Getting a person to say yes when you ask them out is half the battle. The rest of it is coming up with a date destination that's appropriate, fun and will give you the opportunity to get to know each other. Here are a few suggestions to consider before making that nerve-wracking phone call:
Be creative: Taking a date to a movie is so cliche -- and overrated. First of all, you don't know their tastes in films yet, and the nature of sitting in a theater for two hours takes that time away from learning what they're all about. Do something more adventurous and co-active like taking a hike, going on a canoe trip or visiting the zoo.
Choose an activity or event you enjoy: Don't strap roller-blades on your two clumsy left feet just because you know your date would be into it. You'll be miserable and that will taint the date. This sounds obvious, but choose something you know you're going to enjoy and that you hope your date does as well.
Choose an activity that won't break the bank: You don't want to be either stressing about money all night or -- even worse in your date's eyes -- obviously skimping on certain things because you can't afford it. Likewise, you don't want someone coming back for seconds only because they think you're loaded. Packing a luscious picnic replete with candles and music is more romantic and shows off your taste than making reservations at a fancy restaurant.
Avoid an activity that involves a lot of booze: While meeting for drinks or having a bottle of wine over dinner may calm a few nerves, keep in mind that you don't want to get drunk.
Make sure you've got time built in to talk: Keeping busy is better than being bored and wondering what to do next, but if you're spending the day white water rafting or playing volleyball, you'll want some quiet time afterward to talk and really get to know each other.
Check the place or places out first: Before suggesting a hike or a concert, check out the trail or go hear the band. That way, you'll know what you're getting into. If the trail's muddy or the band's raunchy, you might want to reconsider.
Have a loose plan but be open to suggestions: The real fun of a date is spontaneity. Don't be so determined to make it to a late show if your date suddenly suggests a midnight swim at the beach. When you call and ask someone out, tell them what you were thinking of doing that night or day and ask their opinion. Maybe you'll learn important information such as the crab shack you made reservations at is out because your date's allergic to shellfish. Ask them if there's anything they'd rather do and that the evening's open, should something else come up.
