Great Romantic First Date Ideas

Do you have a bout of first-date jitters? These romantic first date ideas should get your creative romantic juices going but remember to chill out! After all, you simply have to be yourself to have fun. Don't worry about what will happen during or after your date.

Live in that special moment: the first date.

If you're only in it to score, then being romantic could help but I recommend that you try to build intimacy instead of trying to score. In the long run, building a relationship is simply two people learning to like each other. It's best to start slowly and gradually learn more about the other person.

The long-term rewards associated with building a real relationship are much more satisfying than any one-night stand. But I digress... Let's give you some romantic ideas for dates, and especially for first dates.

Stick to a Romantic Dating Idea - Not a Stalking Idea

A first date is really meant to give you and your date a chance to meet in person and see how you get along. If you've met on the Internet and have been chatting for a while, then you should know enough about the person to guess how romantic you can be on the first date.

If you're being set up, you may be able to get some information from the person who arranged the date. If you don't know much about the person, it's probably best to err on the safe side of things.

Basically, going overboard with a romantic first date may be at your detriment. Why not let your date discover your romantic side gradually.... That's what your romantic first date ideas should be about. Many women would be embarrassed if you show up with a singing telegraph, a dozen roses or even a gift of any sort on your first date. They're not planning on getting you anything...

Here are some romantic first date ideas that you should AVOID:

Don't bring a dozen roses to a restaurant. First, it will be awkward for the recipient, and where is she supposed to put your large bouquet while you eat? And then she has to carry it all evening... NOT a good first date idea.
Don't buy her jewelry. You may think you've met the perfect woman for you (based on your previous email communication, or what not) but get to know her before buying her expensive gifts. And, how would you keep topping yourself if you start that high?
Don't follow her home or insist on taking her home. There are a lot of freaks out there and although your intentions may be great, she has to be cautious. Respect that.

Romantic Ideas for Dates - For Him and Her

Now that the negative stuff about romantic first date ideas is out of the way, there ARE great romantic dating ideas that you can use on a first date. This is written in the male perspective, but women are more than welcome to make these moves too!

If you like her, book a second date just before the first date is over. That tells her that you truly enjoyed your time together.
Listen to what she tells you during that important first date and bring it up the next time you speak or see each other. For example, if she mentions that she really likes Chinese food, why not plan for a dinner at a Chinese restaurant as your second date?
If you've discovered that you both like the same sport, why not have a first date while watching the game? If you can afford tickets, that's fantastic, if not, you could meet at a pub and watch the game together on TV.
If you share other interests (wine tasting, cooking, animals, etc.) plan to meet somewhere that would really appeal to both of you like a wine tasting event, a cooking class, the local petshop, etc.

Romantic First Date Ideas: Flirt a little

You don't have to be a professional player to pull these romantic first date ideas and flirting moves. Here are a few things that you should be doing:

Look at him/her in the eyes when he/she speaks (but don't stare!)
Smile. That's probably the best way to get someone to like you (or at least like spending time with you).
Compliment your date. It could be his/her clothing, hairstyle, taste in beer, whatever you think is worth a compliment.
If possible, try to touch your date on the hand or on the cheek, or somewhere appropriate during the date. Maybe he/she's got a crumb on the corner of his/her lips.... Maybe you reach for the menu and brush your hand against his/her... Subtle moves work best here.
Don't cross your arms while talking to him/her. This reflects a subconscious desire to close yourself off.
Did I mention to smile?