Good ideas for relatively inexpensive yet sweet dates

[cammyfive]

So I met this great girl..... I could spare you all the details, but as a financially strapped grad student, I'm looking for ideas for nice, romantic, or just plain sweet dates when her and I are together. Just FYI, she totally loves the idea of me shaving and wants to go antiquing looking for old DE razors so she may be a keeper!!!

[Fnord5]

Picnic.:thumbup1:

[cammyfive]

I agree. There is a nice park here with free concerts on weekend nights so I'm planning on one there.

[mk-ultra]

So I met this great girl..... I could spare you all the details, but as a financially strapped grad student, I'm looking for ideas for nice, romantic, or just plain sweet dates when her and I are together. Just FYI, she totally loves the idea of me shaving and wants to go antiquing looking for old DE razors so she may be a keeper!!!

Cook a dinner for her, if you can. Doesn't have to be fancy. This is suppose to be more impressive than a fancy restaurant. I don't know because I didn't get good at cooking until after I was married.

[cammyfive]

My cooking is fairly limited so I might have to be more resourceful.

[Fnord5]

I dunno about Alabama, but here in Northern California, it is perfect picnic weather, about mid 70's with a slight breeze today.

Don't forget a good blanket, something with a rubber back(waterproof) is a must have.

[HiFiGuy]

Spaghetti or pasta is super easy. If you can boil water and open a jar of sauce, you're home free. Add a loaf of bread and a bottle of cheap Zinfandel wine, and you're golden!

[OldSaw]

Here's one my wife likes. Pack a cooler with some strawberries, chocolate sauce and some champagne. Time the event for just before sunset and chose a setting known for great sunset views. Around these parts there is a western facing beach that we like.

Set everything up on top of the cooler and feed her the strawberries dipped in chocolate. Flowers in a small stem vase are also a nice touch. A tiny table cloth or towel will keep things from sliding off the cooler. Don't forget the blanket.

[TimmyBoston]

--Going for a walk

--Go to a museum or art gallery

[cammyfive]

Great ideas everyone! Keep 'em coming!!!!

[sparkchaser]

Take her antiquing.
Go to one of those paint your own pottery places.
Go on a hike together.
If you're both readers, going to a used bookstore is a good way to spend a few hours together.

Does she have any hobbies or interests? Do something related to that.

[Sullybob]

Picnic.:thumbup1:

Picnics are a great romantic date!


Cook a dinner for her, if you can. Doesn't have to be fancy. This is suppose to be more impressive than a fancy restaurant. I don't know because I didn't get good at cooking until after I was married.


My cooking is fairly limited so I might have to be more resourceful.

Do you have access to a kitchen? Pots and pans? A couple of knives to work with? Some of the best tasting meals that I have had are actually very easy to cook. If you are in grad school you can put together a great meal with a little help from your friends here at B&B :001_smile


Lots of really good suggestions in this thread. Antiquing, used book stores are all nice. Find out what kind of things she would like to do.


Read what OldSaw wrote. That man knows his stuff! :cool:

[rabidpotatochip]

I say go with the pasta idea, just take it one step further. Buy an onion and a clove of garlic. Chop the onion, mince the garlic, saute them in a pan and add the sauce. Mix it all together and serve it warm. That little step will make the meal taste like you spent an extra hour in the kitchen. I mean, even if you suck at cooking (and I'm sure you don't) she'll be impressed you tried, so anything over and above opening a jar should score you points. :wink:

[mdunn]

I go to antique shops with my girlfriend

sometimes she even thinks its her idea :biggrin:

[ouch]

Cook a dinner for her, if you can. Doesn't have to be fancy. This is suppose to be more impressive than a fancy restaurant. I don't know because I didn't get good at cooking until after I was married.

This is without doubt the best advice ever given on this site.

If you can't wait for the release of my upcoming tome, Inhomogeneities in the Early Universe, and How To Cook for Chicks, here are some of the highlights.

