They do exist
Yes, they do exist. How do I know? I’ve had several and they are fun as hell! What makes them so unique is that I only have a 24-hour date as counting if it’s a first date (or one super close to being the first). If you’ve been dating someone for quite a while it’s easy to plan a full day of fun things you two know you have in common. So, in my book, the 24-hour date happens spontaneously, essentially with a stranger that you just felt a connection with.
So what is the recipe to these excursions? First, you obviously need be able to clear your schedule. When these magic-movie moments sneak up on you you have to be able to indulge and let yourself go down the rabbit hole. Second, you need a date with a person who you don’t know. Blind dates work well for this. It also helps if one or two of you is unfamiliar with the area. This way one of you is always experiencing something new which makes it more fun for the two of you. Thirdly, but most importantly, you need to be able to remove yourself from uncomfortable situations. You need to keep your wits about you so, incase you ended up with a crazy you can leave.
That being said, I think most people are good and I’ve had some really fun experiences. What was dubbed my first “24-hour date” was three years ago, and was admittedly only about 12 hours. I met my date for brunch (the kind where you pay before you start eating) at this place neither of us had tried before. I asked if he wanted to split the bill. This ignited some laughter which helped to break the ice.
After that, the rest of the day’s plans were canceled. It helped that he was new in town so I could take him to all of my favorite places in the city (which, at the time was Richmond, VA). Trips to the park, the pond, the boutique district, my favorite homemade ice cream place, 5 Guys, and the movies occupied our time. I believe we also climbed a tree.
Best if there’s brunch
My first 24-hour date in DC had the same recipe. Only this time I was the newbie. I’d only been in the city for 2 months. I knew nothing. I had no clue what 18th street lounge was, or the Gibson, or even U Street for that matter. He’d been in DC for about 4 years at this point and I think he thought that was charming. So, he took me around the city that Saturday night to all of his favorite hangouts. The next morning we went to brunch, which I quickly discovered is thing here, brunching. Then we spent the rest of the day together, watching movies and ordering in. These dates are also best when you’re with a gentleman who will sleep on his on couch so you can have the bed. Really, that’s the only type of guy you should go on these dates with.
Yesterday, a friend asked me how is it that I end up on these super long outings. Honestly, there is no way to plan them. They just happen when you meet someone you feel really comfortable with. It’s a bit of a movie moment that the two of you have to just run with.
What’s your 24-hour date story?
Tiffany, Flirty Editor
…if you’d like… follow me @trwinc
Dating and Relationship Blogger, aka Flirty Editor, Tiffany, is a Washingtonian transplant from central Virginia. This small town girl shares her dating hits and misses with a dry sense of humor but with an open heart nonetheless. When she’s not dating she’s working with art. Follow her @trwinc.