If you’re a woman, you probably believe that the way you spend Valentine’s Day with your partner says a lot about where your relationship is headed.  And if you’re a man, you’re aware that your Valentine’s Day date will be the most over-scrutinized date of the year, so it’s imperative that it’s not just a good one, but a great one.  Here are some date ideas for Valentine’s Day- or for any day that you want to make a really good impression.

Adventurous Date Ideas:

- Hot-air ballooning.

- Mountain climbing (even if the nearest mountain is a few hours away, you can enjoy the private car ride together).

- Hiking.

- Sky diving (for a specifically intimate experience, jump together in a single parachute).

- Skiing or water-skiing (depending on where you live and the weather in your area in February).

Romantic Date Ideas:

- Create a treasure hunt in which your girlfriend will amass various trinkets such as a teddy bear, jewelry or flowers, and end at a fancy restaurant.

- Re-enact your first date.

- Moonlight walk along the beach (which, incidentally, is still romantic even in cold climates, as long as it’s not too cold outside).

- Home-cooked picnic (if it’s too cold outside, consider setting up a blanket on your living room floor, and heating up the fireplace).

-Limo ride around the city (with drinks, of course, since you won’t be driving).

Cute date ideas:

- Volunteer together (few things are more romantic than showing your compassionate side.  Let your partner see that you can be giving to others, not just to him).

- Apple picking.

- Drive-in movie.

- Karaoke (in which you each pick a song to represent your relationship).

- Plan a cheesy Valentine’s Day date with flowers, chocolate and a fancy dinner (it may be over-done, but most women agree that it’s still adorable!).

First dates can be really unnerving. You are not only meeting a new person, but you probably want to make a great impression. Nowadays, a lot of first dates happen after an online chat in a dating site, so you DO have some information and impressions regarding the person that you are meeting. Still, online photos in a dating site aren’t enough, and making the first date a good one, is rather important.

Here are few tips for first dates – some are for men, some for women and some are for both.Remember: take it easy and have fun. After all, it’s just a date.

First Date Tips

1. Be confident (but not overly so):  Women tend to enjoy confidence in a man, while there are many men who won’t like a coy woman. So, be a part of planning the date – decide together where to go and what to do, and don’t be afraid to voice your opinion.
2. Keep it simple: You’ll be nervous enough without making a big show. Choose a familiar venue, or do something that’s easy and enjoyable.
3. Don’t go to the movies: The dark scenery of a movie theater can be very romantic, but it’s not an ideal setting for a first date, in which you want to talk and get to know each other. Movies are good for later dates.
4. Easy on the perfume: Girls and boys – don’t overdo the Eau de Cologne! You don’t want your date to faint, right?
5. Brush your teeth: Go for a mouthwash, too. Better safe than sorry!
6. Don’t give them the 3rd degree: Keep the conversation light and amusing! Avoid talking or asking about old boyfriends, girlfriends or any other Exes. This is a first date, not a criminal investigation.
7. Go for comfortable clothing: We are not suggesting that you wear dirty jeans and a torn t-shirt, but you should wear comfortable clothes. First dates are tense enough, you don’t need the extra pressure of a tight dress or too-new shoes.
8. Guys, pick up the tab; Girls, insist on going dutch: Someone will come out victorious at the end, but that’s the way it should be. Guys should suggest or insist on paying, girls should at least make a courteous move towards your purse.
9. Listen, don’t just talk: Yes, that goes for the both of you!
10. Turn your mobile phone off: Taking calls from your friends or reading texts is very rude and shows lack of interest. Only keep your phone switched on if you’re expecting a VERY important call.