If you’re taking someone out on a date, you want to make the best impression you can, right? And while you’d like to think that your car isn’t going to be the thing that your date judges you on – think again.

The truth is that having a great car will certainly get you noticed but if you find that your date is actually judging you on your car….watch out.

That said, you don’t want to show up in a clunker either.

So, if you don’t have a Porsche (and how many of us actually do?), there are some ways to make sure that your date doesn’t recoil in horror when they see you pull up.

Get the car washed – Really, this takes only a few minutes of your time and it will certainly make it look like you care about your car and about how you look to your date.

Vacuum the inside out – With just a regular vacuum or one of the vacuums that they have at the local gas station, vacuum out the inside of the car. Take your time doing this and make sure that you’re removing all of the pet hair, dust, and dirt that might have built up.

Grab an air freshener – One of the little trees that you can hang in your car can help to make sure your car smells fresh – but don’t hang it from your rearview mirror. Put it in your car for the entire day before your date and remove it right before you leave for the date itself. That way, you’re not overpowering the car with ‘new car’ scent, but it still smells great.

While you’re saving up for a fancy car, you can make your car look as nice as possible. And hopefully your date will be focusing on you and not the price tag of their ride.

Tips and Ideas Clean, Date Ideas, First Impressions

Though the pressure to be ‘on’ during a first date is high enough, when you are dating during the holidays, it can be downright terrifying. You don’t want to make the date too special, but you also don’t want to ignore the holidays and come off as a Scrooge.

Relax.

Here are some fun holiday date ideas:

Go to local light shows – Many towns will have tree lighting ceremonies or places where lights will be strung up in large displays. Go to these with a warm mug of hot chocolate for a fun night.

The theater is filled – With many holiday inspired ballets and shows, you might be able to impress an artistic date by taking him or her to the theater. Look at the local high schools and churches too for options.

Find lights on your own – By driving around your local neighborhoods, you can find homes with extensive light displays – for free. This will give you plenty of time to talk while exploring the city.

Go completely opposite the season – Instead of thinking about frosty walks, try going to the beach (if you have one) during the day. The change of scenery can remind you that this is still any other time of year and you’ll certainly get points for originality.

Tips and Ideas Date Ideas, First Dates, First Impressions, Holidays

As the weather begins to change from the warmth of summer to the cool of fall, many of us are heading indoors…to date online. There’s nothing like finding someone else to help make these cooler days more enjoyable. But when you’re stuck for first date ideas, you might just find yourself sitting at home all bundled up – by yourself.

To help prevent this, you need original first date ideas that will really impress this new date.

Local Football Games – If you’re both into sports, you might want to head to a local football game to share your love of the game, while also getting outside in the crisp fall air. It’s a light date that doesn’t cost a lot of money and gives you something to talk about.

A Walk in the Foliage – Since the leaves are changing anyway, why not turn them into a date too? Talking someone to the park is a great way to size each other up and to find out more about their interests.

Corn Mazes are Everywhere – Many cities also have annual corn mazes available that can make for a fun first date. You can go on hay rides or simply try to navigate your way through the maze together.

The fall is a time for getting out and enjoying a few cups of hot cider along the way – not for sitting at home.

Dating Essentials, Tips and Ideas Date Ideas, First Dates, First Impressions