Here are our top ideas for a setting to encourage the sparks to fly.
The Great Outdoors
There are so many great ways to spend your first date outside. If you’re both active, look up nature walks or hikes nearby. Doing an activity can often make first date chat a lot easier, and walking in silence is companionable and fun, too. If you prefer, pack a picnic and find a park or beach to sit together and people-watch. Enjoy the view and get to know one another. Some good tips are to put some music on your phone to beat awkward silences, or show each other family photos. If there was something particularly unusual in their Zoosk profile, why not strike up conversation using that as an ice breaker? It will show your date that you’re interested in them and making a real effort.
Try Out a New Skill
It’s never too late to pick up a new hobby. Have you been bonding online about things on your bucket list? Check out local classes or workshops. Most of them offer reduced price trial lessons or one off classes where you can learn to bake, sew, paint or dance. Especially if you’ve never tried it before, it can be a lot of fun and a real bonding experience. A twist on this idea is to take your date to a class on one of your existing hobbies. If you love to draw and you want to share this with them, take them to a beginner’s class and see if they enjoy it as much as you do!
Get Browsing!
While we recommend that you leave picking up your groceries together to a bit further along in your relationship, browsing can still be a lot of fun, especially if you choose somewhere a little more unique than your local store. Farmers markets, car boot sales, food markets or craft fairs can all be a great outing, and you never know what you might find! Cheer along your date to strike up conversation with stall owners, it can be a great way to see what they are like in a new situation and encourage them to show a bit of personality, too.
Read All About it
If you share a love of books, see what events are happening at your local book shops. Speaking events, author meets, book signings… the list is endless. Book shops are an informal and relaxed place which takes the pressure off when you’re meeting someone for the first time. Browse the shelves, discuss your favourite authors, and enjoy a shared experience. Just make sure not to get lost in a new title while you’re at it!
Go Retro
There’s a reason why the quintessential first date is dinner and a movie. It works. Romantic, simple, and a whole lot of fun. We suggest switching the typical order here, going to the movie first and then stopping for a bite to eat afterwards. That way you can relax at the cinema without the pressure of a conversation, and you’ll have plenty to discuss once the lights come back up. Share a bucket of popcorn, but make sure that you check in on their movie tastes before you book a horror film for a die-hard romantic.
See The Sights
Many people who meet online travel to new areas to meet their matches for the first time. On a dating site like EliteSingles, you can choose exactly how far your search for love extends to, which means you won’t end up in more of a long-distance relationship than you can handle. Despite this, eyes often meet across a crowded chat room, and you make a first date to see if the match is worth the commute. If you find yourself on a long-distance date, ask your match to show you around the sights and sounds of the city. You’re bound to discover some new things, and as a bonus - it helps you find out all about your date’s fave pastimes.
Dating over 40 doesn’t have to be overly complicated. Pick a setting you feel comfortable in, and an activity which encourages conversation and fun. Make sure to stay safe, by bringing your own transport and telling a friend where you’re off to, checking in when you arrive and once you’re on your way home. Who knows? Your first date adventure could end up being the first nostalgic step to look back on, en route to happily ever after!
Bottom Line
If you’re ready to meet someone special, our best senior dating sites are ready to help you get there. Get started today!
