Finding Fun Date Ideas
by Alan Detwiler
Need an idea for what to do on a date? Here's how
to go about finding ideas for new and unusual dates that are enjoyable
and memorable.
The three most usual choices for what to do on a date
are dinner, a movie, and a public event such as a sports game or concert.
Those activities often give the couple several hours of time to enjoy
each other's company. But relying on those same activities too often,
leads to a loss of a sense of drama and a loss of a sense of importance
of the time spent together.
Human nature craves the out-of-the-ordinary. A new
experience raises awareness and pumps up our interest level. If a
couple continues to occasionally find new and unusual choices for
what to do, their time together will be more enjoyable.
Probably the best way to find new ideas for what to
do for a date is to make a point of being on the lookout for possibilities.
You might see something in the newspaper or in a magazine. Someone
you know could share an idea they have had. You never know when an
idea will present itself.
You should also actively search for new and unusual
things to do. A great place to look for ideas is web sites about things
you are interested in. Use Google or your favorite search engine.
Key in words or phrases that describe the activities and events that
you find interesting and enjoyable. Look through the list of web sites
found with the search. Browse the sites that seem most promising.
The local visitors' bureau is a possible source of
ideas. They will likely have many brochures about local attractions.
Look in the community events section of your newspaper. Check out
the listings with you county, city or community center. Look through
the brochures at the Chamber of Commerce.
Look in the yellow pages under headings such as canoeing,
rafting, kayaking, hiking, photography classes, and art museums. Check
the bulletin board at the library. Use your imagination to adapt what
you see at those places to suit your own interests and tastes. Once
you have identified a particular interest, go to shops that sell equipment
for that activity. Ask about events and programs in your locality.
Keep a list of possible activities. Have a place to
keep information such as brochures, maps, and visitors' guides. Set
up folders in your computer for storing information you have found
online. Use Notepad to copy and paste just what is of interest to
you. The File menu of most web browsers has a Save As command that
can be used to save an entire web page.
Be open to any suggestions and preferences your partner
has to offer. Try to be sensitive to his/her tastes and interests.
Give almost as much importance to his/her enjoyment of the date as
your own enjoyment. After all, you probably won't enjoy the date if
your partner doesn't.
Try to choose activities that give enough opportunities
for communication. Conversation and comments you and your date make
to each other are often the most important part of the date. Couples
need to find out each other's values and interests. Couples need reassurance
and the stimulation of each other's ideas. Pursue your own interests.
Being passionate about something makes you more interesting.
Revive an old dream lurking in your memory. Or pursue a recent fantasy.
What you do and where you go on a date is not so critical if the person
you are spending time with is interesting and caring.
Finally, stay informed to stay interesting. Keep up
with current events and issues. Listen to the news and news commentary
programs. One good source I like is the websites of National Public
Radio.
Alan Detwiler is the author of the ebook "Date
Ideas: Fun Things To Do For Couples" available at www.Amazon.com.
He has a web site with a section about fun things to do for couples
at www.leisureideas.com/date
ideas.htm
