The thrill of a first date! The excitement, the anticipation, the butterflies in your stomach! It’s definitely not dread! 😉

But seriously, first dates should be exciting — they’re a chance to meet someone new and explore the potential for a beautiful connection. As a dating coach and personal stylist, I’ve had the pleasure of guiding countless individuals through the realm of first dates. And to make sure you’re feeling all of the thrill and none of the dread, today we’re going to explore first date ideas that are actually fun and different, and share valuable tips to make you feel like a 10 out of 10 on your date.

The Foundation of First Dates: Authenticity and Openness

Before we dive into first date ideas, let’s lay the groundwork for a successful encounter. Authenticity and openness are the cornerstones of any meaningful connection. Be genuine and true to yourself—let your date experience the real you. Embrace vulnerability and allow yourself to be open to new possibilities. Remember, it’s not about impressing someone with a carefully curated persona; it’s about building a genuine bond.

First Date Idea 1: The Classic Coffee Date – With a Twist

A coffee date is a timeless choice, but let’s add a twist to keep it out of job interview territory. Instead of meeting at a standard café, why not try a unique, funky coffee shop known for its vast record collection, rotating gallery walls, or latest pastry innovation (remember cronuts)? This makes for an un-stuffy setting and lots to talk about. Debate the merits of the two weird seasonal lattes: go!

First Date Idea 2: An Afternoon Nature Stroll

Nature has a magical way of bringing people together. Take a leisurely walk through your local nature preserve or botanical garden. The beauty of nature creates a level of romance and intimacy that’s otherwise hard to come by on a daytime date, and conversations often flow more naturally when you’re walking side-by-side vs sitting face-to-face.

First Date Idea 3: Exploring Local Art Galleries

For an artsy and culturally enriching experience, visit local art galleries or museums. There is SO much to talk about, joke about, debate about, and share stories about when exploring art exhibits, especially contemporary galleries of artists with fascinating backstories who are making names for themselves. Learn if you and your date share a deep creative connection, or if you find the same types of pieces totally impenetrable (and then giggle about them over a glass of wine afterwards).

First Date Idea 4: Interactive Cooking Class

Cooking together is fun on its own, but cooking together in a class is a blast (plus, no clean-up required!). Sign up for an interactive cooking class where you can bond over trying new recipes, finding out whose knife skills are better and whose measuring is more precise, and collaborating to create delicious dishes. The shared laughter and teamwork will make the date feel like an adventure.
​

Valuable First Date Tips:

1. Dress Comfortably and Confidently: Wear an outfit that makes you feel comfortable and confident. Be yourself, and let your personality shine through your style. Wear one thing – a bright pop of jewelry, a new shirt, a pretty silk scarf, sparkling white sneakers, whatever it may be – that makes you feel awesome and elevated from your normal day-to-day.

2. Arrive Early and Relaxed: Give yourself enough time to arrive at the venue early, so you’re not rushed or stressed. Arriving composed sets a positive tone for the date.

3. Be Present and Engaging: Put away your phone and be fully present during the date. Engage actively in the conversation and show genuine interest in what your date has to say. In other words, “Be where your feet are,” as sports CEO Scott O’Neil says. I’ve always loved that phrase!

4. Avoid Excessive Interview-Style Questions: You know how big I am on asking questions (particularly those digging-deeper follow-up questions), but remember that a date is not an interview! Don’t bombard your date – let the conversation flow naturally, and share your own stories too.

5. Embrace Humor and Laughter: Laughter is the universal language of connection. The best dates I’ve been on are the ones where I’ve laughed the hardest. Don’t be afraid to share your own brand of humor, be it dry wit or dad jokes or silliness!

6. Be Respectful of Boundaries: Respect your date’s personal space and boundaries. Be attentive to their cues and make sure you’re both comfortable throughout the date.

7. Say Yes to Second Chances: Not every first date has a fairytale ending, and that’s okay. Sometimes chemistry takes time to develop. If you had a pleasant time and your date was kind, give it a second chance.​

8. Express Gratitude: At the end of the date, express gratitude and thank your date for their company. A simple gesture of appreciation goes a long way!

The next first date you go on might be the one you tell for years to come about meeting your soulmate – so make it a good one! Set yourself up for all the first date success in the world with these tips and first date ideas. Learn your personal recipe for making first dates FUN, and you’ll never dread another again 🙂

Happy dating,
Alyssa

PROFILE IN AN HOUR: The Only DIY Profile Kit Out There

Designed for getting your profile Swipe-Right ready in as little time as possible. With Profile in an Hour, you’ll learn to avoid the most common pitfalls that make for an undesirable profile while building a winning profile that attracts individuals who match your lifestyle and standards.

$79

LEARN MORE

MORE ABOUT DATES

<< MORE DATING APP ADVICE