Getting the Seal of Approval
Double dating is a tricky situation. Just like normal dating, you need to find an equally compatible couple. Sometimes opposites attract, and other times it’s a disaster. Just make sure both couples have enough in common to get along, but are different enough to keep things interesting.
Why even mention double dating? Because as the holiday season approaches, you’re going to be put in situations where your new holiday love interest will need to attend friend gatherings and family outings. You don’t want to be that person who never intertwines the two, and your friends can’t back up that your significant other is a real person. Plus, you want your friends’ approval. So before you bombard your date by throwing them into a group setting, ease them into your circle through some maybe awkward, hopefully awesome double dates.
If your group of friends is anything like mine, we are very judgmental when it come to meeting the “new guy.” In order to better your chance of getting your friends’ seal of approval, here are a few double date ideas to ease your love interest into meeting the whole gang.
Feed me
Get food together. Who doesn’t love food? If the conversation gets awkward, you can just stuff your face and move on. Plus dining on a double dates really shows off how structured you are as a couple. Does your love interest pull out you chair and is an obvious try hard? Or does he hold your hand under the table to be cute but not showy? Either way, you know your friend will be quick to judge so just keep the conversation fun and hope that your love interest passes the test.
Get drunk
Still to this day, I believe the quickest way to befriend someone is by going out together. You let loose, make the same questionable mistakes and share photos you don’t remember taking. If you have that friend in the “fun” relationship, make sure to go out with them and show that your significant isn’t a lame duck. If your significant other is shy, it’ll bring them out of their comfort zone and the “fun” friend will be sure to approve.
Pass the popcorn
If you’re more traditional, go on a classic movie double date. There’s minimal talking, so your significant other has fewer chances of saying anything dumb. Just make sure to look happy and cuddly, and this date is sure to give off that cute vibe. Your friend will approve of your date by default because there’s hardly any chance of messing things up. Worse case scenario, things will just go okay. And in the world of double dates, that’s a win.
Strike out
Similar to the movies, bowling is another classic double date. Pretty much everyone sucks at it, and you just get to show off your silly side as you grub on delicious, shitty food. Your date and your friend’s date are sure to get competitive, which will serve as you and your friend’s entertainment of the night. It’s a chill date that will be sure to end on a high note despite how many gutter balls you or your love interest throw.
In the awkward situation where you are the only taken friend in your friend group, sorry love interest but prepare to be thrown into a group setting. This can work in your favor. By meeting everyone at once, your significant other will get it over with faster, just with more pressure. But if possible, take pity on your love interest and go on double dates so the whole situation isn’t entirely overwhelming.
Born and raised in Northern Virginia, Christina aspires to be a public relations professional in a big city after graduation from James Madison University. In her free time when she’s not blogging away about dating and relationships, Christina loves to go shopping, watch Netflix and play with every puppy that crosses her path.