by JQ Adams

Created on: July 24, 2007

I've always had a bit of a problem with dating. Guys finally get the guts to ask a girl for her phone number, only to call them up, and be incredibly nervous or disingenuous about who they are. People date, and they're still putting on their best face, and they do so for months, without letting the other person in the relationship know who they really are. If you do find someone you like, be honest about yourself. Don't try to make yourself out to be someone that you're not. It all begins with your first date, here are a few ideas that will allow you to have a great first date and not have to spend a lot of money doing so.

State Parks If you don't live in the middle of an urban center, chances are there's a state park somewhere near your home. These places have beautiful scenery, give you an excellent chance to talk, are very romantic, and will cost next to nothing to get into.

Farmer's Market If you live near a town that has an agricultural association, you might want to go and checkout and see if they have a farmer's market. You can come up with a list of ingredients for a meal, get some of the items before hand and get the rest at the farmer's market. You two can then take the ingredients and make a scrumptious meal together at home or at a local park.

Hike & Picnic Take your date out doors, go on a nice hike and bring a picnic basket along for lunch. Choose a nice and easy casual trail for both of you to go on so that you have some time to get to know each-other and don't have to put too much effort into completing the trail. Once you get a bit tired, find a nice spot to sit down and share your lunch together.

Brunch or Coffee There's nothing wrong with taking your date to a local coffee shop and having some high-quality conversation. You'll just have to pay a few bucks for the coffee/food, and you'll have plenty of time to talk. Talking is what's important, you want to have plenty of time to know whether or not this is someone that you'd seriously consider dating.

Art Gallery There's a pretty good chance you could go to a local art gallery for next to nothing. You'll look somewhat sophisticated and have the opportunity to discuss fine art with your new special someone.

Just remember that in order to have a great date, doesn't mean you need to spend a lot of money. The important thing is communication, you need plenty of time to talk and get to know the person that you're on the date with.

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