Relationships

3 First Date Destinations That Eliminate The Possibility Of Awkwardness

With today’s technology, being “social” doesn’t mean actually being social.

With social sites and apps like Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat and Instagram, we have more outlets to keep in touch. But we can still feel lonely.

So it’s totally normal that when you finally get the courage to ask that special lady out on a date, you have no clue where to go to make it special.

No worries.

Here are three great first date places that will surely get you that second date (or your money back):

(I'm just joking about that last part. You will not get your money back at all. Enjoy.)

1. Cafe Or Bookstore

So, when you mention that you’re going on a first date in the first place, everyone expects you to go to the movies, right?

Exactly.

But you’re not everyone. You are somebody.

You are somebody who actually values conversations and connecting with someone.

Sure, the movies are great if you want to play it safe.

But think about it for a second: There is no real communication going on there.

You sit still and quietly in a dark room for two hours, with hundreds of people just staring at a screen (or scrolling on their phones if it’s a chick flick).

Ditch the popcorn and grab a latte instead.

One great thing about coffee dates is they eliminate the beating around the bush.

You can actually have a conversation, and you get to know the person on a more personal level.

This is not like over the phone or Skype, where your conversations depend on how good your service is.

A coffee shop is a great place to meet someone one-on-one and enjoy a great cup of coffee at the same time. It's an intimate setting where you both feel comfortable.

The date may be intimidating at first, but after two shots of espresso, she will be talking your ears off.

In a good way, of course.

A bonus point is if you go to a bookstore that has a cafe, you can browse through books and talk philosophy, pop culture and the stupid novels you were forced to read in high school that you hated.

I can’t really explain it, but there's something magical about a bookstore with a cafe.

It’s a great place to be in the moment with your date, while getting to know her better.

2. Art Galleries And Museums

For this one, you might have to hop on your local metro in the city. But I promise you it will be worth it.

Going to art galleries is similar to going to a cafe.

It’s a place that’s intimate, and it opens up conversations.

When you look at the art, you can both give your opinions on various pieces and express the type of paintings and sculptures that move you.

This is a great way to find out more about a person without asking.

She could say, “I really enjoy abstract art. It really touches the creative side I used to have in photography class in high school.”

That's a great place to dig deeper. You can find out how she got into photography, and why she stopped if she no longer does it.

Don’t try to analyze every painting you see, though. Nobody likes that person.

But you can talk about something that really grabs your attention. Describe how it makes you feel.

It may unlock something that she will remember and treasure.

3. Concerts

So, the first two dates are both very intimate suggestions.

They're places where you can get to know your date one-on-one with minimal distractions.

But this idea can be just as good if you play it right.

Taking your date to a live concert can be a memory she really does cherish forever, especially if she’s never been to one.

Speaking from experience, my girlfriend had never been to a concert.

It just so happened that I took her to her first one, which featured one of her favorite singers, Katy Perry.

Let’s just say the rest was history.

Concerts are great because you can both let loose and have fun together.

You still have time talk if you go early and enjoy the pre-concert festivities. You can have even more to talk about after.

Unlike both the dates I mentioned before, concerts can be very expensive. It all depends on who you see, so you can always start at small music festivals and work your way up to that Rihanna concert.

Now, since you are taking your date to a concert, the performer might not be someone you’re excited see.

But it’s a small price to pay when she goes back and shows her friends Instagram pictures from the amazing show.

Who knows? You might become a fan and have something else in common.

I know we sure did after we left our concert.

Yeah. Katy Perry is hot.

So fellas, skip the flowers, movie and dinner routine, and try something different.

Go on a date that will provide fewer distractions and more time to be intimate.

These dates can let you know early on what type of person she is, and more importantly, what type of person you are looking for.

Dating is like a game.

If you have a great first date, you can move on to the next level.

If the second is successful, you'll advance to the finals.

If the dates down the road are groundbreaking, you win the ultimate trophy and get to go home like LeBron.

Now that you have the game, suit up and get on the court.

Good luck to you, and remember to tip your waiter.