You can do no wrong: If dinner is lame, it will be considered endearing, and you'll score major points for effort. (Oh, how cute. He's so inept- he needs me.) If dinner is good, you'll be considered a renaissance man (Oh, he can fend for himself. How nice.) If dinner stinks, just pout and say "I really wanted this to work out". She'll think you're a saint for trying, even if it was obviously over reaching.
Mind you, if dinner really turns out well, you run the risk of being expected to duplicate it, if not improve upon it. Make sure you overcook something or add too much salt, just to be on the safe side.

I'll always remember the very first time I cooked for the future Mrs. Ouch-
baby back ribs with home made duck sauce
yard long beans with minced pork
shrimp with lobster sauce
steamed rice

When she said "Is it okay if I finish this before.......", I knew it was time to hang the mission accomplished sign.:lol:

[Fnord5]

I took my girlfriend out to lunch about 3 days after meeting with her for the first time, picked her up from work, went out to a little pub type place, and in the car, before I dropped her off again, I told her to close her eyes.

I pulled out the cooler from the back seat, grabbed my torch, and made her keep her eyes closed while I bruleed the first of two home made creme brulees.

She hasn't forgotten it, and it's been nearly 2 years.

[TstebinsB]

This is without doubt the best advice ever given on this site.

If you can't wait for the release of my upcoming tome, Inhomogeneities in the Early Universe, and How To Cook for Chicks, here are some of the highlights.

You can do no wrong: If dinner is lame, it will be considered endearing, and you'll score major points for effort. (Oh, how cute. He's so inept- he needs me.) If dinner is good, you'll be considered a renaissance man (On, he can fend for himself. How nice.) If dinner stinks, just pout and say "I really wanted this to work out". She'll think you're a saint for trying, even if it was obviously over reaching.
Mind you, if dinner really turns out well, you run the risk of being expected to duplicate it, if not improve upon it. Make sure you overcook something or add too much salt, just to be on the safe side.

I'll always remember the very first time I cooked for the future Mrs. Ouch-
baby back ribs with home made duck sauce
yard long beans with minced pork
shrimp with lobster sauce
steamed rice

When she said "Is it okay if I finish this before.......", I knew it was time to hang the mission accomplshed sign.:lol:

+1

It's like getting a big gift early in the relationship. She could think this is how it's always going to be and if you can't match that early precedent, she could be disappointed or even resentful. I like to ease my big stuff in later on (double entendre anyone? :a2:) in the relationship. I don't hold back per se but I like to be judicious with the gifts, dinners, etc.

[Mrs. Chip]

Don't forget the zoo or an aquarium if you have one near. Chip and I spent many afternoons during University there...so many that we got yearly passes. A walk in a park is nice too. If you have snow, build snowmen.

[ouch]

I told her to close her eyes.

I pulled out the cooler from the back seat, grabbed my torch, and made her keep her eyes closed while I bruleed the first of two home made creme brulees.

+1

I've found that nothing instills confidence in a virtual stranger better than a blindfold and the sound of a blowtorch.

[ouch]

+1

It's like getting a big gift early in the relationship. She could think this is how it's always going to be and if you can't match that early precedent, she could be disappointed or even resentful. I like to ease my big stuff in later on (double entendre anyone? :a2:) in the relationship. I don't hold back per se but I like to be judicious with the gifts, dinners, etc.

I said it before and I'll say it again-

You guys with the seemingly "permanent" custom titles are getting pretty cocksure of yourselves.

[davecmu]

My cooking is fairly limited so I might have to be more resourceful.

Do the dishes, then. Works for me every time.

Also, UNA is there, and they're bound to have stuff going on all the time. You should check them out -http://www.una.edu/calendar/

[Fnord5]

+1

I've found that nothing instills confidence in a virtual stranger better than a blindfold and the sound of a blowtorch.

Haha true. However, she worked with my mom at the time, so there were no worries on her part.

[SmoovD]

Check the local papers for free events such as gallery showings, movies at libraries and concerts. Picnics/walks are always great as well.

[rabidpotatochip]

Don't forget the zoo or an aquarium if you have one near. Chip and I spent many afternoons during University there...so many that we got yearly passes. A walk in a park is nice too. If you have snow, build snowmen.

