Creating the perfect first date
by Chantelle Ashby

So, you’ve met someone! Maybe at work, in a bar, on the street, online .. it doesn’t matter where you met them, it’s where do you go and what do you do on your first date?

While going out for dinner or a film is always a popular choice for couples who are dating, as a first date, they can kill the relationship before it has even started! Why? Well, if you to see a film, a three-hour date with a film that lasts two and a half-hours is not a good way to get acquainted.– hardly a good way to really get know someone!

And if you go out for a meal, all sorts of things could go wrong! First of all, you may find that after half an hour, you don’t actually like your date that much – and you will still have two courses to get through! Or, you may have left the restaurant booking to your new date and they’ve picked somewhere completely unsuitable for your taste (eg you go to a steak house and your date is vegetarian ) and your budget (if you intend going Dutch)!

And, horror of horrors! The restaurant may dim the lights and soften the music, which can then make it look like you're on a romantic date – not an ideal setting if you are not sure that is what you want with your date!

So, what is the ideal first perfect date? Well, it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. The most important thing is that it is fun, relaxed and gives you time to get to know your date. It should also be fairly short, so that you can make a swift exit if things don’t go to plan!

Generally, a daytime meeting takes the heat off– so you have the perfect excuse to dash off for a later ‘appointment’ if your date isn’t going smoothly

The following are some ideas that will help you set the perfect stage for a first date ..

Lunch or going for a coffee is a great start!

It can last for just one coffee if it’s not going well or can last though lunch and afterwards when you go on somewhere else!

Go for a walk along the beach, river or in a park

A walk along a river, in the park or along the beach gives you things to see, time to talk and can be as short or as long as you like. Just make sure you are well prepared clothing wise beforehand – no one wants to spend time with someone who is frightened about getting their clothes dirty or is wearing their ‘best’ shoes while walking along a riverbank and whinging about it!

Do an activity together ..
Try doing an activity together such as bowling, bingo, even a sailing lesson - whatever else takes your fancy! However, biggest rule - dut don’t do something that is your passion. For example, if you are on the bowling team and you take your date to the bowling alley, they’ll feel embarrassed that they aren’t as good as you.

Also, if it is a place you regularly frequent – avoid it! While it is nice that everyone knows you, it can be a bit off putting for your partner if you are talking to acquaintances and your date is standing in the background. They may also feel like a bit of a ‘trophy’ date, like they have been brought along merely to be shown off!

Laugh yourselves silly
Go to your local comedy club and laugh yourselves silly. Comedy clubs have nice, relaxed atmospheres and you can always have a chat at the bar during the break.

Visit the funfair or a zoo
A great place for first dates, there is always so much to do and so many laughs, that you’ll enjoy yourselves even if you don’t actually like your date much!

So that’s it, ideas for your first date covered. All you need to do now is relax, show a genuine interest in your partner, keep the topics light (no one wants to hear how your met your ex on a prison bus or how he/she called you a ’manic’) and have a good time!

Then – if you want it – you’ll be planning your second date!

About the Author

Chantelle Ashby is online editor at UK Dating Online. An experienced dater of 16 years she has finally found true love and is happily married with a menagerie if animals.