I asked Melissa for what she considered the best dates. I think some of us get stuck in dating ruts so I thought this might inspire you to try something new. I like how she says you need to have an idea of what your date likes and how long you have been dating.

The Arts
I love going out to musicals, plays, operas, symphonies and the like. It’s a great way to enjoy an evening together with someone you’re trying to get to know, or if you’ve been in a relationship, I’ve found it to be a lot of fun to dress up a little and go out for something besides the typical dinner and movie.

These dates don’t have to be expensive either. Last semester I went to an art show in Salt Lake and my date and I enjoyed light conversation and observing the exhibits. It’s a good way to get to know someone in a new setting. I recommend different musical or theatrical events at universities, or if you have access to galleries, planetariums, festivals, or museums—any big city is full of things to do and see without breaking your bank to have a classy evening together.

Realm of Nature
My fondest dating moments have almost all occurred outside. I love going into Provo canyon, whether it’s a car or bike ride, racing on long boards, tubing, sledding, and rock climbing, or doing a plethora of other great activities. And did I mention all of the above are free? You might want to stake out a place in the park for two—even if it’s just to do homework or read books together it can be a fun little distraction from daily life in the classroom or office. Another good idea—although I wouldn’t try this on a first date—would be to get away from the city on a clear night to just star gaze and chat.

On the weekends, bon fires are a favorite choice for group dates or even just the two of you. No matter the excursion, I recommend bringing a camera along to help you keep a little of the beauty you’ll encounter—besides getting to capture the adventures you and your date may share.

Novelty
It’s not a bad thing to think outside the box and be a little unconventional. Notice I didn’t say off-the-wall different, but a change of pace is most refreshing at times.

One of the sweetest dates I went on was with a boy I’d gone out with a few times. It was a random weeknight, and we were both finishing up our homework when he called to do something. We got a shake for two and drove to a beautiful overlook to just chat. He coyly put on a CD that simply couldn’t be listened to without active participation, so he turned up his stereo and invited me to step out of the car to dance. What a sweet moment together, just dancing under the stars! But again, before you go crazy with dating out in left field, a word of caution, know your date or else your excursions might come off just plain silly or obnoxious.

Some other fun novel dates I’ve participated in were ice cream sculpting, movie-making, ballroom or swing dancing, decorating cookies, and building structures out of sugar cubes and hot glue…you should’ve seen our tooth-pick and marshmallow men! It’s fun to tackle a hands-on project together; it provides a lot of laughs and perhaps a chance to see your date in a new setting.

Table for Two
Go out for a little 7/11 hot chocolate or other treats. Yes, 7/11–as in the gas station. For some blessed reason they have an amazing hot chocolate center in their store which is better and less expensive than most other hot chocolates that I’ve had in the valley.. Also, dinner is always a good idea. After you’ve gotten a little something to eat or drink, just chill, sit back and relax.

Again, it shouldn’t even be expensive, but a word to the wise, be sure after at most two dates you spend at least a dollar or two on the girl you’re out with. Cheap is never a good thing to be labeled as. Maybe sometime I’ll tell you about the cheapest, worst dates I’ve gone on…you don’t want to become that sort of story for the people you take out, do you?