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Dating is hard. You’re putting yourself in potentially awkward situations with someone you may not know that well. It takes courage, but when everything goes right, it can be so rewarding. A great way to help break the ice and get the conversation flowing is to try something a little unorthodox. Even if you’ve been dating someone for a good amount of time, it’s fun to change things up from the typical Netflix/Redbox night.
We’ve put together some suggestions for ways to throw a little flair into your dating game. Some of them might not be for everyone, but you could get a pleasant response from your special someone when you show how much you care by putting thought into a creative way to spend time together.
Escape to an Escape Room
It takes real teamwork to best some of the challenges you’ll find in the recently popular escape rooms that have popped up all over the country. You’ll share a fun and exciting experience with your date, and you can arrange for a fun meal afterward. Be careful, though — you don’t want to be the one to lose the game.
Throw Axes
You can take your date to throw axes in many of the nation’s major cities now, and it’s actually super easy and fun. Lots of ax-throwing establishments even let you drink beer while you do it. If you needed something to help make your love life more interesting, try beer and axes. After all, what could go wrong? This is also a great idea for a double-date. See which couple throws better, or play battle of the sexes.
Take a Cooking Class
You may love sushi, but have you ever considered attempting to make it? Culinary institutes across the country offer fun and quick classes where you can come in, learn some basic skills, eat good food and perhaps even enjoy a sip of wine afterward. It’s a great way to learn new skills you’ll take home with you. If you enjoy the experience, you can come back for a repeat date and try a different cuisine.
Take Aim at the Perfect Date
Shooting might seem intimidating, but in a controlled environment, it can be quite fun. It’s a test of dexterity, and hitting the target is pretty rewarding. The right date might just show you up — you’d be surprised how many crack-shot ladies there are out there. For extra flavor, check out a gallery with an assortment of exotic guns and live out your James Bond fantasies. The ones involving shooting, we mean.
Play Board Games
If this sounds a little too 1953 to you, grow up. You don’t have to play Monopoly. There’s a whole slew of fun games to choose from, and some are even available right at home on your smart TV. It’s a great way to stay in and enjoy a fun night, with room to accommodate friends, family, neighbors or whoever wants to join in. You — and your date — may be surprised just how fun it is.
We’re not saying you’re not creative, but another trip to Buffalo Wild Wings might be the last time you get to see her, friend. Do yourself a favor and think outside the box. You can use one of these ideas, or if you know your date well enough, surprise her with something she wouldn’t expect from you. A welcome change from the same old routine will earn you a smile and some points, and then maybe you can switch back to dinner and a movie. Or not. Why not keep it fun?