New First Dates to Blow Him Away
Forget the old fancy dinner and cheesecake routine, it's time we women take the reigns and start planning dates that aren't that same old pasta dish we're used to! It's the 21st afterall, and it's about time we use our feminine prowess to surprise our date in a new arena. Bonus, this guide might just give you the courage to ask HIM out tonight!
Adventure Sports
Half of the fun of going on a first date is experiencing being together, but that doesn't mean the entire focus has to be on each other right from the get-go. If you're the shy type, and would like a little adrenalin to loosen you both up, heighten your excitement levels, and make it easier to talk afterwards (anything is easy after you bungy jump right!?) go for an adventurous first date. Start with activities you've been dying to test, like a rock climbing class, a hike nearby, or rent jetskis and have a fun game of splash tag before sitting down for fish and chips. This is a great way to let him see your fun side. Plus, should you be daring enough to really try a terrifying sport, you'll get a chance to see both of each other's vulnerable side while you trust your guts, and he might just get a chance to show his supportive side cheering you on!
Cooking classes
Rather than eat at a restaurant that you and your ex likely visited, learn to cook together. Nothing has the same exciting tensity as being side by side and holding off the romance that is surely palpable. Take a sushi class, or even a wine tasting so that you can both explore a new (sensual) subject, and give center stage to all those fun, non-verbal flirtations you're always wanting to show him. After all, they say the way to a man's heart is through his stomach...
Take in a show
Dinner and a movie is more than spent, but that doesn't mean a little entertainment can't be a bonding experience on a first date. Rather than a movie, check out a stand-up comedy show, find out if there are any free music shows in your area like jazz or Shakespeare in the park (great for a picnic!), or even a fashion show. It's ok to take him out of his comfort zone; after all, you're going to expect him to relate to you even on topics he doesn't like or understand. Showing him you are open, and asking him to be as well, will open up the possibility of free communication from the start.
Add the Element of Surprise
In the case that he asked you out, and you've ever had a conversation with him, surprise him by turning down the romantic dinner he has planned in favor of doing one of his favorite activities. Does he frequent a local shooting range? Have him teach you to aim. Does he love a local sports team? Take in the game an take out at home later. Is he a movie buff? Ask him to take you to his favorite vintage theater to see a classic (and explain why it's so good to you over coffee after). If you like him, he'll have plenty of time to woo you and impress you with expensive wine later. Now is a great time to get to know him and see what he's really like in his own environment. It'll better clue you in on what he's really like.
photo credit: zephyrcave
