Saturday, August 15, 2009

Are You Looking For 5 Awesome Date Ideas?

By Eric Dashal

A memorable time is going to mean something a little different for each couple. Some prefer a night of dancing and drinking, while others prefer to be less public, whether at home or at a public venue. For this article we gathered together many different lists of favorite date locations and ideas, and grouped the most popular ones into basic types of activities. These 5 awesome date ideas are not meant to be the entire date, just the most memorable part of it. A quiet meal and cocktails will always a good way to end the evening.

Awesome Date Ideas #1: Festivals and Events The first one of our 5 awesome date ideas would be to attend a festival or public event. There is something about a festival, such as Oktoberfest or some other local event, that seems put a whole new level of energy into a date. Try local music festivals, such ashot new rock, or you could even be adventurous and try something neither one of you have ever done before, like car shows or a new ethnic restaurant that just opened in town. Even a play, comedy show, or theater production will offer a very enjoyable evening together, and the theater has attracted the hearts of men and women alike for centuries.

Awesome Date Ideas #2: Beaches and Parks There may be beaches or parks in the area, and those could make it an exciting day or evening of fun. The beach can make for a memorable date, and many public parks offer various forms of recreational entertainment, including live performances. If you are going on an outdoor date in the daytime, be sure to take along a hat, and plenty of sun screen. Most areas have cultural or historical centers nearby, such as state parks, which could be very interesting to explore as well.

Awesome Date Ideas #3: Video and Amusement Centers Amusement parks of all types make for a great date. Venues such as Six Flags or even the local mini golf course or go cart track can be a great way to become acquainted with someone, and enjoy some quality time together. Many theme parks offer local residents discounted access on certain days, so you may want to ask about that, as well.

Awesome Date Ideas #4: Individual Sports An indoor climbing wall can be a great workout for those who are inclined towards physical fitness, but it isn't going to appeal to everyone. Other activities might include bowling or tennis, maybe even billiards or the local video game arcade. Any kind of one-on-one activity makes for an opportunity to interact and learn more about each other, and anything that allows couples to get to know each other better should be considered on of the 5 awesome date ideas.

Awesome Date Ideas #5:Sporting Events If your favorite team is playing in town, why not plan a date out at the ball field? Basketball is available in most major cities, while rural venues might include going to the rodeo or a four wheeling mud pit. As long as you are both excited about the activity, anything is a good idea. Just don't assume that because you enjoy a sport, the other person is going to be equally enthused. Both people have to enjoy themselves for it to be an great date.

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How To Not Lose Yourself In New Relationship

By Astrid Engels

You've probably heard this story before. Person A; wonderful life complete with fun friends, satisfying hobbies and a thriving career. There's just one thing missing from their life, so they join an internet dating service. And before you know it, A has met B, complete with smooches and cuddling; in other words, absolute chemistry.

A few months later, these two are a couple. A happy pair cocooned in wrappings of romantic bliss. Unfortunately, their friends aren't receiving very little face time, their career is getting less attention, and hobbieswhat are they??

One of the paramount goals of any conscious dater is to seek out the type of partner and relationship that will enable us to not only be happily in love but to also retain our sense of independence. We want to share our lives, not surrender them. But how do we accomplish this? Lets break it down.

It's all wonderful when we start dating someone new, so it's not surprising that most couples will look for situations where that feeling is best realized. They seek out situations where the electricity sizzles; and for most couples that means alone time. Away from outside interferences and mental obstructions.

It's really one of the most perfect times of life. You're part of a new pair, and it's almost as if nothing, and no one, else exists. You're learning about each other and developing couple habits and routines.

As for the friends, family, career and hobbies, they're still there. You just haven't noticed them much being so focused on your new partner. But once the bloom is off the rose, and it will happen sooner or later, you're going to realize that you've let the rest of your life slide into apathy.

It doesn't always happen this way. Believe it or not, there are people who are able to start a new relationship and enjoy the newness of it all while maintaining their commitment to friends, career and hobbies. I'm certainly not one of them!

Me, I'm actually one of those people who loves being crazy in love. I love it that I'm NOT balanced or logical when I'm wrapped up in someone new. Having said that, I never let it go too long without coming up for air, so to speak. And I know I'm reaching that point when I start feeling a bit out of sorts about the things I've let slip away from me.

So whats the answer? How do you allow yourself to surrender to the loveliness of being swept away by a new romance but still keep the ties to your single life strong?

That's where we have to distinguish between chemistry and compatibility. One has nothing to do with the other. That doesn't take away from that electricity between the two of you, but chemistry is just hormones. Compatibility on the other hand is how your two lives can live harmoniously.

Its much easier to find someone who makes your tummy flip than to find someone who shares your enthusiasm for early morning yoga or skeet shooting. Im not saying you have to find your twin to have a successful love. Im all about compromise. But the closer someone already is to your present way of life, the less of a gap youll have to bridge for your love and in turn, the stronger that love will be.

Making a relationship work is never easy. And when you find someone who makes you weak in the knees, will join you in doing the things you love (and vice versa), and who actually likes spending time with your family and friends, all areas of your life will improve! Now that's worth working on.

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