First dates are the scariest there is. You don’t know if this is going to end in you paying or him paying, maybe you split it? Maybe he is secretly rich and can buy the whole restaurant and you just didn’t notice. It is full of insecurities and awkwardness that makes it hard to really test the waters. So, here is a list of first date ideas that should minimize awkwardness.

1. Dinner And A Movie

If you go to the movie first, you are less likely to be so nervous during dinner. During a movie, you have to be quiet, but it allows you two to get used to the presence of another person and adjust accordingly. When dinner come around, you should have established the paying procedure before someone gets dumped with a check and you should have a pretty nerveless night.

2. Double Date

We all know that one couple that has been together for a while and spends a lot of time together, recruit them. Ask them if they’d be interested in a double date and ask where their favorite place to have date night is. Follow their lead because they have been doing this longer than you. Not to mention they understand the awkwardness of a first date. Plus the extra people will allow for conversation to never die off and become boring.

3. Animal Shelter

An animal shelter shows you what kind of person you are dating without talking really. Mind you, you don’t want enough pocket cash to buy any of the animals, but you want treats. Lots of treats. Find out if they are a dog person or a cat person, see if they are the kind of person that runs around with the animals or ignores them for their phones. It says a lot about someone if they aren’t smiling and playing with poor rescue animals.

4. Roller Skating

Not only can you escape faster if it is bad, but it is really easy to feign a fall if you think it isn’t going to be a nice date. There is minimal talking but there can also be a little romance if it is going well. Plus, if only one of you is a good skater, you have to help the other one, which tells you how well they accept help and how big their ego and pride is, which can be helpful.

5. Laser Tag

Are you the C.O.D. champ, or is your date? This will determine that. Laser tag is another minimal talking date that can be romantic if he takes a hit for you, but it can also be fun and tiring. It is funny and interesting to see who has the better instincts and who is the better shot.

6. Bookstore

This is another quiet date, but a person’s book preference says a lot about them, and if they don’t enjoy any kind of book it also says a lot about them. Also, if you can spend a date doing something this mellow, you know that they are okay and comfortable with you and you with them enough to relax and not need action and talking and money to make your dates and time together worthwhile.