So you nailed the first date? Congrats! Well done. Please, accept our virtual pat on the back.
Searching for Mr. Right can be exhausting, and progressing past Step One is an exciting feat. You’ve moved past the nervous, self-doubting, nail-biting phase of first date jitters onto the eyelash-batting, excessive-texting, Facebook-stalking period which leads up to the second meeting. But along with your emotions, your date ideas must also graduate and move up a rung on the proverbial ladder of love.
You see, a second date should grant you two some time to talk, experience new things and get to know each other better. The pressure of the first date is gone, but you don’t want to get too comfortable (read: perusing Her Campus’s archives on your laptop while he plays video games) or too fancy (read: a dolled- up dinner at a 5-star restaurant) just yet.
So if we may be so bold, here are some ideas. Take them and you’ll be well on your way to the cake-tasting, honeymoon-planning, baby-naming pre-third date stage (just kidding).
Have a Picnic
Seemingly simple? Yes, no contest to that. But you’ll actually find out some fun little facts about one another that you’ll be able to read into and overanalyze all night with your girlfriends — truly one of the most amusing (and silly) parts of a budding relationship. For example, is he a manly roast beef hoagie kind of guy or a healthy turkey and spinach wrap dude? Is he on top of trends with stylish aviators or a classic “I could care less what shields my sexy baby blues from the sun” rims-wearer? Maybe these kinds of inconsequential truths aren’t at the top of your must-know list, but slow down there, Speed Racer. It’s just the second date. Don’t rule this idea out altogether due to some chilly weather or a lack of location. Watching the sunset from the front seat of your car or devouring a gourmet spread on your living room floor can be just as romantic as frolicking in the middle of a grassy meadow.
Take in a Comedy Show
Food may be the way to a man’s heart, but laughter is certainly a close second. Relieve yourself of the pressure to be hilarious (though we know you can be), and leave it to the professionals struggling wannabe actors. Depending on what kinds of jokes he laughs at, you’ll get a good taste of what his sense of humor and interests are. Plus, is there anything better than listening to the guy you like giggle? Both of you will leave the show with a smile on your face, and plenty of topics of conversation should you want to cap off the night with a coffee or ice cream (Hint: nighttime treats are always recommended). Do a quick Google search for “comedy shows in your city” and give your date a choice of two or three options that you find so he can have a say in how the night unfolds.
Visit a Haunted House
Let’s be honest: a good portion of the beginning of any relationship is spent coming up with excuses to snuggle up to your date. Visiting a haunted house or local spooky spot will no doubt provide you with many, many instances to get your guy’s arms wrapped around you. Doing something frightening together will also build up your trust for one another. After all, if your date can save you from zombies and chainsaw-wielding men, is there anything he can’t do? Look online for some scary locales near you, and get ready to get your heart pumping.
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Hold a Movie Marathon
We know – movies have long held the title of biggest dating don’t. It may hinder conversation in public, but that’s not the case in the comfort of your own home. At home, you’re free to chat, smooch and snuggle without fear of wasting ten bucks or having angry “shhhh”s directed your way for two hours. Pick out a few movies that you’ve either seen before or don’t require your devout attention. Some awfully unrealistic slasher films from decades past are good for laughs and a great excuse to get thiscloseto him. Or, treat one another to a special showing of your favorite flicks. Some flirty teasing about each other’s bad taste in movies is the perfect prelude to a playful kiss. Be sure to carefully craft your proposal. The classic, “Do you want to come over and watch a movie?” line can carry some different connotations, if you know what we mean. Try something playful and straightforward like, “I think it would be fun to have a movie marathon tonight! Why don’t you choose one, and I’ll choose another. May the best movie win!”
Experience a New Culture
Every city has a few foreign enclaves sprinkled throughout it. Indulge in some hand-tossed pizza in Little Italy or purchase some unspecified meat and paper party poppers in Chinatown. An unplanned date in an unknown area will test his ability to go with the flow and give you two a chance to experience something different together. If you already know your date is the silly type, make a fun bet: who can find the funniest souvenir for less than 10 bucks. It’s good for a laugh, and if the relationship turns into something more serious, you’ll have some great (and super unique) memorabilia to hold onto!
Go to Breakfast
If you’re just not ready to break out of your comfort zone and are jonesing to grab a bite with your love interest, head to breakfast rather than lunch or dinner. Quite possibly the yummiest and most overlooked meal, the early morning meet-up will feel much more casual than a fancier feast later in the day. Throw on an easy pair of jeans with a sexy T-shirt and au naturel hair and makeup. Stick to a light coat of mascara, a swipe of blush and some no-fuss bedhead waves. Without having stressed and worried about the date all day long, your conversation should come more easily. If the flirt (and mimosas, maybe!) are flowing and you aren’t ready to call it a day, you and your date can easily extend the fun for a few more hours.
Get Your Adrenaline Pumping
You know those dates on The Bachelor filled with extreme activities and corny metaphors about taking a plunge or reaching new heights together? There’s something to be said about facing fears as a couple. Steal the idea and get your heart racing — minus the sappy asides to the camera crew. See how well he’s able to calm your nerves in tense situations. Check to see if your school has an outdoor or adventure club with activities like white water rafting and zip lining. Or look up a nearby place to bungee jump or skydive, and allow yourself to fall head over heels in love. (We couldn’t resist!)
Make it a Double
Sometimes the burden of being alone and having to entertain each other all night long is too hard to bear. Solution: invite another couple to tag along. Bring a friend with a boyfriend who’ll surely get along with your date. Having someone who you’re completely comfortable around will allow you to open up and act goofy in front of the guy you’re trying to impress. Be sure to choose your double couple wisely, though. A super serious duo might freak your date out and make him feel a little uneasy. But a bickering, ready to break-up couple could put a huge damper on the night.