Great Dates That Won’t Make Your Parents Freak Out

Guys are always under pressure to come up with some great, creative, fun and/or romantic date to take you on – something that will make you happy but won’t make your parents freak out. It’s got to be long enough to spend some time with you, but that doesn’t keep you out late. Depending on how old he is, it may involve meeting up somewhere that isn’t too far for either one of you. It’s a long list of factors.

Why does the burden fall on him? Instead of hoping he comes up with something great, why don’t you work out a few date ideas (run them by your parents before you tell him about it) so that you know that at least you will have a good time! Here are some options:

• Hiking. If there are natural areas or parks around you, go for a daytime hike. You can buy a guidebook and check out nature trails no matter where you are. Pick one that isn’t so difficult that you won’t be able to breathe and talk at the same time and one that won’t take more than hour there and back. You’ll want to spend some time at the destination spot or view just hanging out.
• Concerts. Whether they’re free opera in the park if you live in a big city, a short free concert at the local record store, or a full on big stadium outdoor deal that takes all day like Lollapalooza or Warped Tour or Ozz Fest, a concert gives you a chance to have fun, hear good music, talk to each other or pay attention to the band. Plus, with so many people around, your parents can blend into the crowd without bothering you too much (or your brother or sister – whoever goes along with you).
• Guy flick. There’s no better way to get the attention of a guy-guy than taking him to an action flick. If stuff doesn’t blow up and there aren’t any car chases, it’s a no good date movie. Get there early and play video games in the lobby or if there’s a fast food place nearby, go get a soda after and hang out until your parents come pick you up.
• Festivals. Take advantage of any fairs that happen on the weekend or outside. Even if it’s a craft fair or for Trekkies (and you hate Star Trek), it’s something to do. If worse comes to worst, you can laugh at the stuff you find and pick up a silly trinket to remember your date.
• What does he like? Find out what he’s into and base a date around that. If you can find something that you have in common, then great. But to keep your parents happy, keep it short, keep it cheap, and make as much of it happen during daylight as you can.

Dating Don’ts

• Don’t wear uncomfortable clothes. Date time is not the time to be worried about your panty line through tight fitting pants or a skirt, getting a white outfit dirty, or struggling to stay upright in tall heels. Wear jeans and a regular shirt that suits the weather. Going all out with the makeup and jewelry will only make your guy uncomfortable – not to mention your parents.
• Don’t forget his name. This may go without saying, but sometimes you see a cute guy hanging out with a group of your friends at the mall or church or a party and you ask him out – and forget his name. You can’t ask him for it after you’ve made a date, so make sure you ingrain it in your memory from the start.
• Don’t play practical jokes. It may seem funny to you to put a fart cushion on his chair at a restaurant or tell the waiter it’s his birthday so they sing to him or talk really loudly about made up, embarrassing things in a crowded elevator – but it may not be funny to him, especially if he’s uncomfortable. Wait until you get to know him better before you pull him into making a public spectacle.

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