Great Places for First Dates

A first date can be a very stressful event but with careful planning and by choosing the right location, you can ease the tension that normally prevails on a first date.  Whether you prefer dates filled with meaningful conversation and chance to get to know your date or just an opportunity to have fun without delving too deep into your date's personality, there is a first date location that is just perfect for your dating style and personality. 

Those who enjoy pleasant conversation and an opportunity to learn as much about their date as possible should choose a quiet first date location that is conducive to conversation.  Coffee houses, libraries or even public parks can be a wonderful opportunity to have meaningful conversations while on a first date.  All of these locations allow the couple the luxury of a quiet atmosphere that is perfect for conversation combined with an environment that is filled with other types of activity in case the conversation hits a lull.  A date at a coffee house usually includes coffee and dessert so there is always the opportunity to comment on the dessert selection or even the décor if the conversation begins to stall.  A library is just full of conversation topics.  When the conversation starts to run dry, simply wander down any of the aisles lined with books and share your opinions on different authors and theories.  A public park is great location for a first date.  The surroundings are relatively quiet which lends itself well to conversation but you and your date could also spend time people watching. 

Dinner and a movie is always a great first date idea.  This type of date is especially beneficial to the first time dater who is worried about keeping a conversation going throughout the date.  What makes this date so perfect is that the movie is essentially a two hour break from the conversation and once the movie is over and you are free to chat with your date again, you have a built in conversation starter.  You've both just seen the movie so you know that is one thing that you can discuss.  Talking about your opinions of the movie or the plot of the movie are a good way for two people who are a little on the shy side to get to know each other because it gives you some insight into your date's personality and allows them to understand you a little better without the conversation getting too personal. 

A first date that involves playing some kind of game is also very popular.  You could go bowling or visit a video arcade.  These are popular date ideas because keeping the focus on the game instead of the date leaves less opportunity for the couple to run out of things to talk about or experience awkward moments.  It's also a great first date idea because the spirit of competition gives the date a lighthearted appeal and does not place too much emphasis on conversation.  This relieves the daters of the pressure of trying to impress their date.  Instead they have the opportunity to let their true personality shine through which is a much better way to get to know someone. 

A first date to a museum or zoo is also a great idea.  These locations provide so much to see and do that it is virtually impossible to run out of things to do or talk about.  It is also a great way to get to know your date and understand their personality a little better.  Their natural reactions to the exhibits in the museum or the animals in the zoo can say a lot about the person you are dating.  For example if you have several pets, you many find that the date who is disgusted by the animals in the zoo is not as good of a prospect as the date who longs to reach out and touch the animals.  Or the date who dreamily admires the abstract painting may be more of a free thinker than the date who wonders why the artist didn't use straight lines and realistic features for the painting.  These are the types of observations that can help you determine if you are interested in a second date or not.

First dates are always a little bit awkward but the right location can help to reduce the awkwardness and put both parties at ease so that their natural personalities can shine through.  A chance to get to know each other, coupled with the opportunity for fun makes the first date ideas in this location a good idea.