First dates are all about making a good first impression. You are telling someone about yourself in hopes of swaying them, and whether they realize it or not, they are making judgments about you based on what you say. Whether you want to admit it or not, we always think of cliché ideas for a first date. While the thought taking someone on a romantic picnic or a long walk in central park sounds like a successful way to impress somebody, these cliché ideas show a lack of originality and are an easy way to come across as basic. Here are the top 10 most cliché ideas that you may want to reconsider for your next first date.

Wining and Dining

Dinner dates are like a job interview for no job. You’re forced to interact too much. If the conversation falls flat there’s nothing to do but stare at your plate or suck down your drink, hoping that the awkwardness passes. Realistically, just about every first dinner date gets awkward at some point. No matter how much you like each other at first; it’s too much too soon.

Flowers

Bringing flowers on the first date can make it seem like you’re trying to force a connection or romance. The cliché idea of flowers can also been seen as a shorthand way of saying, “please like me.” This can make you seem needy and desperate, which are the last two things you want to be, especially on a first date.

Taking Long Walks

Going for a stroll on the first date is totally acceptable. Going for a long walk on the other hand should be avoided at all cost. If your planning to take your date on a 3 mile walk at the beach, you might want to reconsider your plan. Long walks can get boring and tiring real quick. Also, consider the temperature outside as well. During those hot summer months, a long walk will leave you feeling hot, sticking, and most likely have you covered in sweat. Stay dry and skip the over extended walk.

The Cinema

A movie date is the best way to learn nothing about each other. While the idea of seeing a movie on the first date sounds easy and romantic, in reality it’s an awkward couple of hours in the dark. Rather than trying to get to know one another, you instead sit side-by-side, staring at a screen without even looking at each other. Save this cliché idea for when you’re actually an item.

Group Activities

Not only do you have to impress your date, but now you have to impress his or her friends. If a dinner date can feel like a job interview, a group activity with your friends as a first date can seem like a performance analysis. No matter how cool and open your friends are, your date is going to feel like they’re judging him/her; and to be honest they probably are.

A Picnic

While the idea of a picnic seems lovely, quaint or romantic, the ugly truth is that they’re uncomfortable, sticky, and full of insects. Unless you’re having an indoor picnic with candles, relaxed music and cool air conditioning, try to avoid this cliché idea.

Being Over Attentive

Although being attentive on the first date is always a plus in a woman’s eyes, being over attentive can set you up for failure. Opening every door you encounter on your first date will signal that you are trying too hard to impress her. Let the girl open the door herself from time to time. This will show her your caring side as well as your ability to let her be independent.

Not Kissing on The First Date

Avoiding a kiss at the end of the night may lead your date to thinking you aren’t exactly interested or impressed. A simple kiss on the first date is truly harmless and could potentially be the cherry on top of the cake. While your goal may be to show respect to your date, don’t consider eliminating this idea entirely.

Watching the Sunset

Watching the sun go down may be a romantic idea for a date night down the road, but for a first date this idea is nothing but cliché. Even though you are both able to capture a beautiful view without you having to reach into your wallet, you may come off as cheesy and typical to the person your attempting to impress.

Coffee Dates

This is always a popular choice for a first date. It’s convenient, cheap, and if things go wrong you can down that Frappuccino of yours and book it to the door. Although this is an easy go-to for a first date, meeting up for a cup of coffee is nothing but cliché and original. If your really looking to impress or get to know someone, go outside of your comfort zone and plan an adventurous first date that you both will enjoy…and skip the coffee!

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