Yeah, that was a good date. Some random lady gave us peanuts to use for noses on the snowmen and I even managed to make a top hat out of snow. Then all the snowmen (three I think) got antennas because they were aliens.

[mk-ultra]

My cooking is fairly limited so I might have to be more resourceful.

I'm sure some of us could throw some ridiculously easy but looks like you're a gourmet recipes your way.

[mk-ultra]

Cook a dinner for her, if you can. Doesn't have to be fancy. This is suppose to be more impressive than a fancy restaurant. I don't know because I didn't get good at cooking until after I was married.


This is without doubt the best advice ever given on this site.

If you can't wait for the release of my upcoming tome, Inhomogeneities in the Early Universe, and How To Cook for Chicks, here are some of the highlights.

You can do no wrong: If dinner is lame, it will be considered endearing, and you'll score major points for effort. (Oh, how cute. He's so inept- he needs me.) If dinner is good, you'll be considered a renaissance man (Oh, he can fend for himself. How nice.) If dinner stinks, just pout and say "I really wanted this to work out". She'll think you're a saint for trying, even if it was obviously over reaching.
Mind you, if dinner really turns out well, you run the risk of being expected to duplicate it, if not improve upon it. Make sure you overcook something or add too much salt, just to be on the safe side.

I'll always remember the very first time I cooked for the future Mrs. Ouch-
baby back ribs with home made duck sauce
yard long beans with minced pork
shrimp with lobster sauce
steamed rice

When she said "Is it okay if I finish this before.......", I knew it was time to hang the mission accomplished sign.:lol:

Mr. Ouch,

Thank you for the validation! :blushing:


Now, can you tell me where you got 3 ft. beans and a pot large enough to cook them? :biggrin:

[Fnord5]

I'm sure some of us could throw some ridiculously easy but looks like you're a gourmet recipes your way.

Skinless boneless chicken breasts, seasoned with salt pepper, a little garlic (fresh is better) and some finely minced fresh rosemary, wrapped in prosciutto, Pan fry on medium high heat, 2 minutes on each side, then toss into a pre heated oven(325-350) for 15-20 minutes. Serve with crusty bread and steamed baby carrots, with a baby greens salad on the side. Chardonay would be probably the best, as most women like white wines and the chard would be full bodied and buttery enough to stand up to the ham, but for me, a bottle of Sangiovese would be icing on the cake.

[mk-ultra]

Crispy Panko Mustard Chicken
serves 2

1 Tablespoon unsalted butter
1 Tablespoon Creole Mustard
1/4 cup panko (Japanese bread crumbs)
2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts

Preheat oven to 475 degrees. Melt the butter in a small dish in a microwave oven then combine the butter with the panko crumbs in a small mixing bowl.

Coat chicken breasts with mustard then place on a greased, foil-lined baking sheet, top with crumbs and bake approximately 15 minutes or until cooked through and golden brown.

Note: I use stone ground mustard rather than Creole mustard. Also, I spray the foil with Pam.

I found this on the Internet(s). It might have been at FoodNetwork.com.

Enjoy!




P.S. If you're like me, pick up an inexpensive instant read thermometer. Chicken should be cooked to 165 - 170 F. You DON'T want to get her sick on your first meal.

[ouch]

Mr. Ouch,

Thank you for the validation! :blushing:


Now, can you tell me where you got 3 ft. beans and a pot large enough to cook them? :biggrin:

Yard long beans?
http://www.masdudiable.com/A55C37/mdd.nsf/dx/Snake-Bean-Harvest-+-measur.jpg/$file/Snake-Bean-Harvest-+-measur.jpg

Any Asian market.

Pot?
Cut them into 2-3" pieces. :lol:

[mk-ultra]

I found this on the Internet(s) also.


Classic London Broil
3 Garlic cloves
Paprika

3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
Black pepper

3 teaspoons Rosemary
2 tablespoons Olive oil

1/4 teaspoon Onion powder
2 pounds Flank steak

Instructions for Classic London Broil
Preheat broiler.
Mix together garlic, mustard, rosemary, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, pepper & olive oil.
Put steak on broiler pan. Broil 2 minutes on each side to sear meat.
Spread 1/2 herb mixture on meat & broil 3 minutes.
Turn meat, spread with remaining half of mixture & broil 3 minutes.
Meat will be rare. Let meat rest for a few minutes before cutting - Approximately 7-12 minutes.
To serve, cut meat into thin slices.

