It’s something most of us have experienced. You start messaging a cutie on Tinder/LinkedIn/Yelp, things are going well, and you exchange phone numbers. And then, after a few days of small talk and well-timed memes, they suggest that you hang out. That’s right—this mysterious entity of blue text bubbles is about to become a real human with an actual moving face.
Taking things from the small screen to the real world is a huge leap, and you need to be ready to blow some minds if you want to snag that second date. Of course, you could always go grab some lunch or see a movie, but those ideas are old and worn out. In this competitive world of dating, you need to take it to the next level, and I’m here to help. So here are five fresh and inspired ideas guaranteed to wow your date.
1. Hulu and hang.
Personally I’m not someone who likes to go out and do high-energy activities. Sitting inside with some ice cream and a good movie sounds like a perfect night for me. Netflix and chill seems like it would be the perfect solution if you’re like me, but that is not memorable at all; everyone and their brother has suggested Netflix and chill as a date! The solution? Hulu and hang! Just sign up for a Hulu Plus account (you can purchase one or just use the free limited-time trial), get yourself a bowl of kale chips (popcorn is so basic), and snuggle up with your date for some relaxing fun!
2. Go to a dog park.
Are you one of those people that tend to be awkward when meeting someone new? I know I am! A perfect way to avoid any uncomfortable moments is by having your first date at a dog park. It’s sort of like when you’re at a party and you end up avoiding everyone to play with the host’s dog all night. If you and your date run into any weird pauses in conversation where neither one of you really knows what to say, you can just turn and play with a cute puppy! It will trick your date into thinking that you’re not awkward at all and that all of these otherwise uncomfortable moments were just well-planned cuddle breaks. You’ll look so suave that they’ll be begging for a second date by the end of the day.
3. Have a COTA bus picnic.
The idea of a picnic is cute, but again, we’re looking for memorable. And what better way to stick out in someone’s mind than suggesting an intimate meal on public transit? All you have to do is pack up some pasta salad and snag a spot at the back of the first bus you see. The people watching will lead to endless topics of conversation, thus avoiding any awkward silences. Looking out the windows at the sights of the city is the perfect setting for some romance. Plus if the bus gets too crowded, you and your date might get smashed together as a stranger who smells vaguely of mayonnaise drives their elbow into your ribs—can you say snuggling?
4. Get CPR-certified.
Obviously you want to take your date’s breath away on your first date—and you better know how to revive them, or you could possibly get charged with involuntary manslaughter! All you need to do is reserve a spot in a class ahead of time and get ready to spend three to six hours of quality time with your date (and the instructor and anyone else taking the class). This date is a bit pricier, ranging anywhere from 30–50 dollars, but it’s worth every penny for the possibility of some mouth-to-mouth!
5. Rob a bank.
Nothing beats a good adrenaline rush, and what better way to get your blood flowing than by robbing a bank? You and your date will form a unique and intense bond that can only come with the very real possibility of serious jail time. If you’re looking for a longer, more intimate date, then planning an elaborate Ocean’s Eleven-style heist is the move for you. This also opens doors for the possibility of a double date with friends as you’ll need a team to pull off the job. If that sounds a bit too intense for you, then a simple two-person job is the right fit. One of you can create a diversion while the other sneaks into the back and cracks open the safe. Some of my favorite diversions include, “Help, I’m being chased by the Norwegian mafia!” and “Everybody run, there’s a herd of flying rat snakes headed straight for this bank!”
As the spring semester gets started, everyone is keeping an eye out for that cutie across the lecture hall to chat up after class. When this happens, you’ll now have five fresh and unique first date ideas to guarantee you a second date! Just know that if one of these dates ends up forming a long-term relationship that leads to marriage, I demand to be invited to the wedding and provided all the cocktail shrimp I can eat. Good luck!
