best-places for first dates | Page 3

keep up, or having to stop to let you catch up.

6
COCKTAILS/DRINKS


Organising to meet someone for a drink is
highly recommended as it often means a
relaxed situation that suits many people,
especially if staged after work. Also, it gives
you a chance to test the water, so if things
are going well you can suggest continuing the
date over dinner.


CHECKLIST
� Apply the Style-Plus-One principle.
� Choose a bar that isn’t known as a singles bar — a singles bar may be
distracting and uncomfortable, reminding you both of your single status,
which may add stress to the date.
� Make sure there is a nice place to eat that is within easy walking distance
of where you are having your drink; that way you have the option of
continuing the date if it is going well.
� Don’t drink too much — It is a first date and you need to keep your wits
about you.


A PICNIC

This date can require a bit of work, but the rewards can be fantastic. Lying
on a blanket with your date enjoying nature outdoors in a great location can
be a great inhibition destroyer. Lying down relaxes people and being
outdoors in the sun having a picnic is about the only situation you’ll lie down
with someone so quickly on a first date.

CHECKLIST
� Only plan this during a warm weather season.
� Check the weather forecast beforehand — You don’t want a date from hell
because a twister passes through your picnic, launching you and your date
skywards to do some mid-air bonding with a startled cow called Mabel!
� Plan an alternative activity — Have another option for
the date on standby in case the weather isn’t suitable.
Lunch at a café or restaurant would be an obvious choice,
but it could also be having the picnic on your lounge room
floor.
Apply the Style-Plus-One principle. Wear casual clothes
with shoes/runners to do an activity in.
Bring a clean blanket — A proper picnic blanket would be
the best choice. A couple of beach towels would also do.
Warning – Damp bums can kill a sexy mood! You may have
a perfect day, but if the ground is a bit damp, your date
may end up with a damp bum. Bring a plastic sheet and
lay it underneath the blanket before you sit down.

7 Bring a picnic basket — This is the first choice but a box would be okay.
Bring a Frisbee or a kite — If you both have the energy this is a fun way to
work off the meal. A gentler choice is to go for a stroll.
Choose a nice location — This is one of the two main keys to success. If you
get the location right the date has the right foundation and could
potentially be perfect.

CHOOSING LOCATION GUIDELINES:
� Make a list of possible locations and let your date choose. That way if she
doesn’t know you too well and wants to feel safer, she has the opportunity
to choose a more populated spot.
� Aim to not drive too long before reaching the location.
� A park or botanical garden is often a good choice.
� If driving, park near where you are having the picnic because there will be
carrying involved.
� The best locations are close to water. Ideally, find a lake or pond with
bird life you can watch.
Note: If you want to feed the birds, bring some birdseed with you as this is
healthier for the birds than bread. It also shows your softer side.
Choose a location with a view.
� Make sure there are toilet facilities nearby.
� Choose a place that will not be too populated then try to secure a
secluded spot. The odd passer-by is okay but too many people nearby will
spoil any intimate mood. For example, avoid that nearby family with a radio
broadcasting a football game at full volume plus a dozen kids running amok
and stalking the friendly deer grazing by the lake. This will not generate a
sexy mood!
� Consider the food and drink – This is the other main key to picnicking
success. You can prepare the food and drink
yourself, or organise catering. Doing it yourself
gives you the opportunity to dazzle your date with
your prowess in the kitchen.
� Bring real plates and eating and serving utensils.
� Bring napkins. Disposable moist face towelettes
are also a good idea.
� Bring more food than you think you need.