Bringing Back Date Night
Remember the movies where you would see a couple get all excited about going out and making date night such a big thing? Where did that magic and desire for going out on an actual date go? It seems getting dolled up for a date is thing of the past as dating becomes more and more casual.
Enjoy date night and go out with someone special. (Photo: luckybusiness)
Nowadays everything is at your finger tips, and it is too easy to get stuck in the habit of Netflix and chill. I have absolutely no room to judge because I am a serial series binger, but every now and then I have the urge to bring back date night.
I am talking plan ahead, dress up and get out of my casual date loop and do something different. I have one friend who recently inspired me to want to plan out my dates. Her and her boyfriend always have something planned. It can be the latest and greatest pop-up show or testing out a new restaurant. Whatever it may be. it seems their relationship is alway full of planned outings and I love it.
So if you find yourself in a dating rut and want to try something new, consider these date nights to break your routine:
Comedy clubbin’
Love to laugh? Check out your local comedians and give them a try. Best case scenario, they are hilarious, and it is a successful date night. Worst case they suck, but you can make the most of it and laugh it off with your date so it’s not a total loss.
Yelp it!
When in doubt, Yelp it. If you are ever in doubt on what to do for date night, commit to trying something new. Make a list of places you have been dying to go to and choose one at random. You will know enough to maybe order an appetizer — or if you are a pro Yelper the whole meal — but it will still be a new experience and small food adventure. If Yelp is not your thing just get out, walk around and walk in somewhere you have never been before. If it turns out to be a mess, skip the meal and go straight to dessert. You can never go wrong with a sweet date.
The infamous movie theater
Yes, movie theaters still exist. Put down the Netflix, Hulu, HBO Go or whatever you are streaming so you can get out and buy your ticket. Yes, I understand you can buy your own popcorn and make it up at home, but you go to the theaters for the experience. It can be expensive, but whatever. It isn’t like you go often, so just splurge on overpriced food and tickets and enjoy the show. If theaters aren’t your thing, try outdoor movie showings like at the National Harbor. Those are even more of a throwback and you get some fresh air.
Get to the theaters early to get prime seating for your date. (Photo: Getty Images)
Saving money and being a cheap date is great, but every now and then you deserve to treat yourself to a nice night out. So try something new or something old. Whatever it may be, get dressed up and make it feel special. You may not be able to recreate those tween pre-date jitters, but just making this effort will go a long way.