Recipe by: FOOD IN A FLASH SHOW #2008 Converted by MM_Buster v2.0l.


Notes: My grocery store has London Broil (rolled flank steak), so I use that. Stone ground mustard instead of Dijon (personal preference). For me, it usually has to cook a bit longer. I use dried herbs. You can either mince the garlic or buy minced in a jar.

[cammyfive]

Great ideas everyone!!!!

I have to add a few circumstances that I will have to deal with....

1) As part of my grad school assistantship, I live on-campus (i.e. the dorms) so there is a communal kitchen downstairs. I may get some of the undergrads to assist me in the cooking duties, we'll see.....

2) We are both interested in art and music, so suggestions with that should be fun too.

3) I get paid a meager stipend once a month so the more economically friendlier the better!

[cammyfive]

That's where I'm at! :smile:


Do the dishes, then. Works for me every time.

Also, UNA is there, and they're bound to have stuff going on all the time. You should check them out -http://www.una.edu/calendar/

[davecmu]

Great ideas everyone!!!!

I have to add a few circumstances that I will have to deal with....

1) As part of my grad school assistantship, I live on-campus (i.e. the dorms)

3) I get paid a meager stipend once a month so the more economically friendlier the better!

Is your assistantship in Housing/Residence Life? I'd be curious to find out since it's my career field. I'm an Assistant Director in Housing at UA here in Tuscaloosa. Kevin Jacques and I both spent some time at Central Michigan University, as well.

If you're going into Higher Ed, get used to that meager stipend thing. It never changes. You'll be lucky to find a partner who understands that you work in education, and then you can have a whole lifetime of economically friendly dates. My wife, luckily, was an RA for three years and understands I'll never make the big bucks. So we do cheap stuff all the time. I, however, CAN cook, so that's one advantage.

If you're in housing, let me know so we can chat some more. I'll want to recruit you to be part of the state Housing Officers organization. If not, enjoy your time in the residence halls - it's A LOT nicer than paying rent.

Dave

[cammyfive]

Small world!!! Basically my assistantship pays for on-campus housing and a meager stipend per month ($250.00). My field is political-sci/philosophy so I'm not going into the Res Life portion of academia, per se. It is funny since I do live amongst 18-19 year olds. I am affectionately known amongst some of them as 'Uncle Ed' since I provide advise and study help to them! Yeah, living in the dorms sucks at age 29, but it sure beats living in an apartment at a cost of probably $600.00 a month including utilities.


Is your assistantship in Housing/Residence Life? I'd be curious to find out since it's my career field. I'm an Assistant Director in Housing at UA here in Tuscaloosa. Kevin Jacques and I both spent some time at Central Michigan University, as well.

If you're going into Higher Ed, get used to that meager stipend thing. It never changes. You'll be lucky to find a partner who understands that you work in education, and then you can have a whole lifetime of economically friendly dates. My wife, luckily, was an RA for three years and understands I'll never make the big bucks. So we do cheap stuff all the time. I, however, CAN cook, so that's one advantage.

If you're in housing, let me know so we can chat some more. I'll want to recruit you to be part of the state Housing Officers organization. If not, enjoy your time in the residence halls - it's A LOT nicer than paying rent.

Dave

[TstebinsB]

I said it before and I'll say it again-

You guys with the seemingly "permanent" custom titles are getting pretty cocksure of yourselves.

I don't know what my custom title has to do with being cocksure but what I said is true. A guy shouldn't go all out right from the start. It's foolish. It doesn't mean you're aloof or pompous - it means that you have some reservations.

[ScotchDave]

I've forgotten what it's called, but, what you do is walk around somehwere you don't know without a map. Keep one with you just in case you get totally lost, but don't look at it. Whenever you reach a junction you let her pick the next direction at random.

