If you’ve been in the dating world a while, chances are you’ve seen the inside of every other restaurant and bar in town. At a certain point, it just gets boring.
And if you feel this way, there’s a distinct possibility that your date-to-be feels exactly the same way. To that end, save each other from the drudgery of another run-of-the-mill date – where you chat about work over overpriced cocktails and try not to look sloppy while eating pasta – and do something exciting instead.
Here’s a list of four of the most common (read: boring) date ideas, each with a more exciting alternative you can try in its place.
Instead of Eating Out, Take a Cooking Class
It’s understandable: food is a basic element of a date. Psychologists maintain that eating is such a popular date pastime because it encourages mutual nourishment, which is a healthy foundation for a relationship. That’s fine. But, please, think beyond the restaurant!
Instead of eating out, try taking a cooking class together. Not only do you get the mutual nourishment mentioned above, but you also get to bond through learning a new skill, and you get to work together.
Instead of Bowling, Go Axe Throwing
Bowling was, at one time, an exciting new date activity. But that time was probably 60 years ago. Instead of bowling your way through another standard date, try the hot new activity on the block: axe throwing. It’s sort of like bowling, in a sense that you are aiming an object at a target, only axe throwing involved throwing a freaking axe, which is infinitely more exciting.
As a bonus, the sport is conducive to good conversation and it’s a great way to blow off some steam after a trying workweek. If you want to excite your date, See what axe throwing is all about – just don’t forget to wear flannel!
Instead of Going to the Movies, Head to an Improv Show
Movies are a passive date activity. They lock you in one position and force you to sit in silence for two-plus hours. Instead of paying for a movie ticket, take your next date to an improv show. The whole point of improv is that it’s a) interactive and b) unpredictable, of which a movie is neither. And, as they say, the couple that laughs together stays together!
Instead of Going for Beers, Do a Brewery Tour
The bar is perhaps one of the most popular date spots, but it’s not very imaginative. You can get that same social lubricant elsewhere, however, by leaving the barstool empty and heading to a brewery. Most breweries offer guided tours, which are a great way to imbibe without gluing yourself to a seat. In face, axe throwing and improv, mentioned above, also often serve alcohol – so they’re also options if you’re burnt out on bars.
Don’t suffer through another paint-by-numbers date. Surprise your date and yourself by choosing one of these exciting first date ideas.
