As someone who has been chronically single for over seven years now, alongside being a long-term lover girl in love with the idea of falling in love, trust me when I say that I have been on A LOT of dates. And when I say A LOT, I mean way too many and probably more than you have (although, not quite sure that is a bragging right.)
This unique experience of being on potentially the most dates in Australia puts me in both a somewhat fortunate and an unfortunate position of having some absolute horror stories to share that truly do deserve their own article (one day, readers), as well as some pretty great nights out that have led to what has become closer to functional relationships.
It also means that the usual few wines and a nibble or a quick almond cappuccino don’t always cut it for me. Sometimes, yes, that is exactly what I need or all I have emotional capacity for, but at other times, I want to do something more fun, exciting and likely to fill up my own cup, regardless if my date is a flop or not.
If you also want to add a little more zest to your dating roster, regardless if it’s your first date or an anniversary, I’ve shared some of my favourite slightly out-of-the-ordinary activities.
Unique Dining Experiences
How many times can a girl be wined and dined? Never enough in my opinion. But in a sea of monotony when it comes to dating, that doesn’t mean that you can’t indulge in something a little different. I recently dined at Moonhouse in Balaclava on a date, and we were treated to a gorgeous Yum Cha experience. Think all-you-can-eat but with a little more class.
Not in Melbourne? A lot of restaurants all over the country do promotions or different offerings on different days of the week, so see what you can find – maybe it’s a cheap taco night where you try every filling on the menu, a bottomless brunch (but keep your pants on, please) or even a DIY pizza night at home where you compete to see who can make the most creative and outrageous topping combo.
Test Your Trivial Skills
Okay, I feel like my age is starting to show, but there is absolutely nothing I love more than a trivia night. Granted, I usually go with my girlfriends, but once a month, you better believe I am trying to conjure up my last few brain cells to get a bar tab at whatever pub we have ventured to for the month.
Not only is it good for the gals, but also a light and playful way to get to know someone. Not only will you discover any of your date’s hidden interests, but you will also learn just how competitive they really are. I didn’t say it definitely won’t make you get the ick, but better now than when you’re married with kids, right?!
Putt Putt The Night Away
One of the best dates I’ve had recently was an evening playing mini golf at Holey Moley, where we sipped delicious cocktails and made cheeky little bets as we battled it out across the mini-golf course.
Disclaimer: I would say a mini golfing date is better for a second or third date, just so you can make sure there is some natural chemistry and there won’t be too many awkward silences. I’ve done the putt-putt first date before, and let’s just say it took a long time to warm up. 10/10 would not recommend.
Not Just Netflix & Chill
I am starting with another disclaimer here, as I do NOT recommend this for a first date, but once you are comfortable with someone, why not take a drive to your local drive-through cinema or head to your city’s Moonlight Cinema for an elevated movie night out?
To make things more fun – and to learn even more about your boo – bring along your favourite snacks to share, or bake some treats to enjoy together during the film.
Move It Move It
Okay, this may just be me because I am totally in my hot girl pilates era, but MY DREAM is to one day take a man to my reformer class like all the other cute couples on the weekend. Sigh, we’re not quite there yet with any of my situationships, but a lot of flings have been interested in coming, so that’s a start?
It doesn’t have to be pilates, it could be a high-energy boxercise class, a makeshift run club (followed by a croissant, of course), or even a stroll with a coffee in hand. Sometimes the best way to let down your guard is to get a little sweaty and get those endorphins pumping, so get on out there and get moving!
At the end of the day, dating doesn’t need to be a chore – it’s meant to be a little bit cheeky and hopefully fill up your cup, no matter if the date is your Prince or Princess Charming, or is just another flop and an entertaining story for the girls’ chat.
