Dating’s difficult isn’t it? Especially if you’ve been out of the game for a while. There’s so much to think about and get right as you try and impress a potential partner. From how you look, to what you say, from what you say to your mannerisms, whether you pay the bill and what sort of place you take to them. It’s a real minefield.

It becomes even more so if you don’t Drink Alcohol. More and more of us are abstaining these days, for all manner of reasons, whether it be you’ve been through alcohol rehab recovery or you simply are looking after your health. Perhaps you don’t even like the taste of a lager or stout! Whatever the reason, navigating a first date away from the pub, bars or alcohol in general can be a difficult one. But it is possible. And it’s possible to still have a great time too.

So, if you’re out on the dating scene at the moment and you, or your first date, don’t drink alcohol, here are five Brilliant booze free alternatives for a first date…

Explore a gallery or museum

If you’re a culture vulture, then why not suggest a local art gallery or museum. They’re always chilled out affairs and certain exhibits can be great for sparking conversation. 

Of course, don’t do it if neither of you are particularly arty or interested in the type of museum it is, that’s just going to be a few hours of walking around rather bored. But if you are interested, it’s a brilliant way to enjoy a shared interest. And of course, you can exit through the gift shop to treat your date too…

Enjoy a picnic in the park

Not necessarily one for winter, although if you’re wrapped up it can still be a great idea, a picnic in the park is a brilliant way to enjoy conversation in a much more laid back setting than a bar or restaurant, as well as being in picturesque surroundings. 

If you’ve got a blanket, some great food, and bring your A-game with the conversation, it’s a real winner of a date!

Form a team and do some cooking

Perhaps a little more out there, joining a cooking class can be a brilliant way to connect with each other and see how well you get on with teamwork. It’s much more interactive than going to a gallery, and what’s more will generate plenty of laughs, especially if neither of you are great cooks!

There are plenty of cookery courses out there, so sign up and see if you can pull together a Michelin star worthy dish together.

Test yourselves against an escape room

One that really could go either way, so do consider how stressed you can get by such things. An escape room can be tons of fun though and another date idea that requires teamwork and communication. Granted, you won’t necessarily be finding things out about each others lives, but you will get a good sense of each others personalities, which is perhaps more important on a first date. It’s the perfect compatibility tester!

A scenic hike

Finally, a hike can be a lovely way to spend an afternoon in all four seasons. You can enjoy the beauty of the landscape and while away the hours talking and finding out about each other in a much more productive way than drinking. 

It’ll help create a real connection, especially if walking or hiking is something you are both interested in.

The post Five Top Ideas For A First Date Without Booze appeared first on Wingman Magazine - The 'Dark Web' of Personal Development.