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

Even if you’ve been on hundreds of first dates, they never seem to get any easier, do they? Those first few minutes are always awkward and strained as you search to find something you have in common. You’ll be happy to know that this is so common that hundreds of books and websites have been written solely to give advice on how to break the ice during that first date.

Of course, more advice can’t hurt.

When you’re out on this first date, you might want to remember that you’re not the only one that’s nervous. If neither of you know each other, it’s going to be quite normal for the both of you to have some troubles talking at first. What you might want to do is have something immediately that you can talk about so that you don’t have to think about where to begin. You can even practice it if you want to.

Or you can do something that doesn’t involve a lot of talking first during your date – i.e. a movie – so that you both have something to discuss when you’re eating. Even if you don’t have anything else in common, you will have the movie.

The point of breaking the ice is to make you both comfortable enough to talk as though you’ve known each other for years or to talk enough to get to know each other a little better. And from there, you might continue the conversation on the next date.

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Going to movies will never go out of style for dating.

Not only do you get to have an instant conversation starter, but it also allows you to have the perfect, low pressure date that will show him or her how great of a catch you are.

But you need to pick the RIGHT movie.

First of all, contrary to popular belief, the romantic comedies aren’t always the best way to go. Not only can they include high pressure romantic situations – which no first date needs – but they can also include a lot of sex and other uncomfortable scenes. And you never want to have an uncomfortable date that thinks that you’re thinking about what’s going on in the movie.

You need to pick something light and funny, but without anything that might make your date uncomfortable.

In short, you need to do your homework.

Before you head out to a date, you can always ask if there’s something that they might want to see. That always scores points and shows that you’re conscientious about their preferences.

If they’re not particular or they won’t give you any ideas, you might want to check out the local listings or the local reviews to see what all of the latest movies are about.

Things that you shouldn’t pick:

• Horror – unless they’ve said that they like it
• Anything too sexual in nature
• Cartoons – see horror explanation
• Anything too romantic

Of course, that sounds like it doesn’t leave much. But notice that ‘action’ isn’t on that list – here’s why.

Some action movies are actually quite interesting and smart as well as humorous. By combining all of these elements, you’ll have a great picture to talk about as well as enjoy. Spy movies tend to work well and they can include romantic plot lines – think Bourne Identity.

Or there’s always the slapstick comedy that might not be adored by your date, and in that case, talk about how horrible it was when the lights come back on.

That always makes for good conversation as well.

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