| First dates rule. No, really! Stop laughing at me, and | | | | you from the buttoned down image you have to |
| no, I am not crazy! First dates are where you start | | | | present at the office, then show up on your |
| discovering the great and wonderful things about a | | | | motorcycle in a leather jacket. She has only seen you |
| person, even if you have known them forever. | | | | in your mechanic's overalls with greasy fingers? Then |
| There is nothing like that thrill of first date | | | | show up in a shirt and tie. Let her know that you are |
| excitement, but what exactly should you do? How | | | | more than just the image you show the public during |
| about six good dating techniques? | | | | work hours. |
| 1) The old standards. Some things are enduring and | | | | 4) Something silly. Remember when you were a child |
| timeless. How did they get that way? By working, | | | | and the carnival was in town? What could be more |
| that's how. Included in this is dinner, or its variation, | | | | fun than strolling hand in hand through the crowds at |
| dinner and a movie. You do not have to go to the | | | | a local fair or festival on a first date? Giggle together |
| same, tired old restaurant though. Shake things up a | | | | as you play the games of chance. Feed each other |
| bit by going to an out of the way bistro, or to the | | | | your personal favorite fair foods. Maybe even ride a |
| newest trend setting place. Look for a clever theme | | | | few of the rides if you are really feeling brave. Just |
| that will give you bonus points with the least amount | | | | make sure you include cotton candy in the evening. |
| of effort. Going to go to an old film noir festival? | | | | (Okay, maybe that is just me.) |
| Take your date to an old fashioned diner, the kind | | | | 5) Something romantic. Romance is different for each |
| you might actually see in one of the films later in the | | | | person, but if you do not know a lot about your |
| evening. Bam, you have just been declared smart | | | | date, then go for something generally romantic. Not |
| and romantic! | | | | sure of what that is? Watch a movie, or read a |
| 2) Something active. Today's lifestyle is more | | | | romance novel. Romance does not necessarily mean |
| physically demanding, and most singles really work | | | | spending a ton of cash, but if you can afford them, |
| hard to keep themselves in shape. Knowing that and | | | | you can't go wrong with roses. Just keep in mind |
| then suggesting a virtual oink fest at an all you can | | | | that romantic gestures can quickly go overboard and |
| eat buffet might suggest that you do not care about | | | | make you look like you are a stalker. Pick one or two |
| anybody's health, let alone your own. If you met | | | | gestures, and save the rest for another time. |
| your date at a gym, you know that they work out, | | | | 6) Something specific. If your date is someone that |
| so suggest something more active, maybe with a | | | | you have mutual friends with, then you can find out |
| sense of adventure thrown in. Just be sure that you | | | | some specific bits of information about them. Don't |
| leave the competitive streak at home when you go. | | | | try to get too deep with your questioning, but you |
| Running together on a sandy beach at twilight? | | | | can find out general things like favorite foods, colors |
| Romantic. A full out sprint, complete with finger | | | | or hobbies. Know that she is a fan of old time rock |
| pointing and name-calling? Stupid. Nice play, Romeo, | | | | and roll? Take her to a local club to rock out to a |
| think you might get somewhere now? | | | | cover band. She is a sailor at heart? Rent a pontoon |
| 3) Something unexpected. There is nothing more | | | | boat and take her for a picnic on the water. Show |
| stimulating than something that is just slightly out of | | | | her that you cared enough to plan something with |
| the ordinary, maybe even a little over the top to | | | | her and her alone in mind, and she will think you are a |
| make a lady feel special. If your date only knows | | | | very, very special guy. |