#dates101

These are tough times, tough times indeed. The world has turned upside down, and as a result we have been confined to our homes. “But wait a minute” I hear you ask, “Does that mean I can’t go on any dates?” Well, yes and no. Everyone should be social distancing themselves (meaning keeping apart from each other) so dating in the traditional sense has to be put on the back burner for now. But what if you’ve just started seeing your special someone and are worried this lack of interaction might ruin things. Well, you’ll just have to think more creatively. Or better yet, let me think for you. 

The Date

I’m going to give you 3 core date ideas, in addition to a plethora of fun “video chat” games you can play. But of course, there’ll be some Dates 101 flare added for good measure. Let’s begin with the one you’ve probably heard people doing already.

Video Chat First Date

The is easily the most obvious date idea out there for dating during a pandemic, and I wouldn't be surprised if you’ve heard about this date already. It’s easy enough, hop on to your preferred video chat application, and ‘simulate’ a first date with someone on the other side. Better yet, it can (and will) be used multiple times throughout your isolation weeks because its a fantastic way to communicate with someone! If you’re planning on doing this, I would recommend you start off simple: look presentable (not like you’ve just woken up), set a time where there won't be any distractions, get some wine (or any drink of your choice) and get to know your date. Now, the problem with this date idea in my opinion is it could get really awkward, really fast. What if the lighting isn't good, or what if you run out of things to talk about? I would write out a few topics on a piece of paper beforehand, in case you run into this issue. Some topics of discussion could be... 

-What are you doing to pass the time during isolation?

-What do you do for a living/ If you could do anything else what would it be

-Where have you traveled/ Where would you like to travel once this is over?

-What do you like to do for fun/ What are your hobbies?

-What’s your family like?

-Tell some of your favourite memories

Being prepared is key for this kind of date, and with a list I’m sure your nerves will quickly vanish. Also, don't forget to keep it out of sight. 

Movie Watching

The next date idea requires both of you to have a Netflix account (or similar streaming service). Pretty much you're going to watch a movie together. Simple right? Well, not so fast. Like the video chat date, I’ve seen this idea many times as well. And while I think it could be really fun, I’m afraid most people have never tried watching a movie while trying to talk to someone at the same time. Talk about audio overload... Now, it definitely could be done. Have the volume on the Tv or computer low and the audio on your video chat high. Did I mention you’re doing this on video chat? No? Well that's because it can be done other ways. You could always talk on the phone while watching the movie, which would work much better in my opinion (specifically because you don't want to be focused on 2 screens at once). But I believe the best way to experience this date idea is actually through text; albeit in the chat itself or with your phone (if you're not using it to communicate) Why text? Well, for one its much quieter and less distracting. And two, I feel like the conversation would be a lot better! You can text what you think is going to happen next, who you think the bad guy is, who’s gonna die next, or how scared you are at that very second (if watching a horror movie). It’s also a completely different way of communication, which can be a nice change of pace coming from the video chat date. But feel free to use any method you wish. 

Question and Answer

Like the previous date idea, this can be done through video, phone call or text. But can I make another suggestion? I really feel like the phone is the best method of communication for this one. Why? Because no one uses the phone anymore, and sometimes you want to talk to someone without worrying about how you look (where my sweatpants people at?). So for this idea, you're going to come up with A BUNCH of questions for your date to answer. What should the questions be? Well, anything you want to learn about your date honestly. It can range from the super basic like what's your favourite dessert to the total extreme like if there was a zombie apocalypse what would your game plan be? Ideally you’d want anywhere between 20 and 50 questions. “Wait, 50 questions!?!” Yup 50. The reason I want you to have so many is because you could do this idea multiple times if you wish, or keep the questions coming by text throughout the day. Am I going to tell you what questions to write? Nah, you’ll have to figure that one on your own. Once you’ve come up with your questions, you're going to simply go back and forth with your date answering each others questions (you decide if they're allowed to ask the same ones you asked). 

