Alternate First Date Options

As popular as going to a movie is for a first day, let's admit something that we really all already know: movie watching rarely, if ever, allows two people to really get to know each other. Perhaps this is the reason that watching a movie on a date is so popular, since all potentially "awkward silence" is largely avoided due to gazing mindlessly at a large screen, but it is also the reason why movie watchers often have such a hard time getting to know their dates. It's semi-creepy to watch your date watch a movie (if you don't know them very well yet), and it's socially unacceptable to chat loudly in the movie theatre. Because of this, going to watch a movie on a date that you actually care about getting to know the other person really does not make much sense at all. Instead, consider these other options for a fun, relatively inexpensive alternate date option.

Go to a coffee shop concert. The music (whether you like it or not) will give you and your date something to talk about if you are really having a difficult time coming up with conversation topics, and the décor of the coffee shop or the other patrons in the shop can provide easy conversation starters as well. In fact, just seeing what your date orders as a beverage (or snack) can provide you with another easy conversation starter. There should not be any potential "awkward silence," for the musician should be performing and simply turning your attention fully to the musician should avoid awkwardness or the feeling for the need to talk constantly.

Another option is to go to a restaurant that's hosting an entertainment night. For example, many local pizzerias will have weekly trivia nights, which are extremely entertaining to participate in. Again, this is a great get-to-know-your-date option because the entertainment (and conversation topics) for the night is already provided (just like in movie theatre), but you actually have the opportunity for conversation (unlike at the theatre). Trivia nights are actually a great way to get to know someone, because they often reveal their interests or hobbies through a manner other than direct interrogation. Additionally, if you are at a fairly inexpensive restaurant (like a pizza joint), the price of your meal should be about equal to the cost of tickets for two to the movie theatre.

When thinking up a first date option, definitely consider these ideas. The time shouldn't be awkward, due to the already-provided entertainment and you'll actually get to know your date throughout the night.