Worst First Date Ideas: How to Avoid a Terrible Date 🚫

Going on a First Date? Avoid These Terrible Ideas

A first date can be exciting but also nerve-wracking. You want to make a good impression and have an enjoyable time getting to know someone new. However, not all date ideas are created equal. Some are downright terrible and can tank a budding relationship before it even starts. Here are some of the worst first date ideas to avoid if you want your night to be a success.

What Makes a Bad First Date?

A bad first date is one where you don't get the opportunity to talk, relax, and get to know each other. Activities that are overly chaotic, stressful, inappropriate, or dangerous typically don't make for good first date ideas. You want something low key that creates natural opportunities for conversation, gives you both a chance to be yourselves, and leaves you wanting more.

Some bad ideas include things like crowded bars on a Saturday night, intense physical activities like rock climbing, or formal events like a wedding. These can be fun with someone you already know well, but probably too much for a first encounter. A bad date can leave you feeling disappointed, uncomfortable, or downright miserable.

The Keys to a Good First Date

So what does make a good first date? The ideal activity allows you to focus on each other without too many outside distractions. Going for coffee, drinks, or a casual dinner tends to work well. Low-stakes activities like mini golf, an art gallery visit, or a comedy show can also be great options.

The most important thing is that the date gives you a chance to talk, share laughs, and get a sense of whether your personalities click. A good first date should leave you excited to learn more about each other.

10 Truly Terrible First Date Ideas to Avoid

Here are 10 notoriously bad first date ideas that are best avoided if you want your night to be a success.

Attending a Funeral

Unless you both knew the deceased personally, a funeral is not exactly first date material. It's an emotional event that doesn't allow you to get to know each other. You'll be distracted by the service itself and won't be able to chat or have any fun. Definitely save this suggestion for at least the third or fourth date.

Going to a Strip Club

Strip clubs tend to be raunchy, expensive, and not very conducive to actual conversation. This seedy activity can make your date feel disrespected. Save it for a guys' night instead.

Tagging Along to a Family Gathering

Meeting your new romantic interest's entire extended family on the first date? Talk about awkward. You'll have to make forced small talk with strangers and won't get any one-on-one time.

Working Out Together

Intense exercise like rock climbing or a spin class can be stressful on a first date. You might feel self-conscious and won't be able to talk easily. Suggest a more relaxed athletic date like mini golf instead.

Amateur Comedy/Music Events

Open mic nights can be fun, but maybe not if it's your own amateur comedy or music performance on a first date. You'll be too distracted performing, and the pressure is high. Save showcasing your talents for once you know each other better.

Netflix and Chill

"Netflix and chill" might be code for hooking up, but it's not always the best idea for a first date. Your intentions could be confusing, and serious conversations are unlikely. Opt for a more active date activity instead.

Going to a Shooting Range

Guns on a first date tend to send the wrong message. It's an aggressive activity, and not exactly intimate. Suggest something more low-key instead.

Attending a Marathon Video Game Session

Spending 6+ hours playing video games with your friends? Not exactly quality time to get to know your date. Non-gamers will likely feel left out too.

Extreme Outdoor Sport Activities

Things like skydiving, storm chasing, or hiking up a mountain are awesome date ideas...when you already know you have shared interests. High-thrill activities can be stressful for a newbie first date. Get to know each other first before suggesting them.

Going to a Sex Store or Museum

Visiting a sex toy shop or museum on a first date can come across as creepy. It's too sexually charged for two people who just met. Suggest it once you establish mutual interests.

Other Big Mistakes to Avoid on a First Date

Aside from choosing a bad activity, here are some other major mistakes that can tank a first date:

• Only talking about yourself without asking questions
• Constantly checking your phone
• Showing up late with no warning
• Getting drunk
• Bringing along unexpected friends or family
• Making inappropriate or offensive jokes
• Getting into arguments about controversial topics
• Discussing past relationships or exes in depth

The idea is to keep things light, fun, and focused on getting to know each other initially. Heavy or unpleasant conversation is better suited for later on.

First Date Tips to Keep in Mind

While bad date ideas happen, you can still recover and turn an awkward night around. Keep these tips in mind:

• If you show up and realize the plan won't work, suggest doing something else instead.
• If conversation is lagging, bring up unique ice breakers or would you rather questions to get it flowing again.
• If you're uncomfortable at any point, politely end the date early, or redirect it. Don't force yourself to stay.
• After a bad date, don't ghost - let the person know politely you didn't feel a connection.
• But don't be afraid to give someone a second chance - first date nerves can make anyone act awkwardly.

The most important things are to stay flexible, keep communication open, and give your date and the night a chance before writing anything off completely. The right person can turn even the strangest activity into an unforgettable experience. Focus on getting to know each other, having fun, and being yourselves.

More Bad First Date Ideas

While the ideas above are pretty universally bad, here are 10 of the all-time worst first date suggestions according to dating experts. Unless you want your date to head swiftly for the exit, avoid these at all costs:

1. Getting fast food at a place like McDonald's - not very romantic!
2. Taking your date to get an oil change or do other boring errands.
3. Attending an amateur stand-up comedy show - don't put your date through that discomfort!
4. Going on a stroll when it's below freezing outside - she'll definitely be cold.
5. Inviting your date to your uncle's funeral - just no.
6. Taking your date to a tailgate party - drunk strangers galore.
7. Daytime drinking then asking your date to drive you around.
8. Making your date go hiking or camping when they aren't outdoorsy.
9. Bringing your date to a child's birthday party - invite a stranger to that?
10. Asking your date to go to a club where they don't know anyone - awkward!

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