Quick Video Chat Games

And there you have it, 3 core date ideas you can do without having to leave your house. But what if you’re looking for a more casual date idea? Here’s a bunch of light hearted video chat games you can do to pass the time.

-2 Truths 1 Lie

-Truth or Dare

-20 Questions

-Never Have I Ever

-Sausage (Pick 1 word, in this case “sausage”. Player 1 asks question and Player 2 must always answer with “sausage”. If Player 2 laughs, they lose. Player 1 gets 10 tries, and then the word changes)

-Questions Only (have a conversation only with questions, see who can last the longest)

-iMessage GamePigeon games

But before we go

Wow, this is a long post. But I wanted to give you a comprehensive list of things you can do, so bare with me because this is where things get real. Below you will find really unique, Dates 101 type of activities you can do with your date over video chat. These activities range from mundane to totally outrageous so hope you enjoy! 

Video Chat Outside- Show your date your neighbourhood or cool areas in your city (watch out for data overages). Don't forget to keep your distance from people

Video Chat Drinking Games- can be done while talking or watching a tv show (drink every time you/they do *blank*)

Dinner Date- Eat dinner while talking over video chat (try to make the same meal and see who’s turned out better)

Dinner Theme- Same as above, only have a theme attached to it (Western food, Mexican food, Sushi, Pizza)

Romantic Dinner- Dress up really fancy (maybe add some candles too)

Cooking Channel- Start your dinner date in the kitchen, both must have the same ingredients. One of you is the head chef and directs the other on how to make a delicious meal. Watch each other make the same food and see who’s turns out the best

Guy’s Grocery Games- Be on the phone with each other as you search the grocery store. Each of you picks 3 ingredients that the other must use in their dish. See who can make the best meal with the chosen ingredients included

Bob Ross- Video chat each other while listening to an episode of Bob Ross and painting. Who’s the better painter?

Stranger- Want to make your first date super memorable? Video chat for the first time wearing a whole bunch of clothing on your face (hats, sunglasses, bandanas, etc.). Take turns asking about each other. For example, do you like cookies, do you listen to Ed Sheeran? If the answer is yes, they must take off a piece of headwear. Play until their face is finally revealed. 

Wrap Up

So that was a lot of ideas thrown at you, but that was the point. Hopefully there’s enough here to keep the two of you occupied until this pandemic is over. Don’t feel like using these ideas, or dating for that matter? No worries, you can always do this stuff with your friends! Or wait until we’re allowed to interact with each other again to start dating face to face. But in the meantime, let’s all do our best to get through this thing together, one day at a time.

Remember, make every date a story.

Wait...is that Dates101? With a new blog post?? Yes my lovelies, I am indeed alive and well. I took a little hiatus from posting because I had other stuff (mainly school stuff) to do, you know how life happens. But today I’m here to bring to you people a brand new glow in the dark date idea! Well, kind of new.

The Date

All my OG followers will know that I’ve talked about Laser tag within another glow in the dark date idea. I think it was the arcade date, but could have been mini golf? I’m not entirely sure. Anywho, I wanted to expand on that idea, because I have some really neat tricks for it! But first, why laser tag? Well, the short answer is its a lot of fun, totally unique, and a great addition to a current date idea! (like....the arcade). Should Laser Tag be your only date activity? I would say probably not. You can only play so many rounds before it gets tiring, literally. I would say 1 round is perfect, maybe two if you're really keen, and three if you're having the most fun ever, but that's it. How do you play laser tag? Well, here is where you can bring in some variety.

