#SmallTownProblems, #BigDatingIssues

When you live in a small community, dating can be somewhat of a daunting bid; like buying shoes at the one shoe store in town and later wearing them in public only to find out that everyone else bought the same pair.  But, if you’re lucky enough to find a cute one-of-a-kind designer brand, consider yourself the belle of the ball.

Small towns may also lack in optional dating scenes. However, you don’t have to go out of town or spend a lot of money to have a good time. Sometimes, the best locale is off-the-beaten path and unspoiled. First dates may be awkward but they can also be fun, if both parties are interested in trying new things. And, it doesn’t always have to be dinner and a movie. Be adventurous and remain open-minded.

Check out the list below for ideas that can offer multiple opportunities to help you “break in your new shoes” but not break the bank:

 

Love and Basketball

• If you’re the competitive type, try a night game of basketball. A game displaying physical strength and agility could show a number of positive attributes and even some negatives, like his metabolism level; how soon does he get winded or if he has a propensity for good sportsmanship. Trash talking’s not so bad either. It’s a display of his competitive yet playful side.

 

 

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  50 First Dates

  Enjoy a nice stroll at a park near a lake or just go fishing together. It might seem cliché, but parks and waterways are typically serene spaces. It also forces both of you to engage in conversation; talk about your pleasant childhood memories, hobbies, interests and personal goals. Fishing can also show if a man is sensitive to the outdoors; a likely turn-off if you’re a rough and rugged kinda gal. And, sunsets! They’re a perfect end to any date; whether good or bad. It could either be a set up to a sweet smooch or a sweet goodbye.

• Attend an outdoor concert or festival. Music speaks to the soul. Really, it does! Listening to music together can answer three things: 1) Does he have rhythm? 2) Do you have similar musical tastes? and 3) How well does he function around crowds? These are three important clues that may dictate the possibility of subsequent dates.

• Go to a gun range. What woman doesn’t want to feel protected? And, what man doesn’t love a woman who can stand her ground in the face of danger? Some outdoor shooting ranges are free to the public. Just make an appointment, bring your own gun and ammunition.

 

Naked and Afraid

• Try a nature trail. This ain’t your regular bag of nuts and berries. It’s likely a testament to your potential future relationship. On this date, make it a point to get a little intimate…on a platonic level. Here’s how: spray and rub mosquito repellent on each other, bring a light lunch, take pictures of the scenery and of each other. While in nature, let nature do what it does best; allow it to take its natural course.

 

• Watch thespians on stage. AKA, attend a play at a small theatre. There’s likely a fee attached but it’s nominal. And, often times, the money stays in-house to fund additional stage plays or renovations. Small theatre houses offer a quaint, quiet atmosphere and during intermission you can discuss the acts and actors as if you were play critics.

 

• Karaoke. Sing like Whitney, Mariah or Prince. Yeah right! But, if you’re gifted and can belt out tunes like the greats, then go for it. You’d likely hit a couple of high notes with your date. But, if you’re not musically inclined, it’s still ok to sing your favorite songs by your favorite artists because it’s just for fun. Get in touch with your silly side. FYI: sing within your range. You’re not auditioning for American Idol, it’s just a first date.

 

• Go fly a kite, literally! Go to a wide open space like a nearby beach and fly a kite. It’s not an activity just for children, it’s for the kid at heart. At the end of your flight, pull out the blanket and have a picnic. It’s even more memorable if your date owns a pickup truck. Jump in the back and enjoy the sunset.
  

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• Dinner and a movie, why not? It’s not just any type of dinner. It’s Iron Chef meets Love Connection. If you’re pretty comfortable with the person, invite him or her over to your home and create a challenge that’s sure to get more than just your burners hot. Top it off with a movie. If you’re not a really good cook, that’s ok. I suggest a horror or suspenseful movie. That way, the scariest thing about the date would be the movie and not your cooking.

 

 

Night at the Museum

• Go to a museum. You don’t have to be a hipster to enjoy fine art or exhibits. Art is all about interpretation. You might just learn something new.

 

 

• Invite mutual friends over for a game night. Group settings are great ways to learn about each other as well as the caliber of friends he’s acquired. After all, birds of a feather flock together. Game nights are increasingly becoming the new adult craze in large cities. Why not make it an event in your own home or neutral site. And, if you don’t hit it off, maybe you help a fellow friend find the man of her dreams.

Who knew that living in a small town could offer such a plethora of date activities for FREE. Keep in mind that you will probably become hungry during the date, so make sure to be financially ready to fork over a few dollars for a meal, if you’re going dutch. Compiling the list was pretty easy. Now, it’s up to you to find the right companion.

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