It's a really great way to explore a city, and very romantic because you know the situations and journey will be totally unique. One of the best dates I've ever taken my girflirend on.

*DISCLAIMER* I don't know how well this will work in an american city, they might be too big...

[DeaconKC]

Take her for a nice ice cream sundae someplace and give her a little stuffed animal. Just as we are little boys inside, women are still little girls too.

[Hreafn]

Cook for her let her watch the process put on some music the meal dont have to be fancy. Food is the true international lang so if you are willing to cook for her and it works you will be a nice sweet guy. Or you can steal her a car.:biggrin:

[cybrok]

Cooking for her works, that's how I got the first kiss from the new SWMBO.

Zoo is good too, especially if there are baby animals.

[bro-ham]

Do you or the young lady play sports? The Mrs and I spent many days riding bikes around town or playing tennis and basketball at the park. It wasn't competitive and it was fun teaching her how to play tennis.

[ouch]

I don't know what my custom title has to do with being cocksure but what I said is true. A guy shouldn't go all out right from the start. It's foolish. It doesn't mean you're aloof or pompous - it means that you have some reservations.

I was referring to-

I like to ease my big stuff in later on

If that's not custom title worthy............ :biggrin1:

[cynical1]

Alot have recommended the zoo, but I would caution surprising her with that one. I've met quite a few women who are morally opposed to the caging of animals.

If there's anywhere local for bicycling, rent a tandom bike and go for a ride, plan the route to incorporate the aforementioned stop for ice cream.

[HerrHepcat]

Check the local papers for free events such as gallery showings, movies at libraries and concerts. Picnics/walks are always great as well.

Um... you wanna be her girlfriend or something? First date: Ask her over when your changing the oil in your car. When she gets there, ask her to go pick up some beer.

I'm kidding.

Dinner is a great idea, and cooking it yourself works if you wanna do it on the cheap, and there is nothing wrong with that. Pasta and wine works just fine. Don't make it too complicated... you're not looking for points in the first couple dates. If you get 'em, you'll be expected to keep earning them.

First few dates should be about if you enjoy each others conversation, so even a coffee date works for that. If you don't enjoy her conversation, you're doomed.... if she doesn't enjoy yours, you're doomed.

[Montecristo #2]

Let her watch you shave.


I mean the whole (hour and a half) deal, start to finish, pre-shave, 4-5 passes, post-shave, etc.

She'll either think you're awesome or freak out and bolt, atleast you'll find out before it's too late.

[gollum83]

Let her watch you shave.
You're joking right? This is not a date. It is more like "me time" with your lady friend watching.

[rabidpotatochip]

You're joking right? This is not a date. It is more like "me time" with your lady friend watching.

I'd say yes to that question.

However, if it's a serious suggestion he can finish it off with "hey, if it takes me this long to shave... :ihih:".

[Laz]

Great ideas everyone!!!!

I have to add a few circumstances that I will have to deal with....

1) As part of my grad school assistantship, I live on-campus (i.e. the dorms) so there is a communal kitchen downstairs. I may get some of the undergrads to assist me in the cooking duties, we'll see.....

2) We are both interested in art and music, so suggestions with that should be fun too.

3) I get paid a meager stipend once a month so the more economically friendlier the better!

The Dorms are not a problem. Get some people to help you and transform your room into a small dining area. Light a few candles, borrow a small dining table, It doesn't have to be anything expensive - just different.

[tblech]

Cook a dinner for her, if you can. Doesn't have to be fancy. This is suppose to be more impressive than a fancy restaurant. I don't know because I didn't get good at cooking until after I was married.

I agree with this. Do a little home work, find out what she likes or dislikes. One would hate to serve escargots to her if she hates snails, or doesn't know if she likes them or not and is just plain grossed out by the thought. I suggest, for flair, cooking tableside, thin strips of beef on plates of salt. I guarantee she has never seen it before and you could use the beef in a fajita or cook chicken, in the same fashion, for a caesar salad, in which case I insist upon Newman's Own Caesar dressing and fresh romaine rinsed with fresh lemon juice tossed in for flavor, for a time saver you could use prepared crotons, add a nice Riesling and your good to go. Ice cream out would be a great touch, if you have a suitable option available but whatever you do, make it from the heart and she'll know.