Pew..Pew..Pew

There are some Laser Tag places out there that add different game modes and objectives, which I think is totally awesome! But just in case you don't have access to one, we’ll be talking about the barebones, shoot at person don't get shot game type. And for that, I have a couple of ideas. Firstly, you can play the game completely normally. You and your date can be on a team, or even against one another! It's simple, fun and effective. You could even put fun bets on who’s going to come out on top. But what if you wanted more? Well, I have two ideas for you. The first, you can pretend you two are in some sort of video game or movie. One person is the commander, with the other one following their orders. “Go to that spot, give me cover, meet me up there, play dead!” You could get totally wacky with this idea, and the one following the orders has to comply no matter what is being asked (within boundaries of course). Switch commanders mid way through, or during the next game, and you're in for a pretty hilarious time. So what is the second idea? Well its pretty out there, and totally corny, but really fun and unique (or so on paper). So you two will be on a team for this idea, sticking together for the whole round. If one person gets shot, they're dead, and need to be revived before they can resume playing. How are you going to revive them? With a kiss of course. You two are going to be each others medics, and continually “bring them back to life” throughout the match. Of course, they have to be ok with kissing you before hand though! Or you ain’t getting revived anytime soon.

Wrap Up

And that’s my take on Laser Tag. Is it corny and a little ridiculous? Probably. But is it effective? Honestly, I’m not sure. I’ll be experiencing this date idea for the first time, tonight in fact. Like, in 2 hours! Hopefully it goes well, but if it's a total bomb I will definitely let you people know. Wish me luck!

Remember, make every date a story.

Fall is finally here my lovelies! The weather is colder, the leaves are changing, and the date ideas are a plenty! “But wait a minute”, I hear you ask. “What kind of dates can I specifically do during fall?” Well, because schools been incredibly busy and I haven't posted it decades, I feel it fair to give you not 1, not 2, but 4 date ideas to do during this awesome season! So without further ado, let’s jump right into our first date idea (pun intended).

Jumping for Joy

Ok, the first date idea I have is going to require you to release your inner child. Remember raking leaves and jumping into them afterwards? Well, you guessed it, you're gonna do just that. “That doesn't sound very romantic, it sounds like work to me”. Oh, ye of little faith. Making a leaf pile is a lot more fun than you would think! Bring out some autumn beverages, crank the tunes, and see who can make the biggest leaf pile. Or you could be a team player and build one big pile together. See if you can get all the leafs into on place, and then have a contest to see who can come up with the best jump (all filmed for social media of course). Is it the most glamorous of date ideas? No. But it’s not supposed to be. This is a fun way to kill a couple of hours while doing getting some great photos in the process. Plus laying in a pile of leaves and cuddling next to your significant other is a pretty great experience. Give it a try!

Picking perfection

Next up we have another classic fall activity. Some families might even have a tradition of doing this every year (and maybe you two will as well). Ever been apple picking before? For those of you that said yes, you already know where I’m going with this. However for those that said no, let me tell you how romantic this date idea can be. It’s just you and your partner, alone picking the biggest, juiciest apples you can find. Need to get an apple at the tallest branch? No problem, get on someone’s shoulders and BOOM memorable moment. Tired from all the picking during the day? Most apple picking places have tractor rides and BOOM memorable moment. Need a recipe for all those apples you picked? Find a recipe for apple pie and BOOM...well you get it. There are so many memorable moments to be had while picking apples, in addition to all the other cool things consumer farms have on offer. In fact, let’s talk about another date idea while we’re at the farm.

Lost in Love

Most farms now a days (but not all so don't quote me on this) have some kind of corn or sunflower maze as an attraction. Getting lost in a corn maze with the love of your life, being goofy and trying to find the way out? Umm hello Hollywood, I got your next RomCom right here! But in all seriousness, mazes are a super unique way to spend an afternoon, and a great addition to going to the farm. But what about the last date idea?

Pumpkin Spiced....Pumpkins

I’ve saved the best for last obviously, because you'll be making Jack-o-lanterns! Yes its super cute, and yes you have to do it (well not actually but it would make me happy). Buy two pumpkins from the local grocery store (although I prefer from a farm), set up some newspaper and get carving! “But wait, shouldn’t we work on one pumpkin together?” I mean, you could. However I think its better if you work on your own and compare when its done. You could even make caricatures of each other and get incredibly silly with it!

