How to Plan a First Date

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Of all the dates you go on, a first date usually involves the most thought. You want to get to know the person in a fun, low-key atmosphere, but you don't want to do the same old first date formula. Instead of dinner and a movie, get creative. To help your first date go off without a hitch, we've got you covered!

1

Pick a central location.

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    Show your date that you're thinking of them by choosing a spot that's easy for them to get to. This lets them know you're considerate and you've made the date that much better by making it simple. [1]
    • For example, if you live on opposite sides of the city, look for something to do midtown or downtown.
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2

Set up a low-key afternoon date.

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    Plan on meeting up for an hour or so during the afternoon. This gives you a little time to decide if you'd like to see them again for a longer date or if it's not working out. [2]
    • People are busy! It can be hard to find time to fit in a first date so give a few suggestions for when you're free to meet up. Try to be flexible and work around the other person's schedule.
3

Do something simple and brief.

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    That way, if the two of you don't hit it off, you aren't stuck there with each other for hours on end. If you go to a movie or concert, you're pretty much locked into that activity until it ends. That can be a bit awkward if one of you just isn't feeling it! [3]
    • Need an escape plan? No problem—tell them thanks for meeting you for drinks, but you have to meet up with friends or get a project done.
    • If you're enjoying yourself, think of this as just the start of your date. You can switch venues or activities if your date's enjoying themselves too.
    • Reader Poll: We asked 399 wikiHow readers to tell us their favorite place for a first date, and 64% said that they'd want to meet up at a coffee shop. [Take Poll]
    • So if you're thinking of planning your awesome date at a local cafe, then there's a good chance that your date will be thrilled with your choice!
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4

Choose an activity where you can talk.

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    You don't want to go to the trouble of planning a date only to realize that you can't hear a word the person's saying! Instead of choosing a busy indoor spot, go somewhere quieter so you can focus on chatting and getting to know each other. [4] [5]
    • Walk through a cool historic neighborhood or walk around a farmer's market. Sometimes, just strolling and chatting is the best first date!
5

Plan something affordable.

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    A first date shouldn't break the bank, so avoid fancy places that cost a lot, especially if you think you'll hit more than one venue. Think of relaxed settings or laid-back activities you can do that will put your date at ease. Here are a few classic ideas to get you started: [6]
    • Having a picnic at the park
    • Taking a stroll at the beach, river, or lake
    • Walking through a neighborhood you've never been to before [7]
    • Getting ice cream
    • Playing mini golf
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6

Pick an activity based on common interests.

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    If you both love animals, go to the zoo or an animal shelter. If you're really into science or space, catch a planetarium show. Pick places that mean something to you both so your date enjoys it and gets to know you. [8]
    • If you're struggling to find a common activity or place to check out, split the date in two. Each of you plans half of the date. This also takes some of the pressure off of planning.
7

Try something adventurous.

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    If you prefer getting up and moving around to sitting and talking, ask your date if they're up for something sporty. You might go rock climbing, do indoor skydiving, or play frisbee golf. [9]
    • Amusement parks are also great first-date spots. You can walk and talk in between rides or grabbing a bite to eat.
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8

Pitch a unique or quirky idea.

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    Want more of a challenge? Book an escape room and see if you can make it out in time. If you're looking for an unusual first date, maybe walk around a cemetery or go on a tour of a supposedly haunted house in your area. Get creative! [10] [11]
    • Take a class can be really fun. You could make pottery or try a couple's cooking class.

How Can You Make a Good First Impression On a Date?


First Date Ideas

Have the Perfect First Date with this Expert Series

First dates can be intimidating. Skip the stress and plan the perfect first date with these expert articles.
1
Prepare For a Date
2
Plan a Date
3
Be Calm on a First Date
4
Succeed on a First Date
5
Be Safe on a First Date
6
Impress Your Date

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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.gearpatrol.com/archive/a129691/how-to-plan-a-first-date/
      2. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/lifetime-connections/201805/first-dates-how-short-is-too-short
      3. ↑ https://youtu.be/X3fDioZkPnY?t=169
      4. ↑ Lisa Shield. Dating Coach. Expert Interview. 11 March 2021.
      5. ↑ https://www.seventeen.com/love/dating-advice/advice/g1159/first-date-ideas/?slide=8
      6. ↑ https://www.society19.com/uk/casual-first-date-ideas-for-uni-students/
      7. ↑ Lisa Shield. Dating Coach. Expert Interview. 11 March 2021.
      8. ↑ https://www.seventeen.com/love/dating-advice/advice/g1159/first-date-ideas/?slide=2
      9. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/in-practice/201312/21-first-date-ideas
      1. ↑ Lisa Shield. Dating Coach. Expert Interview. 11 March 2021.
      2. ↑ https://www.seventeen.com/love/dating-advice/advice/g1159/first-date-ideas/?slide=6

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