By Victoria Rollison
Sick of dates at the pub, the club or the local Chinese restaurant? Here are some other fun – and affordable – things to do on your next date.
A picnic on the beach
Plan a mid summer picnic where you can swim, sun-bake and grab some fish and chips together. The sun and surf are a great aphrodisiac, especially if you slip into a cute bikini in front of your man and get him to give you a hand applying sunscreen!
If it’s a bit cold, rug up and take a blanket to a beach side location. Bring some bread and dips, champagne and strawberries and make sure you get there in time to watch the sun set. If that’s not romantic, I don’t know what is!
A comedy night
If you were planning to go out for a few bevvies with your date, why not combine the drinking with some live comedy? You can tell a lot about a person by their sense of humour, and if you and your date are laughing in unison, you’ll both have a great time. Even if the comedy is terrible, you’ll definitely have plenty to talk about when it’s finished.
Ice-skating
Before you protest that you are going to fall over and embarrass yourself, think about who’s going to have to pull you up off the ice! The bruises will surely be worth it. Ice-skating will take you both back to your teens and bring out your playful sides. And it gives him plenty of reasons to hold your hands, wrap his arms around your waist, or cushion your fall as you ‘face plant’ in his direction.
Bush walking
Even if you’re not really a nature type, getting out in the fresh air and being completely alone with your date is a truly bonding experience. You don’t have to walk for hours, just a brisk stroll to a scenic spot, and perhaps a shared packed lunch as you share the amazing view. Dating can be a nerve-wracking time, but getting out in the fresh air is a great way to change pace and relax in each other’s company.
Watching sport
I know many of us girls find sport as interesting as news in a foreign language on SBS. But you’ve got to give it a go before you judge! Your date will be ultra impressed if you suggest you go watch his team’s home game and buy the first round of beers. Just make sure you know enough about the sport to keep up with his ranting at the umpire. But if you like the sport too, don’t plan a date to watch your team play his team; that’s sure to end in tears…
Doing something a bit different can really spice up your relationship. Five star venues might be nice sometimes, but you’ll find that simple pleasures also have their place.