Good luck, oh here is a link to a place that you can get the salt plates for cooking:
http://www.saltworks.us/shop/product.asp?idProduct=658

[gollum83]

...for a time saver you could use prepared crotons...
Oh croutons take no time to make! Just get yourself a baguette, cut it into chunks, lightly oil, toss in the oven, broil, turn them over once, continue broiling and you have croutons in a few minutes!

Quick, easy and it makes a great impression. And it makes even the most inexperienced of cooks look like they know what they're doing.

[al7jj]

Going to antique shows and flea markets together is a great idea. You can't afford much as graduate students, but it will give you a good idea of each others' tastes. Also, most campuses have free or cheap movie series, which are good for the same reason.

+1 on the spaghetti and bottled sauce plus wine idea. As mentioned above, if you stay in academia, this is something you should learn to like :-) 37 years later the really interesting girl I met when I was in your shoes and I still do that most Friday nights. Most of our faculty and administrative friends do likewise.

I used to take my girlfriend mentioned above on dates to a small local bookstore run by two brothers who had just finished grad school -- Tom and Louis Borders :-) A couple of years later I did a fun MBA project with them on a plan to franchise bookstores. The professor didn't think it would work.

[chickpea]

Many of the best dates involve showing the girl part of yourself, who you really are and the world you inhabit. After all, dates are about getting to know one another more than "Wow, I enjoy watching her jiggly bits in those tight clothes".

So, let her into your world a bit. If you are a wine enthusiast, take her shopping for a bottle of wine you will both share later on over some small snacks. If you are an archer, take her to an archery range with you; if you are a sailor, take her sailing.

You like Nascar/Formula 1, take her to a gokart track and race eachother and later get some icecream.

Great dates invariably involve three core activities:

1. Conversation with one another
2. The prospect of non-coital physical contact
3. Information about who you are as a person and what sets you apart from others.

I guess being married I ought to know something about dating successfully, as the most "successful" dates end up being long-term committed relationships. But then again, maybe I'm just a dumb lucky schmuck, at least that would be my wife's answer if you asked her :lol:

[rabidpotatochip]

Many of the best dates involve showing the girl part of yourself, who you really are and the world you inhabit. After all, dates are about getting to know one another more than "Wow, I enjoy watching her jiggly bits in those tight clothes".

So, let her into your world a bit. If you are a wine enthusiast, take her shopping for a bottle of wine you will both share later on over some small snacks. If you are an archer, take her to an archery range with you; if you are a sailor, take her sailing.

You like Nascar/Formula 1, take her to a gokart track and race eachother and later get some icecream.

Great dates invariably involve three core activities:

1. Conversation with one another
2. The prospect of non-coital physical contact
3. Information about who you are as a person and what sets you apart from others.

I guess being married I ought to know something about dating successfully, as the most "successful" dates end up being long-term committed relationships. But then again, maybe I'm just a dumb lucky schmuck, at least that would be my wife's answer if you asked her :lol:

Summary: women are like cats, you don't choose them, they choose you. :rolleyes:

[chickpea]

Summary: women are like cats, you don't choose them, they choose you. :rolleyes:

woman are like cats, they scratch you if you get their hair wet

[rabidpotatochip]

woman are like cats, they scratch you if you get their hair wet

How else are you supposed to inform them of your romantic interest? :confused:

[chickpea]

How else are you supposed to inform them of your romantic interest? :confused:

DUH! Pull their pigtails!

[Devil Doc]

I've been married so damn long I don't remember what it was like to go out on a date. I seem to remember, vaguely, that on our first date, I cooked dinner for the woman I ended up marring. But I can cook, being a 1st generation Italian. Some of you guys should not be cooking pasta sauce. Trust me on this. :lol:

Doc.

[ouch]

Many of the best dates involve showing the girl part of yourself

Normally I'd give the kneejerk response of "+1"

Upon further reflection, I'm not sure if this is read showing the girl "part of yourself" or showing the "girl part" of yourself, so I'll just pass.




