If you’ve been dating for any length of time, then you already know that first dates are important. First dates are where you make your impression and show your potential lady love what type of guy you are. You’re also setting the bar for any dates that you may have with her in the future.
However, a lot of guys make the same mistake when taking someone out for the first time. They set up a date that sets the bar so high that there’s no way that they could keep repeating it. For example, they buy flowers, get tickets to some expensive show, plus dinner at a nice restaurant and drinks, and you know how much drinks can end up costing you. Can you really afford to keep this up once or twice a week, or will you go broke trying to do so?
If you can afford to do this, then this article isn’t really for you. Just saying. But moving on…
Now, no one is saying to be a cheapskate, especially on the first date. While your first date with a woman should never involve some fast food place, you might want to pace yourself a bit. Because if you set the bar too high for the first date, every date that follows will plummet toward being really effin’ average. So you’ll definitely want to put some thought into your date without breaking your wallet. Here are some great first date ideas to keep your date classy and romantic without going broke.
How about taking her to a movie? Yeah, you can’t talk at the movies, but who cares? The key here is to go to dinner first, then you’ve already got the talking out of the way. If you choose to do the movie first, go to an early enough show so that you have time to relax and talk afterwards. Seriously, there are a ton of happy couples that started off this way, so why should you be any different? If you don’t feel like a movie, then you can take her to a museum. It’s cheaper but it still feels expensive, and she’ll know you’ve got some culture going for you. Now, if you’re not a guy that goes to museums then don’t go this route, because she’ll notice that you’re out of your league. Seriously, she will.
As far as restaurants are concerned, the suggestion here is to go somewhere middle of the road as far as cost goes. You’ll want to look for a restaurant that isn’t a traditional upscale restaurant. Take her somewhere with great food and an awesome atmosphere. Stay away from chain restaurants like Olive Garden or anything like that on date number one. Plan ahead, so you’ll have enough time to look for a good place. She’ll appreciate the fact that you found a spot with such awesome food. The drinks might be cheaper, too.
After dinner, you’ve a few options. You can do dessert, have drinks, or take a walk and check out the sights. If you’re in a dessert mood and know a place that serves amazing gelato, then do that. Because gelato is awesome. If you want drinks, take her to a nice bar – somewhere that has character but won’t charge you $20 for an Appletini. If things are going well, then take a walk. Try to stay away from driving, because it’s way more romantic and doesn’t cost anything.
Well, there you go. Remember to just pace yourself, save the expensive dates for when you get a raise or something, and you’ll be just fine. Oh yeah, flowers are always a good idea – unless she’s allergic.
