is a great way to loosen yourself up a little bit. But be wary of not leaving your drink alone, especially if you are out with someone who you don’t know. Although alcohol is a fun personal choice, it is also correlated with date rape. Going for drinks can still be fun, just make sure to be careful.
Walk on the Beach
There are a million different things you can do on a beach to make any date fun. With this date you will figure out if your partner enjoys romantic moments or if they just want to splash you in the face (which can also be acceptable). A trip to the beach is romantic and fun at the same time and has unlimited possibilities for getting to know each other.
A Trip to Costco
There is never a bad time to go on a trip to Costco. Using it as a first date can help you figure out if your date is the kind of person you would want to settle down with. So they get excited over matching pillows or basic household items? Plus you two can eat all the free samples you want. Why pay for dinner, when you can just go to Costco?
See Also: How to Bail When a Date Turns…uhh, Horrible !
Group Date
Maybe you don’t know anything about your partner, or maybe you’re just shy. Group dates alleviate a lot of the pressure of a first date. It is a great way to avoid lulls in a conversation because there will be other people there, so not all the pressure is on you. Group dates can also show you how your possible-future beau interacts with your friends or other people.
Party
Similarly to a group date, parties are great because you don’t have to be alone with your date the whole night. It is a great way to see your partner in a group setting and take away the awkwardness of being alone. Also parties are tons of fun, and there are plenty of interesting things you and your date can do together.
Ice Skating
Sometimes all a first date needs is a good ice breaker. Having a specified activity to do together is a great way to keep things movie. Run out of conversation topics? Just skate together a bit. It does not matter how talented you are at ice skating, almost anyone can do it. If you fall you can have a good laugh, and maybe it will be a nice memory to tell at your wedding one day.
Bowling
Much like with ice skating, bowling is a great organized activity to do on a first date. Even if you are bad at it, you can order some pizza and beers, and just hang out with your date. Or hit up the arcade that exists in basically every bowling alley. Bowling is a great way to keep the date night centered on one activity.
Netflix and Chill
Maybe you already know where you want the night to head, so just be upfront about it. Although a Netflix and Chill date is not about getting to know the person, it can still be a lot of fun. Plus you have to test the goods before you make a commitment to someone. Rules such as ‘not having sex until the third date’ don’t work for everyone. If you want to have sex on the first date, do it (with consent).
Trip to a Museum
There are too many museums in New York to list in this article, but all of them can be great choices. You can pick a museum of common interest, or go visit the ones that are the most well known. Museums are a great intellectual activity that help you see how much your partner cares about knowledge. You can find out if your date is like minded in their cultural thoughts.
Carriage Ride in Central Park
This is not a cheap date idea, but it definitely is a romantic one. What New York based rom com does not include a carriage ride through Central Park? You can see the park without lifting a finger. Carriage rides make you feel like a princess as you ride past the people below.
