Going on a first date is nerve-wracking. We've all been there.
Establishing interest in another person on dating apps is easy, and not being fully aware of a potential love interest's nuances and idiosyncratic behavior can be mysteriously sexy.
But when two people into each other are ready for the next step by meeting in person, nerves can make you do and say awkward things that can ruin the person's perception of you.
To take the edge off a little, meeting at a bar or restaurant and starting the romantic evening off with a glass of wine is an ideal option for a first date.But not everyone has the luxury, or option, of being able to leisurely imbibe alcohol any time they want to.
"What’s a good first date that doesn’t involve alcohol?"
Being entertained is a great way to experience something together without having to worry about initial small talk.
Catch A Flick
"Movie I think is fine, but if it's around 7 or 8PM and you get out with some time left in the night. I say that because it gives you a shared experience and something to connect and talk about which can be a good icebreaker. Not ideal first date but in a pinch it can work."
– Jennyferr0412
Don't Blow Your Cover
"Not a comedy club - if they find out you're on a first date you will get roasted without mercy."
"Source: Been there, done that."
– ConsultantForLife
Get Roasted, Not Toasted
"Great first date if your date is already a friend and you know their taste in comedy and tolerance for the obligatory hazing."
– ThrownAway3764
Getting Down With Marine Life
"Aquarium. Make sure to hold hands."
– AiharaSisters
Some prefer engaging in an activity, where being anti-social is not an option.
Friendly Competition
"Find a place with board games and go there."
– decendingvoid
Scaling New Heights
"My SO and I had our first date at a climbing gym."
– Shantor
Get Cheesy
"My husband took me to a cheese factory on our first date."
"There were free samples. A tour of the new factory, and a heritage tour of the original wooden building and dairy."
"That was a good first date."
– FormalMango
Raising The Bar
"It wasn't our first date, but the first time I brought my girlfriend(now wife) to my hometown I took her on a tour at Saranac in Utica NY. She loved it."
"Downside though, some of the dates after that were kinda boring because that one went so well. It was hard to follow up"
– I_AM_DEATH-INCARNATE
Putting Around
"Mini golf is the best first date ever."
– woolsocksandsandals
Knock Down Pins
"bowling is really good as long as she's into it. There's a slight friendly competition to see who wins, and you can get food/drinks and talk a ton. great time to not be uptight and just be a lil goofy and friendly."
– LuxerIsCool
Can You Work Together?
"Hear me out. An escape room. You’ll never know if you can actually love that person until you’re both trapped in a room."
–Thaanos_
Excursions are a great option, but it would be wise to consider the following:
Not Recommended
"As a woman who loves hiking: absolutely do not go on a hike as a first date, or if you really want to then make it a double date. Unless she already knows you (and even then...) she will be on edge/scared the entire time, more likely than not turn the whole thing down."
– DiscussionPale3216
Stay In The Public Eye
"Try walking at a beach or some other place where you always be in sight of many other people. I live near a very busy rail trail, but that does NOT meet the standard of ALWAYS visible."
"I live near an upscale strip mall, and my first few dates with my wife we got froyo and walked the mall. Window shopping can help provide interesting items to keep the conversation flowing."
– NCBGLC1912
Window Shopping
"Something that I've done with first dates off of dating sites/apps is go to a food court in a mall. This accomplishes a few things: 1) You are meeting for the first time in a public place. 2) There's a wide variety of food to choose from, with the added bonus that you can get a clue of where to take her on a second date. 3) After eating you two can walk around the mall, do some window shopping, maybe blow a few bucks at the arcade. etc."
– II_Confused
Outdoor Seating Preferred
"Picnic is a great idea. If you go to a crowded park in your area so they’re not on edge that way you can control what you’re eating and drinking."
– whitehat_creamer
Getting Icy
"I’m a skater and went skating on a first date with a non skater. I thought it’d be fun, I could wear a cute outfit, and maybe showcase a skill to show myself in a good light. What I didn’t anticipate was that he was so uncoordinated that I lost all interest in him."
– EmmeryAnn
I went to a Six Flags park as a first date once, and that was a lot of fun.
It's a good mix of gradually getting to know the other person while waiting in line to get on one of the rides and experiencing the thrill of a roller coaster together.
When the adrenaline is pumping and your heart is throbbing, it's a great ice-breaker that could culminate in the greatest thrill of all at the end of the day–That first kiss.