Wrap Up

And there you have it, 4 date ideas you could do this Autumn season. Could you do all 4 in one day? Of course! I would actually prefer it all be done in one day because that would make an incredibly memorable story. However it’s also a lot in one day, so you might want to break it up into two or even three days. Whatever you decide to do, make sure you take a bunch of pictures. Autumn is only here for a short while after all.

Remember, make every date a story.

Summer is only here for a couple of months, which means you need to take advantage of these warm summer nights. What better way to do so then cuddling up under the stars, Nicholas Sparks style? 

The Date

Like most of my date ideas, preparation is key. First is location, i.e where you'll be looking up at the stars. The most common place would be a public park, although somewhere more rural would work out better (the less light pollution, the more visible the stars). If your city supports Earth Day, I would highly recommend doing it then, as the city participates in a brief no electricity time period. Well at least that's what my city does, do you even have Earth Day in your city? I’m going to pretend the answer to that is yes and you totally know what I’m talking about. You should also pick a night that wont be very cloudy. Planning everything just to have it ruined by a cloudy night would literally be the worst thing ever. Ok so we have the location, next is the necessities. Are you going to watch in your car? In the bed of a truck? On a blanket in the grass? Majority of you will probably pick the latter, so we’ll go with that. Lastly you should bring a couple of snacks, some extra blankets just in case, a pillow or two, a portable speaker with romantic music, maybe some drinks, and most importantly bug spray! Yes, I said bug spray. It may kill the ambiance for a brief second but most people forget that bugs are a thing during the summer, especially at night. And I don't want my lovely readers being eaten alive by mosquitos. Ok so you're laying under the stars..... what now?

Star Light Star Bright

You're going to get really romantic for this one, yay! Play that music, get under those covers and cuddle up with your significant other. Talk about life, talk about your day, the future, something funny that happened, your deepest darkest secrets, make out, anything you want really. It’s just the two of you and the stars. In this exact moment, nobody else exists. But what about the stars themselves? Well, you could bring a telescope, and I think that would be really cool! However, they are expensive ranging from $50-$150 so only get one if you plan on using it more than once. Thats a lot of money to spend on one date. An alternative would be downloading a stargazing app on your phone. If your location data is turned on, the app will actually pin point the constellations for you! So you can take turns locating them, which is actually a lot of fun.

Wrap Up

And that's the Stargazing Date. Realistically this date could be completely free, and just requires a little bit of cash to make it really nice (or a lot of cash if you so wish). And for you Nicholas Sparks fans out there, yes I’m going to answer the elephant in the room (I’m looking at you “A Walk To Remember”). Naming a Star costs around $50-$100 depending on what registry you go to. If you decide to do this, you've hit romantic overload, and will definitely make a memorable moment you two will share forever. But with that being said, I only recommend this to couples who have been seeing each other for a VARY long time. Nothing says “moving too fast” like naming a star for someone on the first few dates. Also, unfortunately the star isn't officially named the name you pick. In fact, the same star could have multiple “unique” names from different agencies. It’s sad to hear, but I wanted to let you know before you dropped a lot of money. At least you still get a really cool looking certificate!

Remember, make every date a story.

The College semester is finally over! Which means the days are longer, the weather is warmer, and summer is just around the corner. What better time to write about some super fun outdoor date ideas! And I’m going to start things off with a great, (and cheap, yay!) date you and your significant other can do in the gorgeous outside weather. So get ready to unleash your inner shutterbug.

The Date

Cameras are super expensive. Like, $1000+ expensive. I don't know about you, but I don't have money like that to spend. And unfortunately, this date idea is going to involve both of you needing cameras. But fear not, because a quick search on amazon has informed me that you can get 2 disposable cameras for around $20-$30! And you’re not going to need crazy good quality anyway, so an expensive camera is definitely not needed. In fact, even if you do have one I suggest you go the disposable route anyway. But wait I hear you say.... We live in a technological world where an amazing camera is always in our pockets. Why would we need disposable cameras? Yes, hypothetically you could use your smart phone camera. But let me ask you this....it that as fun? Is using something you use everyday, something everyone else uses as fun as using something as ancient as a disposable camera? In my opinion the answer is no. I feel that using an actual camera for this date idea will make the memory a lot more, well memorable. It’s a lot harder to get a good shot, which makes it more challenging and a lot more exciting! Plus you only get around 25 shots per camera, so you have to make every shot count! I mean, of course you can use whatever you want, but I’ll be using a disposable camera just to make it more authentic.

