Let’s face it. There’s isn’t much that can be more nerve wracking than a first date. This is especially true if you really like the girl, and you really want to impress her. However, there are loads of first date horror stories that are result of the guy either trying too hard, or not trying hard enough.
While you might not think that the planning of the date is not all that important, you couldn’t be more wrong. Planning is crucial, and the lack of it can pretty much guarantee that there won’t be a second date, or that all important third date.
Rethink the dinner and a movie idea, and read on for some seriously creative first date ideas that are certain to make her swoon.
Take Her on a Picnic
Girls love picnics, and asking your date to join you outside for food and wine is about as romantic as it gets. However, you need to make sure that it’s a proper picnic, and not a sack of take out burgers and a six pack of beer.
If you can cook, make something yourself. A cold pasta salad, roast chicken, cupcakes or tarts, and a good bottle of wine, or two, is a simple meal to put together, but she’ll think that you slaved away for hours, or even days, to impress her.
If you can’t cook, you have a few options. Put together a few things that only require the opening of jars or packages. Several different cheeses, olives, hummus, bread, and a desert, again accompanied by wine, is easy but still quite classy.
Take Her on an Adventure
Just because you’re likely to only be together for a few hours doesn’t mean that you can’t do something wild and crazy. Ask her a few questions to determine just how adventurous she is, then plan accordingly.
Obviously, you could go skydiving or bungee jumping, and if you feel that she, and you, can handle it, then that might be a good choice. For those who might like to stay a little closer to the ground you could go kayaking, hiking, geocaching, or golfing. Anything that gets you outdoors and having fun is a good thing.
Volunteer
If you’re the type of guy who volunteers on a regular basis, chances are that you want to date a girl who does the same. Volunteering on a first date is a great way to make sure that she’s as generous as you.
If you don’t volunteer it’s still a way to get to know someone. See if your local animal shelter needs someone to walk or groom the dogs, donate time to the local food pantry, or attend a beach cleanup. You’ll both be helping, and you’ll get to know each other too.
Movie and Dinner
I know that I said dinner and a movie was not going to cut it, and I mean that, but there are a few ways to liven that scenario up a bit. One of the best ways to do that is to see the movie first. It’s a sure fire way to guarantee that you’ll have something to talk about over dinner.
Also, if your area offers movies in the park, or something similar, take advantage of that. It’s relaxing and comfortable, and you can bring your own food and wine.
Regardless of what you decide to do, just make sure that you put a bit of thought into the planning. She’ll thank you for it, and everyone will go home happy.
Photo credit to Petra Wendt via Flickr