10 Date Ideas That Aren't "Dinner & Drinks"

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To really get to know someone, you have to do life with them. While most couples in the early stage of relationship opt for “dinner and a movie” to get to know a potential boo, that may not be the best way to forge a connection with someone. Sitting across the table at dinner with someone week after week can certainly spark some great conversations, but really knowing someone means you get to see them in an array of situations to understand their quirks, flaws, strengths and weaknesses.

Date activities will help you to see the core character of your new love interest fast.

Here are some other things you can do on a date to deepen your bond.

Go To A Museum

Museum dates are fun because they let you go deep into your partner’s mind. You can both take turns analyzing a piece of artwork or a sculpture. This activity will let you get to know who they are in a more abstract way, that you probably wouldn’t discover by just asking a couple of cliche questions.

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Try Out An Escape The Room

These “Escape The Room” or mystery solving dates are available all over the country. What’s cool about them is they allow you to really observe your partner’s problem solving abilities. You also see how well you work together under pressure.

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Take A Photography Class

Sign up for a local photography class and then take turns snapping photos of one another. Not only will you get a chance to see your boo’s creative side, but you also get to see how they see you, which can tell you everything you need to know about the relationship.

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Attend Church Together

If you are a spiritual person, going to a place of worship with your partner could be a great way to see the soul of your love interest. Praying together or worshiping together can cultivate a different type of intimacy you might not find on a normal date.

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Go Sightseeing In Your Own City

Become a tourist for the day! Check out all the hotspots newcomers to your town like to visit and go experience it for yourself. Discovering something new and getting your adventure on with your partner is a great way to bond early on.

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Dance The Night Away

Not only does dancing give you a preview of bedroom chemistry, it also helps you see your boo in a crowded, sometimes tense environment. If he’s ready to full out fight with the guy who accidentally bumped your arm, his temperament may not be a good match for you.

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Check Out A Play

There’s nothing like a little bit of dramatic fiction to help you and your boo get real. Sometimes the scenarios in plays are so relatable that you can ask your partner what they would do if they were a certain character in a play and learn about their motivations, logic and reasoning that way. Nothing like a healthy game of “WWYD” to get a connection going.

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Sign Up For A Couples Massage

It can be pretty hot to watch your potential boo get a rub down. If that’s not your thing, the relaxed vibes of a spa date with bae can give birth to some real vulnerable conversations. With pretenses down and muscles loosened, you may see a different side of your potential mate.

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Do Community Service Together

If you want a compassionate partner, visiting a local food bank or homeless shelter with potential bae may help you see a softer side of them. How people treat others, especially those who can’t offer them anything, is important.