First-Date Tips for Teens

You may have been "meeting up" with that certain boy or girl at football games, church, parties, the mall, and other places, but the time will eventually come when it's just the two of you. This will be your official "first date", even if you don't consider it as such.

Or, if you're a girl, you may have finally gotten asked out by that boy you've been eyeing for so long. Young man, you finally got up the courage to ask out that special young lady, and she said yes. So, each of you is embarking on your first date.

Even if you've been in a relationship for some time the first time you two go out to eat or to a movie by yourself, it's going to be different. You won't have your friends around to help you keep the conversation going, so there may be some awkward pauses. If this is the first time you and your date are actually getting to socially interact for more than just a few minutes, it's going to be a little awkward, too. But, these tips will help keep things going so that the date is enjoyable and safe for both of you.

Take turns asking questions about interests or hobbies.

To make sure this happens, you might ask a question, and then say something like, "OK, your turn." Or, your date may take the cue and say, "Now, let me hear your answer." Either way, neither of you will monopolize the conversation.

If you're going out to eat, pick a restaurant with a casual atmosphere.

It doesn't necessarily have to be a fast-food place, but you want to be able to relax, and sometimes upscale restaurants simply don't provide this atmosphere.

Date Activities

Pick a movie that won't cause embarrassment. One with a lot of profanity or explicit sex scenes, or one that is gruesomely violent probably won't be a good choice, but, he probably won't enjoy a chick flick. Aim for somewhere in the middle, like a thriller or mild action movie.