So what are you going to do with these cameras? The short answer is you're going to use them! Pick a day where both of you have a lot of free time. Go to your city’s downtown, the beach, the forest, or anywhere that strikes your fancy and take photos of yourselves and your surrounding area! And yes that means flipping the camera over to take a selfie, not even knowing if you're in frame. I love the old school ways. You can totally make a day out of it! Visit some tourist locations (even if you're a local), get some food (shots), and try capturing photos during different times of day, especially sunset. After you're finished, you'll need to get the photos developed. This is the best part in my opinion, because you have no idea how they're going to turn out. If you're really awesome you could try developing them yourself. I personally don't know how to do that, but 10 points to you guys if you can figure it out. Later, after everything is done I want you to make a collage of all your good photos. No, not one for instagram, this one is physical, one you can display or frame. It’s a call back to simpler times, and a wonderful reminder of the memories you had on that date. But if that seems too tame for you, do not worry. This is Dates101 of course. 

The Dates101 Photo Challenge 

Of course you can shoot whatever you want, however you want it. In fact, I encourage you to do so. It’s really fun to unleash your inner creative photographer. However if you're looking for a little more, I have just the thing. For simplicity, let’s say each camera has 25 shots in it. I am going to present to you, loyal reader, 25 challenges you and your significant other have to do for each photo. Later, you’ll decide who took the best photo for each challenge. You might even have to separate location wise for some of them, to get a unique image. Or even challenge another couple and team up to see what couple can win! It's all for fun of course, but adds a little spice to the date. Feel free to swap challenge ideas for some of your own, or even all of them for that matter. Whatever you decide to do, I rooting for you to win. Yes, you. Now here's the challenges. 

*Remember, you cant photograph 1 thing for multiple challenges. They all have to be different. 

#1- capture a moment of love

#2- capture something red

#3- capture a landmark 

#4- capture something with wings

#5- capture someone moving

#6- capture something frightening

#7- capture something on wheels

#8- capture something with water

#9- capture something expensive

#10- capture something written

#11- capture something strange 

#12- capture something that gets you excited

#13- capture something still

#14- capture something with a pattern

#15- capture something fluffy 

#16- capture something old

#17- capture something that makes you angry 

#18- capture something hilarious 

#19- capture something noisy 

#20- capture a moment of hunger 

#21- capture something athletic

#22- capture your reflection

#23- capture something in nature 

#24- capture something metal

#25- capture something real

Wrap Up

And that’s my take on the very first outside date idea. I think you're really going to enjoy this one. And the best part about it is that you can do this idea multiple times in different locations or with different rules. If you think of some unique challenge ideas I would love to hear them. Maybe even show me that collage of yours. 

Remember, make every date a story.

Got a super fun, super delicious date idea for you this week! So dust off those cookbooks, clean up those pans and load up on paprika, because we’re cooking.

The Date

With the right mentality, a simple task like cooking can become a date in itself. Just picture this: you and your significant other spot a delicious looking dish in a magazine, on Pinterest etc, and decide you’re gonna make it yourself. You two get the ingredients, put on some music and cook away! And its actually a lot of fun cooking together I'm not gonna lie. In fact, you could just stop reading here because cooking on its own would make a great story, especially if it turned out really good (or really bad). Just follow everything in “The Pizza Date” but substitute pizza for whatever you're making. However, I hear you want something a little more on the wild side. Well I got an idea just for you.