After all, dates are about getting to know one another more than "Wow, I enjoy watching her jiggly bits in those tight clothes"..................
.............Great dates invariably involve three core activities:

1. Conversation with one another
2. The prospect of non-coital physical contact
3. Information about who you are as a person and what sets you apart from others.

If we were friends when we were younger, I'd guess that we wouldn't have gone on many double dates.....


But then again, maybe I'm just a dumb lucky schmuck, at least that would be my wife's answer if you asked her :lol:

.....but we certainly have this in common. :lol:

[Doc4]

However, if it's a serious suggestion he can finish it off with "hey, if it takes me this long to shave... :ihih:".
(waiting in gleeful expectation of Mrs. Chip's response to this post ... )

Normally I'd give the kneejerk response of "+1"

Upon further reflection, I'm not sure if this is read showing the girl "part of yourself" or showing the "girl part" of yourself, so I'll just pass.







Sausage-fingers, no doubt.

[ContenderhunterPA]

My cooking is fairly limited so I might have to be more resourceful.


Recipes from Food Network (food.com) are often easy to follow, and usually work out well. :001_smile

[Gruder]

If she enjoys the outdoors, hiking and canoeing. My now-wife and I really enjoyed (and continue to enjoy) these inexpensive moments together. If she's into movies, get netflix for the two of you. A one movie at a time plan is pretty inexpensive per month (under $10), and a source of plenty of opportunities to show your interest in movies she enjoys (and, if you're fortunate, vice versa).

[gollum83]

...I can cook, being a 1st generation Italian. Some of you guys should not be cooking pasta sauce. Trust me on this. :lol:

Doc.

I'm not 1st generation Italian, but I agree with this! :biggrin:

[Masterofsparks]

I hate to be redundant but my wife LOVES picnics! Our first one was winter time so in the front room I lit a fire and put down a cloth and I had slices deli meats, assorted fruits, caviar, a bar of dark chocolate and a couple of bottles of wine......oh and of course some nice breads....
All from our local grocery store and with some jazz playing it was a wonderful evening.....feel free to move this to any outdoor location!

[Swat]

I suggest geocaching. Use your GPS, or borrow a friend's. You can find tons of them at www.geocaching.com (http://www.geocaching.com)

[rabidpotatochip]

I suggest geocaching. Use your GPS, or borrow a friend's. You can find tons of them at www.geocaching.com (http://www.geocaching.com)

I took Mrs. Chip geocaching a few times. It's a good thing we were already married since wood ticks aren't very romantic. :biggrin:

[gollum83]

I took Mrs. Chip geocaching a few times. It's a good thing we were already married since wood ticks aren't very romantic. :biggrin:

I'm sure the wood ticks would disagree. Something has to be keeping their populations up. :wink:

[Bluestaco]

When I was younger (and more romantic and considerably less of a curmudgeon), I was dating a girl who turned out to be a "tiny eater": she was always embarrassed not to even put a dent in a nice dinner.

So, I cooked her a meal: "baby food." Not literally: I made her game hen, baby carrots, tiny rolls, new potatoes...everything tiny, down to the little bitty pies I baked for dessert. I even got a little bottle of wine, little candles, and we ate at a little table. It was fun and cute to prepare.

Chick was SOOOOO not worth it, though. :mad:

[rabidpotatochip]

When I was younger (and more romantic and considerably less of a curmudgeon), I was dating a girl who turned out to be a "tiny eater": she was always embarrassed not to even put a dent in a nice dinner.

So, I cooked her a meal: "baby food." Not literally: I made her game hen, baby carrots, tiny rolls, new potatoes...everything tiny, down to the little bitty pies I baked for dessert. I even got a little bottle of wine, little candles, and we ate at a little table. It was fun and cute to prepare.

Chick was SOOOOO not worth it, though. :mad:

:lol::lol::lol:

[chickpea]

showing the "girl part" of yourself

In my experience, this tends to kill the mood immediately, men who have girl parts, should avoid showing them on a first date. I highly recommend against it.

Unless she's into that sort of thing. . . in which case . . . who am I kidding, I don't even think I could up with advice in that type of scenario.