One the biggest complaints I hear from the front lines of dating is that nights are becoming routine and tired – that dating has lost its enchantment. The complaints aren’t so much about dull people, but more on the way that the date itself unfolds. There is nothing more played out than the classic date: drinks and/or dinner and/or movie. The problem with centering on these activities is that it places a lot of pressure on people to make the night memorable. Awkwardly sipping on a drink or munching on a steak while answering interview-like questions, or staring at a screen together without the possibility for banter, doesn’t necessarily set you up for a standout night. Men’s Culture Magazine, with some help from our friends, is here to help you out. We’ve put together a three-part series offering some basic principles to keep dating fresh, and to make those nights unforgettable.

 

Principle #1 – Keep the Focus Outwards

Human connection unfolds more naturally and authentically when we have something to discuss outside of ourselves. This concept is a bit philosophical, but stick with me. If you imagine a duo facing each other, their concentration becomes fixed on one another and the world outside of them begins to shrink. This places a massive amount of pressure on each person to entertain and amuse. When a duo stands beside each other, and looks out onto the world together, the world expands and becomes more vibrant – hence supplying unlimited entertainment for you to explore together. Focusing on outward objects and experiences also gives you more to talk about and puts you at ease, creating an environment where learning about each other becomes more natural.

 

Principle #1 date night suggestions:

Telus Spark (the reimagined science center) offers an +18 night on every 2nd Thursday of the month from 6p.m. to 10p.m. This is a great opportunity to get to know someone, as you interact with the displays at the center and listen to some music in a unique dating environment…and hey, maybe even sip on a cocktail while you’re at it. A listing of the +18 line-up can be found here.

TELUSSPARK

Telus Spark

Another great Thursday night suggestion is the Glenbow Museum. Starting in January this year, the museum is now offering free admission from 5pm-9pm on the first Thursday of every month. For a listing of current exhibitions, click here.

Glenbow Museum

Glenbow Museum

Our friends at It’s Date Night have compiled a great list of date night suggestions that focus on learning something new together, check out the list here. We especially love the suggestion of taking an intro to DJ spinning class– a sure bet to keep the focus outwards and experience something fresh!

Stay tuned for dating principle #2 – Be Prepared for Spontaneity.

About The Author

Julie Broderick
Life Style Contributor / Editor

Julie is a free-spirited, freelance writer with a curiosity for human behavior. After graduating with her Masters degree in Sociology, Julie sold everything she owned and moved to Florence, Italy where she writes, teaches, and continues to wonder about the world. She is a lazy Buddhist, a grammar geek, and a recovering academic. She is keen on social trends, has a quirky fascination with etiquette, and has never met a person without a significant story to tell.

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