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First dates are fairly standard. Coffee or drinks help you ask the get-to-know-you questions and see whether there’s a spark. Some may even opt for a movie, just so they have a sure talking point throughout that first meeting. Then, what exactly comes after? Dive into the second date ideas that could score you a third tryst. 

How to Set Up a Second Date

Generally, one of the best ways to set up a second date is right after the first one. You need to express your feelings to avoid guessing games. Say “Hey, I enjoyed our date today. I’d like to see you again when you’re free.” It verbalizes your interest and showcases your consideration of the other person’s schedule. 

If you only figured out how much you enjoyed yourself after, you can still bring it up. The best way is to call them and communicate. If you lack the means to ring them up, text them and gauge their interest.

Ensure you have your second date ideas ready when the person you’re interested in asks what the game plan is. It’s all best to avoid using pet names and save them for when the relationship becomes more serious.

Best Second Date Ideas

The first date is for first impressions. When coming up with second date ideas, make it a goal to know that person beyond face value. Here are several suggestions on what to do with them.

1. Head to a Museum

A museum is a great place to have constant talking points. Pick galleries based on common interests to ensure you and your date have a good time. You can also opt for interactive exhibits instead. Some utilize augmented reality to project images and animations, transporting both of you into what seems like a whole new environment. 

2. Visit a Botanical Garden

Botanical gardens are fun to visit. You can just stroll and talk to one another about recent life events and get to know them better. If you want to have fun with it, try foraging different flowers and fruits. Make a mission to build a mini bouquet. Give it as a token of appreciation for agreeing to the date and take pictures if they’re comfortable. 

3. Organize a Picnic at the Park

A picnic at the park may seem old-fashioned, but it still holds so much novelty. You can get takeout from their favorite restaurant or make something yourself. Make sure to bring it all in an insulated picnic basket so that everything stays at its optimal temperature. Have a blanket large enough to lie down and enjoy the scenery together. 

4. Play at the Arcade

The arcade is the perfect place to gauge just how competitive your date is. You could also see how they would handle losses and any embarrassing moments that come their way. Compete in all the fighter and shooter games. You can also impress them by trying your hand at the claw machines, though you must show that you’re a good sport if you ever fail. 

5. Take a Cooking Class

A cooking class is a nice second date idea. About 29% of people find recipes overwhelming and ask other people to prepare it for them instead. Let you and your romantic companion take the leap of learning it with the watchful eye of a professional. Who knows, it might be your favorite recipe for future stay-in dates with them. 

6. Go to a Mini Golf Course

Mini golf courses are ideal for almost every hangout, and a date is no exception. You could compete with one another to see who gets the lowest points during each round and at the end of it. Plenty of room for banter and friendly conversation as you take turns or walk from one obstacle to another. 

7. Walk Through Ikea Together

The Ikea scene in “500 Days of Summer” is bittersweet, but it’s undeniably fun to browse endless aisles and showrooms. Invite your date to just explore and daydream about sharing a place. It could help you gauge how they like their interior design and how detail-oriented they seem about life. 

8. Run Errands Together

Running errands is often viewed as one of the more mundane second-date ideas, but it’s just refreshing to have company. Head to the grocery or get clothes from the dry cleaners together. Volunteer your car and become your date’s personal driver for the day. You can let them take control of the music and see whether your tastes match.

Second Date Rules

After sorting out your ideas, you and your date should be good to go. However, there are unspoken rules about second dates that every person needs to know. 

1. Make It Differ from the First Date

Some people think they just need to emulate everything that happened on the first date to have a successful second date. However, you need to see it as an opportunity to show another side of you they haven’t seen yet. If you’ve done one of the ideas above during the first date, you can cross them out or save it for when you’ve made the relationship official. 

2. Remember What You’ve Learned

Small mistakes like ordering food they dislike or buying flowers they’re allergic to are understandable on the first date. Make sure you avoid them again on the second date. You can even use the information to your advantage and bring them something. Gift them chocolate-covered strawberries if they’ve talked about how they love them.

3. Go for Deeper Questions

You’ve already become acquainted during the first date. Once you’re on the second date, target the deep stuff. You can’t jump straight into cohabitation after this meeting, but you could always ask their thoughts. Question where they see themselves traveling to or settling down.

4. Allow Awkwardness To Happen

There are times when awkward silence occurs throughout the second date. Let it happen. Chances are they feel nervous about what to say too. You can acknowledge and laugh about it together before opening up a conversation and diverting their attention away from it. 

5. Don’t Expect a Second Date Kiss

If you didn’t lock lips on the first date, don’t worry. A study finds that 45% of Americans favor the second date to have the first kiss. Granted, about 26% think the third date is ideal. Focus on getting to know them. If you feel like they’re in the mood for it, ask outright for their consent and go for it. 

Secure a Third Date

It’s natural to be nervous about going out with someone you’re interested in again, even if you hit it off during the first meeting. Take a deep breath and recollect yourself. Figure out what second date ideas are suitable and ask them out again at the end of the night when things go well.