Hell’s Kitchen

So this is my idea to flip cooking on its head. To start off, your significant other is going to give you a picture of a delicious meal. Thats it, just 1 legible picture of the meals entirety (it has to be a fair photo though). After that's done, the outcome is in your hands. You are now the head chef of the Dates101 restaurant, and your partner is the sous-chef. Based on the photo you received, you're going to try and recreate said meal as perfectly as you can. Meaning, you come up with the recipe (or find it online), you get the ingredients (with your partner there of course) and you are in charge of cooking the meal (your partner is also there to help but you must tell them what to do). The whole dish is in your complete control, so if you mess up its kinda on your head. BUT with that being said, it makes this idea super fun and unique because for all we know your partner could be an expert in making this dish, but isn't allowed to help because they are not in charge. There is a very high chance that your partner starts bursting out laughing because you're making them cut onions the wrong way! But that's all in the fun of it, because its your kitchen, and everything is done your way. If the meal is a success you can gloat till your hearts content, but if it’s a complete disaster, at least you got a really great memory out of it.

Wrap Up

Regardless of the outcome, its your partners turn to be head chef next time, so if they gave you an incredibly hard dish to create, nows your chance for revenge! Or go easy on them, its your choice. Either way, you're going to have a blast being in charge, as well as seeing your significant other in charge. No pressure, Gordon Ramsay.

Remember, make every date a story.

Before we get into this, I want to give thanks to Awkwardmarine for this awesome date idea! Also, I’m going to write this one a bit differently than other blog posts, because I have a bunch of ideas for the park, yet they aren't big enough to have their own post. So I’m just going to write all of them down, and you can pick and choose which ones interest you. Now with that being said, I present to you dear readers 12 date ideas to do at the park!

The Date

Like most of my date ideas, planning ahead of time will be essential. BUT, I hear you say, what if I wanted a spur of the moment, no planning required, back up idea. I hear you loud and clear, so I’m going to include free date ideas that don't require any planning! But no matter what idea is your favourite, you're going to need a public city park to do this in, so hopefully you have one near you. Can you do all of these ideas at once? Of course, but I would recommend only picking a few, or at least having them in the back of your mind in case one of your dates ends quickly and you need to think of something fast to do. Hope you have fun!

The 12 Park Date Ideas

People watching: Simply put, you and your significant other are going to sit somewhere and watch people walk by you. But of course there’s a little more to that. Try to figure them out before they walk out of sight. Guess their story, occupation, favourite colour, whether they're vegan or not, that sort of thing.

20 questions: Ever play 20 questions before? You’re going to think of something (literally anything) and your partner has 20 questions to find out more about what you picked. Also, you can only answer with yes or no. Oh, and did I mention you're gonna be doing this on the swings? If you're asking the questions you push. Switch once its the other persons turn!

Kite Flying: This one is super fun on a windy day. You can easily pick up a dollar store kite or make your own! Better yet, if you go on “The Arcade Date” I wrote about many moons ago, make sure to get one of those build your own toy planes and have races!

Catch: A football, Frisbee, tennis ball, or baseball can work for this activity. Bonus points if you're practising for a coed sports league (date foreshadowing??) 

Cloud Watching: It’s actually a lot more fun than it sounds. The more ridiculous the object in the sky the better!

Eye Spy: Ok hear me out first. You're gonna walk the full length of the park, making mental notes of things that catch your eye. Once you've picked something, your partner has to try and guess what it is. Start at the entrance (or wherever you want) and give hints about your selection. Hints could be how big it is, the colour, if your partner is “hot or cold”. But the catch here is they can only ask for 5 hints!

Events: Look to see if there is an event happening in your local park. There’s usually something happening during the summer months, you never know what you might stumble upon. 

Painting/Drawing: Bring some art supplies and paint the scenery of your choice! Bonus points if its sunset.

Picnic: Bring a blanket, maybe some food, and enjoy eating outside. Need a spin on this idea? Well lucky for you I’ve already written about a super awesome picnic date idea!

