That first date: there’s only one thing every “first date” should involve, and that’s spending the time in getting to know one another. Nothing else. First dates ideas should put forth some creative thought, yet refrain from being over the top.
Considering a “first date“, it’s the first time you are either meeting in person, or it’s the first time you are exclusively spending time together (one-on-one) in exploring possible further romantic interest. And depending on your beliefs in dating, a date is defined with the intent to exploring a possible romantic and emotional connection.
And with that, many people still have traditional beliefs of courtship and romanticism – while modern dating focuses more on simply two people sharing their time together without expectations. But, we still live in a world filled with closet romantics, or helplessly romantic daters.
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And this is OK, because no matter what there are always going to be helpless romantics in this world – and we desperately need them, and continue to embrace the traditional roles of Romanticism. The part we tend to confuse with Romanticism is that: being “romantic” isn’t just spelled out with a dozen roses, candlelit dinners, champagne and feeding each other chocolate covered strawberries.
Being romantic, or a hopeless romantic is an expression – whether having “gentlemen” characteristics, creating and sharing sentimental value in dating and relationships, or having a traditional, selfless and idealist outlook on Love.
But unfortunately, a terrible date is still a terrible date, even if it’s at a 5-star dinner with the most expensive bottle of champagne. And the hopeless romantic isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, especially right off the bat. Here are 23 date ideas for the hopeless romantic that help in creating a romantic environment without going over the top – especially on the first date.
Low-key romantic date ideas to see if there’s a spark
Casual dining
After dinner cocktail and dessert (dinner not included)
Go for brunch (there’s no such thing as being “friend-zoned” with daytime dining)
Grab coffee at a coffee shop (somewhere other than “Starbucks”)
Ice cream (go out of the box – gourmet, gelato, italian ice, etc.)
Attend a trivia night at a restaurant
A picnic (don’t overdo it with champagne and chocolate covered strawberries – sandwiches and a bottle of wine, instead!)
Movie on the lawn
Visit a botanical garden/museum
Attend a sporting event (of mutual interest)
Engage in an activity (that still allows for conversation)
Bowling
Mini Golf
Arcade
Pottery/Painting Class
Cooking Class
Wine/Beer Tasting
Take your pup(s) to the dog park
Go to the farmer’s market
Hit up a brewery for craft “flights” (more imaginative than just a night at the bar)
Attend a Carnival/Festival (check your local listings)
Check out a zoo/aquarium
Browse and get lost in a bookstore
Take a walk on the beach at sunset (end the date sending off sky lanterns)
Walk and shop at a flea market or shopping strip
Interested in more date ideas? Here are outdoor date ideas for outdoorsy couples, and date ideas that will deepen your relationship.
