Single ladies (and men, too), fear not! Juice.PH arms you with some unique, fun—and sometimes downright bizarre—ideas to fight the First Date Flub.

By Kris Isaac

   * Photo by Kris Isaac

First dates have a tendency to be filled with awkward silences, profuse sweating and hesitations. How in the world is one supposed to turn this strange experience into something enjoyable, something that could lead to – dare I say – second date?

Perhaps the mistake starts with the setting. Yeah, a movie and dinner may be nice, but it requires social graces and common courtesy. Something that, ironically, is not so common. This absolutely lessens the chances of those who, unfortunately, are novices at the dating game. Or have spent so much time tweeting that they’ve forgotten how to speak in proper sentences. Or whose anime obsession goes beyond what is socially acceptable. You catch my drift.

The point is – don’t set yourself up for a bad date by choosing the path always taken! Here are some ideas to spruce up that inescapable First Date, something that will definitely make your date something to compare all other dates to!

1. Forever After – A Cemetery Breakfast Picnic

Okay, before you freak out and accuse me of being macabre, it has nothing at all to do with death or anything creepy like that. A big, lovely cemetery in the morning is quiet, scenic and peaceful!  

Choose a big patch of grass, preferably one that’s not, um, occupied. Pack up a healthy, charming breakfast, set up that blanket and soak in the soft morning sun and the tranquility of the place.  It’s not something most people have tried, so chances are it’ll be a first for both of you. 
Besides, in comparison to the “others” around you, you’re bound to be a hoot! 

2. Sporty Sweetheart

If you’re no good at talking or at being normal, but you’ve got at least a good grasp of a certain sport or activity, why don’t you show that side of you? Whether it’s Frisbee, basketball, pool or wall climbing, this is a good chance to show the object of your affection a side of you that you’re sure of. No awkward silences since you know the activity well, and the only profuse sweating will be the result of you being so good at what you do.

And hey, you’ll have a lot of excuses for those “accidental” brushes and touches. Wink, wink, nudge, nudge.

3. Giddyap, Horsie!

Taal volcano is more than a dormant volcano that may erupt and destroy mankind at any minute; it’s actually an amazing tourist adventure! 

Upon reaching the foot of the volcano after a boat ride across Taal Lake, you can choose to either hike up or ride a horse to the mouth of Taal. Although the hike can be interesting, it may be too much for your date. So saddle up a horse and take a ride up the volcano! The sightseeing is amazing, giving you a lot of subjects for conversation.

At the mouth of the volcano you can rest for a snack while you enjoy the sulphuric winds. Ah yes, romance.

4. Salsa Lessons

There can be nothing sexier than Latin dance and music, and filling your evening with this can definitely make for an interesting date. But instead of just watching others shake their goods, set up a lesson with your date before going out, and watch the sparks fly!

Even if you’re not any good at dancing, at least you’ll both learn something new; maybe laugh about it a lot too. And you never know, your date might find your awkwardness endearing. Plus points for dorky you!