Ice Cream: Theres always some kind of ice cream vendor near city parks (hopefully). So grab a cone in one hand, your partners hand in the other, and walk through the park, enjoying your delicious treat. Just watch out for bugs.

Talk: This one is pretty self explanatory, but just sitting and talking could make for a great date! Especially if you don't know much about them yet.

Make Out: And of course, a romantic classic. Find somewhere secluded and hidden from the other park goers, and just have a really fun and passionate make out session!

Wrap Up

What did you think of this different blog post style? Usually I like to go into great detail about my ideas (as you obviously know), but for this Sundays post I wanted to mix it up a bit. Also, I’m surprised nobody called me out on this, but last week I didn't post anything. I have good reasons though! I’m working on something pretty cool, but more on that when its ready. 

Remember, make every date a story.

Picture this: it's Saturday night, and you have a date with that good looking barista you’ve summed up the courage to finally ask out. You plan to go out for a drink, but you’re worried there won’t be enough to talk about, resulting in that dreaded awkward silence. What do you do? You cancel out of nervousness three hours before. Sound familiar? Well, I’m here today to talk about a great first date idea that provides protection to the awkward silence nightmare.

The Date

So what is it already? The answer is Billiards, or “pool” as its often referred as. Now what makes billiards such a great first date option? Well for starters its very similar to the bar, meaning its low key, involves drinks, and has plenty of time for great conversation. But what separates this from the bar is if the conversation does dies down for whatever reason, you have the game of billiards to fall back on. Confused? Let’s get into this.

Billiards is a simple enough game to play. You take turns trying to get balls into pockets essentially. Now, I'm not going to bore you with the rules of the game, but I am going to suggest a way to progress through the night. Grab a drink for each other, set up the balls and start playing! You can start off with small talk while each of you play your turn, comment on their amazing trick shot (or trick shot fail), and even talk about wants happening on the TV in the corner. Its great because billiards allows for you to just jump right into it. No need to try to think of something to say, because something will naturally come up as you play. For some reason, I find it much easier to talk to someone brand new while doing something at the same time, and I’m sure I’m not alone in thinking this. Better yet, you can take fun risk shots while the game progresses, and make fun of yourself in the process. Got a tricky shot coming up next? “Watch as a hit it behind my back with my eyes closed!” This breaks down awkward barriers, making both of you feel that much more comfortable. I suggest a 2-1 approach here. Have one full on conversation after every second billiard shot (each). Meaning, you take a shot, your date takes a shot, then you, then them, then you start a conversation about anything you want to know. After that conversation dies down, you move on to your next shot! Its a way to get to know your date really well, while limiting the awkward “stare-down” some experience while getting a drink at the bar. But what if you wanted to make billiards even more interesting?

Ball for a question

This is a super fun mini game you can do to guaranty the conversation keeps going on for a while. But before I get into it, I have to make sure you understand that winning the game absolutely does not matter! You're here to have fun and learn about your date, not destroy them with your pool skills (or lack thereof). So please, don't take this as a way to win the game. Now with that out of the way, this game idea is called “Ball for a Question” Every time your dates sinks a ball, they must answer a question of your choosing (and vice versa). This question could be absolutely anything, but must be answered honesty no matte what. If your date answers, then the game continues, however if your date choses not to answer, then you have to take one of their sunken balls outside of its pocket. Now hold on, before you think about all these dastardly questions you want to ask, know this: every question that is asked, gets redirected to the person who asked the initial question. Meaning, when you ask your date a question, regardless of if they answer or not, you must answer your own question as well. If you refuse, your ball gets taken out. And if you haven't sunken any yet, you miss a turn. Are you up for the challenge?

Wrap Up

Now, like all my date ideas, you absolutely don't have to do the mini game if you don't want to. Getting some drinks, playing pool and taking with your date would still make for a great first date experience! But if you're dying to know a little more about the other person, Ball for a Question is a great way to find out more about that special someone. Regardless of what you chose to do, billiards is a fantastic option for anyone looking for a fun and unique first date experience.

Remember, make every date a story.