PDF download Download Article PDF download Download Article

It's your turn to decide what to do and where to go on the next date. Yet, if you feel a little worried that he might not like your suggestion, or you simply lack any ideas at all about where to suggest you both go, this can feel fairly traumatic. Still, have courage; it's important to show him that you have ideas and that you're willing to direct the relationship too. After all, he isn't in this for you to be a doormat and he'll be delighted that you are arranging things too.

Part 1
Part 1 of 4:

Where would you like to go?

PDF download Download Article
  1. As part of this, consider how much it will cost, how far away it is, how long the activity will take and whether you have already done something similar before.
    • Do you want the date to be just the two of you or would also like friends to come along?
  2. While making a compromise now and then to do something he likes a lot that you don't much care for is part of the relationship, if this is the first time for asking him on a date, choose something you will feel comfortable about too. [1]
  3. Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 4:

Ways to ask your boyfriend on a date

PDF download Download Article
  1. This will depend on your relationship and how you usually contact each other too. You can text him, call him, email him, talk to him on IM (instant messenger), write him a nice letter, or speak face to face. [2]
    • You might also like to contact him one way, then follow up with another way, just to confirm his affirmation to going on the date, and the time, etc.
  2. It's a lot harder to say no or push aside someone's kind request when you're face to face. He'll see immediately how much effort this requires of you and be more willing to meet you all the way if you are together when you ask. Have courage––he cares about you after all!
  3. Advertisement
Part 3
Part 3 of 4:

Asking him

PDF download Download Article
  1. He is your boyfriend, after all. While he might say no, he is more likely to say yes, or to suggest you make another suggestion if he does say no. He isn't going to bite you or laugh at you; if he does, he's not boyfriend material.
  2. For example: [3]
    • "Are you doing anything this weekend? I have an idea for something we could do together."
    • "Any chance you're free this coming Thursday night? There's something I'd like to suggest we do together."
    • "Would you be free next week? I'd like to go somewhere together for a few days of the vacation if you are."
  3. Tell him what you'd like to do together, why you think it'd be fun and any other relevant details to help him reach his decision.
  4. Start planning the activity together.
  5. Advertisement
Part 4
Part 4 of 4:

What if he says no?

PDF download Download Article
  1. He actually means it and being pestered about it will end up irritating him and could sour things for you both. Just say something like: "Okay, maybe another time then", or "No problems. It'll keep until you're free." He'll appreciate the lack of pressure and the willingness to change your plans for him.
    • Leave off asking him again for at least a week. That way, you won't seem pushy or desperate.
  2. For example, if he says he has already seen a movie or doesn't like the genre you've suggested, have one or two different ones to offer instead. Or, switch from movies to skating/a sports game/dinner out, etc. Be ready with flexible options. [4]
    • Other possibilities include going to the park, the beach, out of town, etc.
    • Another option is to ask him what he'd rather do. However, it's a good idea to offer your ideas first, to show you've really thought about this. [5]
  3. He does need to think about it. This does not mean he is not interested in you; it means he needs to think about the activity. Feel free to say something like: "Sure, no worries. If you do want to, maybe you can let me know by tomorrow/Friday/the weekend, so that I can book tickets/reserve the seats/etc.".
  4. That's a good way of him dumping you. There are plenty of other times to ask again.
    • If he keeps declining your suggestions, it's a good idea to ask him what he'd rather do. If you feel you can't ever make suggestions, you might need to rethink the viability of the relationship, as all relationships are about give and take.
  5. Advertisement


Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Show More Tips
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • Don't dress snazzy, it may attract unwanted attention, unless your boyfriend likes to make other guys jealous on purpose. It will also make him think you worked too hard on planning this. This doesn't mean don't try to look cute- just don't go overboard.
      • Avoid being too clingy. Every once in a while, your boyfriend needs time by himself or with his friends. [6]
      Advertisement

      Things You'll Need

      • Money for spending on your date (not the money you're planning to pay the utilities with)
      • Your make-up bag (don't look in the mirror every five minutes, it's annoying)
      • Your trusty purse (don't tell him to hold it unless he's okay with it)

      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about relationships, check out our in-depth interview with Anna Svetchnikov .

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      You might feel nervous about asking your boyfriend on a date, but that's perfectly natural! Choose an activity that you both would enjoy, and simply reach out to him and ask him what he is doing on the day you’d like to have a date. Say something like “Are you doing anything this weekend? I have an idea for something we could do together.” If he says he’s free, ask him on the date and tell him what you’d like to do and why you think it would be fun. For more advice, like what to do if he says no, scroll down!

      Did this summary help you?
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 154,513 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Shauna Roberds

        Jun 16, 2016

        "This helped me a lot because I was wondering how to go on a date, like if I should go with a friend too and this ..." more
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement