For When You’re Nervous:
Fun fact: The City Hall Observation Deck is the best place in the city to go for first dates (and insta-likes).
Not-so-fun fact: The weird, dense silence between two people who obviously like each other is the worst thing ever, ever, ever (ever).
Sometimes the fun in liking someone is the doubt that you might be chasing Waterfalls. And I’m really sorry but I’m 100% positive that the exact sentiment I was going for couldn’t possibly be communicated in any terms other than a TLC reference. I probably haven’t shut my mouth more than a handful of times since I first learned how to speak but I can bet big money that in those five moments, I had completely unlearned the English language and whatever my name is because I was too deep inside the horrifying awkward silence that ensued the few days Post-Confessing that ya’ Diggin’ On someone. Did you get that second TLC reference? Good catch. Oh, you hated it? My bad, I’ll stop trying to be funny. But you know what I mean- why does it suddenly get so weird when you’ve both admitted you like each other?
I guess, sometimes you like someone so much your mind goes numb and you’re going to need to power through the clumsy, tense, awful weirdness.
Think of it like forgetting to bring your headphones to the gym. You suddenly decide that you’re totally fine with gaining the Fresh Fifteen if it means you don’t have to live in a world where Fetty Wap isn’t the soundtrack to your run. I know I’m not alone on this one. But you do your thing anyway because you know it will be worth it. You just have to sprint through the downgraded “oh, yeah the weather” conversations until you get back to the type of conversations that had you smiling at your phone screen before like Joaquin Phoenix in “Her”. Thus, I present to you the City Hall Observation Deck. The perfect view of the best city in the world, so beautiful from that high up that you might leave your date for it. It’s especially good if you’re scared of heights because you’re literally forced to grab on to something- so make it your date’s arm. Violà: Ice Broken. If you’re not scared of heights the view at sunset is too stunning, anyway, and it’ll make you and your date feeling some type of way. Romantic. The type of way is Romantic. What did you think?
For When You’re A Cheap Date (Welcome to the Next Four Years of Your Life):
It’s halfway through the semester and you’re super broke. All of the money you saved this summer is gone and you are paying for things in change at this point. I know because I am you and together we are Kristen Wiig in “Bridesmaids.” Say it with me now, “Help Me. I’m poor.”
It’s totally fine. I figured it out, you guys. You’re welcome.
Well if you can afford a roundtrip subway ticket ($5), you’re solid. Get off at Suburban Station and City Hall is right in front of you. Proceed 200 feet to your route. This is where you pull out the adorable picnic you prepared. (Ooh, is that ramen noodles? How thrifty of you!) People-Watch with your date and enjoy dinner. You don’t have to drop a textbook’s worth of money to feel like you got out.
So after dinner, head to the galleries for First Friday to catch some free art gallery openings for the general public, and guess what: there’s free food. Why did anyone ever pay for a date?
If the dates going well, head over to The Curtis Institute of Music to watch the talented students rehearsal. It’s like a concert but it’s totally free. Nothing says romantic like making out in a practically empty theater while a music prodigy plays his violin.
For A Spontaneous Date:
Okay, so it’s not exactly spontaneous being that you read it here first but, don’t fear, I won’t tell your date that you are completely unoriginal. Go to karaoke bar or a comedy club that lets the audience get up on stage. For every one of the many glamorous, big name places we have in Philadelphia we have dozens more humble, small business bars and clubs full of cool people of all ages. There’s nothing better than realizing how much you have in common with someone you already like, or feeling totally comfortable being yourself in front of them. You might be surprised by their song choices or their completely wretched voice, but feeling totally confident, in a way only belting Bon Jovi songs can do, is the best way to find out who is the right person for you. There’s power in being letting go.
For Your Anniversary Date:
Magic Gardens is the most romantic name that has been or ever will be, so this dates already set up for a win. It’s relatively cheap at $14 for a couple, giving you plenty of time and money for your S.O. to absolutely spoil you on your anniversary (or vice versa). Have you ever heard anything bad about Magic Gardens? The answer is no.
My BFF Alyssa Palio, enjoyed the walk with her boyfriend, who wishes to remain unnamed. So I asked her to tell me about it and this is, no lie, what she gave me, “It has a rich history, kind of like me and E.”
Okay, Lys, thanks for making everybody feel totally uncomfortable. Unfortunately, she’s completely right. When Isaiah Zagar made the mural with his wife Julia after traveling around the world in the 1960s, they inspired generations of people by telling stories through art. Since it’s located on South Street, you have all night to explore the local culture, shops and eats. I suggest Hikaru, where you sit on pillows to enjoy tea and sushi just like in Japan. And the dim lighting will make you look impeccable in your insta-versary post.
Picture Courtesy of Julia Jakubowski
For Second Dates:
So, obviously the first date went well because here you are. It’s pretty clear that you guys like each other because you mutually decided to give the living hell that is dating a Take Two. No worries, second dates are ten times better. So where should you go?
Ice Skating at Dilworth Park beside City Hall. It can be a day-date or after dinner when everything’s lit up and it’s only $16 a couple. If you’re clumsy, congratulations, you found the only time it will benefit you because you’ve tricked your date into holding hands with you. If you fall so what? Laugh it off. You’re wearing a cute winter beanie and you look like an adorable snow bunny. Nothing can bring you down, sister-friend… except literally every move you make.