Going on a first date can be a little nerve wracking. Afterall, here you are going on a date with someone new, someone you don’t know a lot about, and someone who after the night is over might not even want to ever want to talk to you again!

So how do you pick what to do on the first date? Do you fall for the typical “dinner and a movie?” or venture on something a little more risky?

Here are some tips on deciding on what to do on a first date:

1. Choose something interactive: The point of the first date is to get to know your new date a little better. So while movies are great, they don’t allow for a lot of interaction. By doing something like playing mini golf or taking a walk through the city and sight seeing, you open the door to many more possibilities for conversation, flirting, and getting to know each other better.

2. Allow for a quick exit: Sometimes, especially on blind dates, the person we meet is not who we expected them to be. Choose something that can be enjoyed for just a short while and can allow for a quick exit, but if you decide you like each other can continue for a longer date. Something like an amusement park or day long outdoor concert might be better left for the third or fourth date instead of the first date just in case the magic isn’t there.

3. Be Budget Conscious : It’s important you don’t waste a ton of money on the first date. This can set you up for problems later as the other person may come to expect it all of the time, or give them the impression you’re just trying to show off. Instead, choose reasonably priced activities that won’t break the bank.

4. Remember a First Date is Not a Job Interview: While I love coffee or dinner dates, they can sometimes lead to awkward silences or making one feel like they are on a job interview instead of a date. So if you both love coffee, why not get it “to go” and go for a walk instead? You’ll have plenty of things to see and talk about to distract you from all those interview questions.

5. Get Away from the Crowds: While on a first date it’s always a good idea to practice dating safety and choose a public, well-lit place, you want to make sure you steer clear of large crowds and noisy places such as a night clubs. Choosing a public place that’s a little more quiet can be a much better atmosphere for getting to know each other better.

Still need a few more date ideas? You might also enjoy these articles I’ve written:
20 Free Date Ideas
15 Great Summer Date Idea
15 Romantic Rainy Day Date Ideas
15 Unique Date Ideas

If those lists aren’t enough to give you an idea for a perfect first date, leave a comment for me and I’ll see if I can think of something else for the two of you to do together and where you can go on a first date!