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Belt Out Some Karaoke, Hit Up a Concert and More Tips To Ensure You Have the Perfect First Date

13 Tips To Ensure You Have the Perfect First Date

Home & Living

Dec 15, 2019 10:31 am·

By Leanne Aciz-Stanton

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We all know how awkward and intimidating first dates can be. Skip the typical dinner and drinks routine and get creative with your first hangout to help establish a solid — and potentially long-term — connection with a new flame.

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“Plan dates that include experiences,” dating coach Alexis Germany advises on how to break the ice. “Sharing an experience can help you learn more about the other person and is less awkward than staring at a complete stranger across the dinner table all night. Having an activity to focus on makes for a more relaxed environment so you can really get to know each other.”

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Go to the Game

Keep your eye on the ball! If you’re both fans, sports can be just the ticket for a stress-free first date. “Both people can get to know each other and how they react at events like this,” relationship coach Golicic says. “It also has lots of things going on in case some awkward silences pop up at the beginning.”

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Take a Painting Class

Things might get messy but in the best way possible. Pick up a paintbrush — and perhaps a cocktail or two — and get creative. These popular classes offer a great opportunity to get to know someone without the stress of having to maintain constant conversation. Any lulls? Just go back to your canvas.

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Try an Escape Room

Test your mental skills with a new date in an escape room, where you’ll need to solve different puzzles and mysteries in order to get out in an allotted amount of time. “An escape room is a surefire way to get to know your date quickly,” matchmaker Laura Bilotta says. “You’ll have to use teamwork, and the task at hand will keep the two of you talking without awkward lulls.”

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Visit a Museum

Get a little culture while you learn about your date. “Visiting one or several museums can be a great first date,” Michelle Ngome, a networking expert, says. “Many museums are free, affordable or accept donations. This gives the couple a chance to have casual small talk and understand each other’s perspective on life based on art.” 

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Tour a Vineyard

Going to a wine tasting or visiting a nearby vineyard or brewery is a great way to get to know your date over drinks while learning about small-batch brewing or wine varieties. (Added bonus, at most wine tastings you spit out the wine instead of swallowing, so there’s less danger that you’ll get sloshed.) If things go well, you can extend the outing for a post-activity meal.

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Get Competitive

Doing an activity such as bowling or playing pool together can help you bond on a date by having fun — and letting down your guard. “Bowling is an example of an ‘action date’ or dates focused around an entertaining physical activity, with a little hint of happy childhood and nostalgia thrown in for good measure,” according to dating coach Harris O’Malley. “The physical activity gets the endorphins flowing and helps put you in a good mood, instead of sitting awkwardly across from each other trying to figure out what you’re going to ask next or worrying that you’re giving the impression that you’re too interested.”

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Meet for Coffee

Keep things casual and easy by getting together for a cup of joe on the first date. There are fewer expectations, and coffee shops usually have a low-key atmosphere, helping nervous daters to relax and be themselves. You can also learn a lot about a potential significant other by their order (half-caff, sugar-free, no foam? You might be dealing with a high-maintenance date).

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Check Out Some Comedy

“A great way to ditch the tired dinner-and-drinks combo is to grab a cocktail and go to a comedy show,” Bilotta suggests. “Having a drink first will help you get comfortable and acquainted. Hopefully the show you see is funny, but even if it isn’t, you’ll have lots to talk about afterwards.”

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Attend a Concert

“Similar to a sports event, there are times when talking isn’t required,” reasons relationship coach Susan Golicic, Ph.D. “I would suggest something on the more mellow side to start with, but this is a chance to have fun moving and singing to the music.” Or look for a bar that offers live music you can enjoy together.

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Make a Meal

Instead of going out for a bite, whip something up together to see whether the relationship has heat. “I usually suggest a cooking class because it’s hands-on,” says certified sex coach Sunny Rodgers, explaining, “It’s a safe place and offers a shared experience that allows for lots of topics to discuss.”

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Play Games

No, not emotional games! “Bars are popping up that are filled with old-school arcade games and Skee-Ball,” points out relationship expert David Bennett. Playing pinball or Pac-Man offers a fun diversion while you and your date get to know each other.

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Sing Karaoke

Go ahead and belt out “Don’t Stop Believin’ ” — even if you’re no Lady Gaga. Being silly is a great way to counter first-date nerves. “Nothing draws us close to someone like a willingness to share with openness and honesty,” professional counselor Michelle Puster says. “A demonstration of such vulnerability shows confidence and an effort to get to know someone by sharing about themselves first.”

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Go to Trivia Night

Show off your mental skills during trivia night at a local bar. Have some cocktails while impressing your date with your extensive knowledge — or by having a laugh at the questions you miss. “The enthusiasm and excitement that come with a little friendly competition bleed nicely into physical attraction,” dating coach O’Malley says. “Racing heartbeats, high-fives that turn into locked fingers when you get the questions right, the excited hug when you realize you’re in the lead… you may be getting that first kiss long before you’re saying goodnight on your date’s doorstep.”