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When you’re dating, it’s pretty rare that the suggestion of grabbing drinks doesn’t come up. We get it: It’s easy and, when in doubt, why not let alcohol help out?
But taking booze out of the equation doesn't just allow the two of you to get to know each other on a more, er, clear-headed level. It also forces you to do something different—and that can help you figure out if you’re really a good fit or if you’re just great drinking buddies.
Here are a few ideas for new dates to try, alcohol not included:
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Hit up a contra dance. A mix of line- and folk-dancing, contra dances are packed with banjos, fiddles, and people just having an awesome time—and the mood is infectious. Alcohol would actually work against you here since there’s a lot of spinning involved and steps to remember. Search for a contra dance near you at TryContra.com.
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Check out a band you’ve never heard of. Sure, it’s always great to hear a band you really dig. But it’s equally fun to decide to see a band based on their out-there name and be pleasantly surprised by how good they are. And, hey, if the music sucks, it can spark a convo about the worst bands you’ve ever seen live… .
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Go out for artisanal milkshakes. OK, technically you’re drinking something. But seeing what your date throws into a milkshake (gummy bears…in ice cream?) can actually tell you a lot about them—or at least spark a little conversation. Don't have anyplace nearby that makes create-your-own milkshakes? Go shopping for ingredients together and—if you feel comfortable—invite your date over to your place to whip up your creations.
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One word: karaoke. Clearly this requires both of you to have a set of balls but, trust us, nothing breaks the ice better than a duet to Jermaine Stewart’s “We Don’t Have to Take Our Clothes Off.”
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Pokemon Go together. Because there’s something about taking out Pokemon monsters in tandem that’s a guaranteed good time.
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Learn a new skill. There are plenty of beginner classes out there in sushi-making, painting, culinary knife skills, rock climbing—whatever tickles your fancy. Whatever you choose, learning something new helps bond people together. Plus, even if you decide you and your date are better off as friends, at least you come out with something to show for your time. CourseHorse is a good place to start if you live in a major city.
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Go to the latest fest. Chocolate festivals, lobster festivals, and art fairs—even small towns host these celebrations on the regular in the summer. So pick one, and see what all the fuss is about.
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DIY food crawl. Decide on a neighborhood near you, and hop from restaurant to restaurant, sharing dishes you’ve never tried before. The more culinarily adventurous you get, the better.
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Wander. Going for a walk with no end destination is seriously underrated. Take in whatever you come across, and make little pit stops at cool shops along the way. The only rule: You have to take a different way back.
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Source: http://www.glamour.com/story/date-ideas-without-alcohol
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