Thanksgiving is upon us, and this time of year can be a little tricky if you’re seeing someone new. Some people tend to avoid inviting their new flame to any personal or family events for fear of overwhelming them or of implying an intimacy that they may not yet feel. Yet, even at the earliest stages of dating, it’s hard to let Thanksgiving pass by unremarked. Here are some ways to enjoy November even if you’re not ready to take your new flame to a huge Thanksgiving celebration.

• Cook a traditional dinner before or after the holiday. If you’re a whiz in the kitchen, whip up a holiday dinner before or after the holiday to share with your new love interest. You may not choose to include all the fixings, and you may not even choose to cook a turkey. But a nice home cooked dinner together as your own Thanksgiving celebration is nice. It might be fun to cook it together, too.
• Consider a more laid back “fall” date. Enjoy a drive in the country to take in the fall color or go on a fall hayride with a group.
• Build a fire in the fireplace and watch a great classic movie together, complete with some pumpkin pie and apple cider.
• Eat Thanksgiving dinner together with a group of friends. If neither of you are planning to visit relatives for Thanksgiving, spending the day together is far less stressful. Consider hosting or attending a Thanksgiving dinner for friends instead with your new love interest. If no one wants to host, remember that lots of restaurants offer a traditional Thanksgiving buffet that requires no work at all.

There’s no reason to be stressed out about how to appropriately share the holidays with a new flame. Just take some time to plan ahead and you’re sure to both enjoy the holidays stress free.

Family Date Ideas, Food, Holidays, Thanksgiving

Dating is fun, but, let’s face it, it’s expensive, too. Particularly in today’s economy, it’s important to find ways to go on a date without breaking the bank. Here are some date ideas that can provide a fun evening or afternoon for just a little cash.

• Attend a local art show, antique show or festival – During spring, fall and summer local events and festivals are easy to find. You can usually spend hours walking around and enjoying the festivities, and often admission is free. You’ll usually just need a little cash for buying some food and drink.
• Go on a picnic – Prepare a meal at home and take it to a nice spot. Location is critical for this date to be a success. Find a park or garden, or a beautiful place near a lake or river. Take along a Frisbee and some music and you have a very inexpensive and fun afternoon.
• Check out up and coming bands – No matter what your taste in music, there are local bands in your area that you can go see for little or no money. They typically play at smaller clubs where the cover charge is less and drinks cost less, too. You might find a new favorite group right in your own back yard.
• Take a class together – This is a great way to learn something new together if you’re seeing someone seriously, with a weekly date paid for up front. For example, you can take 10 weeks of ballroom dance classes for about the same cost as one meal in a nice restaurant.
• Cook at home – A fancy dinner you cook yourself is far less expensive than one in a restaurant. You can cook alone and surprise your date with your culinary talents, or you can make cooking the meal together part of the date itself.

Whether you’re seeing one person seriously or going on occasional dates with different people, it’s great to find new and creative ways to spend your time together. And, finding inexpensive options for fun dates means you can really relax and enjoy yourself without worrying about the cost.

Dating Essentials Date Ideas, Ho, Money

Now that we’re entering the sweltering days of summer, it’s time to rethink your current dating plans.

After all, it’s a little too hot for the beach and even hotter for that long romantic walk you had planned. So, it’s time to go to Plan B, C, D, E….

There are plenty of ways to stay cool and have a great time on a date.

• Go to the movies – Try heading to your local movie theatre for some back to back flicks. Each of you can choose one movie to see and hang out in their air conditioned rec area between the show times.
• Head to the bookstore – Since bookstores often have much more than just books these days, why not take a date there. Split up to look at things you might want to buy and then find one of those comfy couches to read until the sun goes down.
• Try the museum – If you’re looking for a little culture, head to the museum. It’s generally free for the regular exhibits and it’s always cool. They also tend to have great eating spaces where you can discuss your favorite artists.
• Go for a drive – If you one of you owns a convertible or isn’t opposed to renting one for a day, take a drive around the town or to any nearby tourist areas. Sure, gas is pricey these days, but one day on the road might be just the right way to start a relationship. And that’s worth it.

  Dating in the heat doesn’t have to make you sweat!
  

  Dating Essentials, Tips and Ideas Date Ideas, Holidays, Movies, Summer