Date Night: Beyond Dinner and a Movie

April 16, 2010, By Jeff Waddle 0 comments

The weekend is fast approaching and you’re staring date night straight in the face. There is no movie out right now that you haven’t already seen or care to, so the standard dinner and a movie are unappealing. But, you’ve got to come up with something and the pressure’s on. So what’s it going to be Romeo, and will she like it? Or, are you doomed to sit through "Revenge of the Nerds 5" on TV? Fear not, we’re here to help.

Keep it Simple

Whether you’re just getting to know someone or you’ve been dating or married for quite some time, the best dates are typically those that allow you to relax, wind down from a hectic week and reconnect with each other. So, look for simple ways to enjoy each other’s company, like a stroll or bike ride through a favorite park followed by a takeout picnic dinner or window shopping in town.

Capture Some Culture

Taking in the local cultural scene is usually a safe bet for a successful date. Most towns have an arts district where Friday night gallery hop events take place each month, and some museums occasionally stay open late on weekends.

A little culture doesn’t have to mean a lot of money, either. Check the activities listings in newspapers as well as the websites of the local visitors bureau and chamber of commerce and you might just find free concerts in the park or low-cost performances at colleges, community theater groups or even high schools. Saving on the entertainment means you can splurge on dinner or a special bottle of wine you’ve had your eye on.

Do Something Different

Shake up your dating routine by doing something completely different. Take a mini-road trip across town to a restaurant, nightclub, park or shops you’ve never visited. Or, do something that hasn’t been on your radar screen for a long time like bowling, ice skating, canoeing or taking in a sporting event at your (or your date’s) former high school or college. Be a tourist in your own town by taking a sightseeing boat cruise or a horse-drawn carriage ride through downtown.

Double Date

You may not be in high school anymore but the trusted double-date from those days often can break you out of the dating rut. Look for things that will get everyone talking like comparing notes at a wine tasting or arts and crafts festival. Double-dating also takes the pressure off you to keep the conversation going, and you can usually sneak in some sports or business talk with your buddy while the women are chatting.

Ask Her

Want to earn some Brownie Points? Ask her if there is something she has wanted to do for a while but hasn’t gotten around to it or worse, was afraid to bring it up for fear you’d hate the idea. Maybe she’s been dying to go dancing or horseback riding, sit in on the Friday night poetry reading at the neighborhood café or take a cooking class.

It may not be on the top of your list but hey, it’s only one night and you’re spending it with her. And, next time you want to go to the ballgame or wrestling match, you’ll likely get less resistance.

Jeff Waddle is a featured contributor to ManoftheHouse.com.