Ways to find ideas for fun dates

-- by Alan Detwiler

Need an idea for what to do on a date? Here's how to go about finding ideas for new and unusual dates that are enjoyable and memorable.
 
The three most usual choices for what to do on a date are dinner, a movie, and a public event such as a sports game or concert. Those activities often give the couple several hours of time to enjoy each other's company. But relying on those same activities too often leads to a loss of a sense of drama and a loss of a sense of importance of the time spent together.
 
Human nature craves the out-of-the-ordinary. A new experience raises awareness and pumps up our interest level. If a couple continues to occasionally find new and unusual choices for what to do, their time together will be more enjoyable.

Probably the best way to find new ideas for what to do for a date is to make a point of being on the lookout for possibilities. You might see something in the newspaper or in a magazine. Someone you know could share an idea they have had. You never know when an idea will present itself.
 
You should also actively search for new and unusual things to do. A great place to look for ideas is web sites about things you are interested in. Use Google or your favorite search engine. Key in words or phrases that describe the activities and events that you find interesting and enjoyable. Look through the list of web sites found with the search. Browse the sites that seem most promising.
 
The local visitors' bureau is a possible source of ideas. They will likely have many brochures about local attractions. Look in the community events section of your newspaper. Check out the section for your county, city or community center. Look through the brochures at the Chamber of Commerce. Look in the yellow pages under headings such as canoeing, rafting, kayaking, hiking, photography classes, and art museums. Check the bulletin board at the library. When you find something that is interesting, think of ways to adapt the activity so that it suits your interests and tastes.
 
When you have found a particular interest, go to shops that sell equipment for that activity. Ask about events and programs in your locality.
 
Keep a list of possible activities. Have a place to keep brochures, maps, and visitors' guides. Set up folders in your computer for keeping what you have found online. Use Notepad to copy and paste just what is of interest to you. The File menu of most web browsers has a Save As command that can be used to save an entire web page.
 
Here is a link to a list of date ideas to get you started:
http://www.leisureideas.com/things to do on a date.htm - A list of about 30 ideas for fun things to do and places to go for dating or married couples.
 
Be open to any suggestions your partner has to offer. Ask yourself what your partner would enjoy doing. Choose something that jibes with his/her tastes and interests. After all, you won't enjoy the date if your partner doesn't.
 
Choose activities that give opportunities for conversation. Comments you and your date make to each other are often the most important part of the date. Couples need to find out each other's values to build respect and trust. Sharing ideas keeps the relationship interesting.
 
Your attitude and your partner's attitude are what is most important for enjoying a date. You will enjoy yourselves if you are positive and open to what the situation has to offer. Keep your mental attitude and enjoyment abilities high. Regularly do things that feed those parts of you that seek fun, adventure, discovery and wonder.
 
Pursue what you have a passion for. Revive an old dream or pursue a recent ambition. Being passionate about something gives you the energy to be enthusiatic and adventuresome.
 
Stay informed to stay interesting. Keep up with current events and issues. Listen to the news and news commentary programs. Satisfy your curiosity about things you find interesting. Look things up on the Web. Read magazines. Watch television documentaries. Go to the library. Browse at book stores. Look for new ideas and new interests. One source I like is the web sites of National Public Radio.
 
Where you go and what you do on a date are not what matters most. Having fun on a date is more a matter of attitude. Enjoy whatever it is you are doing by staying positive. Add a little variety and some new experiences to keep your awareness level up so that things stay interesting.
 
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Alan Detwiler is author of the ebook Date Ideas: Fun Things To Do For Couples available at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0002WYFFC/leisureideas-20. He also has a web site with a section about things to do for couples at http://www.leisureideas.com/date ideas.htm.