A Week in Lifestyle
Latest Lifestyle Articles
Wednesday, 18th January 2012
As we enter a new year, Laura Reynolds looks at how the dating game differs from previous generations.
Wednesday, 21st December 2011
Laura Reynolds looks at the freedoms of festive singledom
Tuesday, 6th December 2011
Join Jason Rose for a peek behind today's door.
Wednesday, 30th November 2011
Lauren Tabbron writes about the difficulties of spending Christmas away from a loved one.
More Lifestyle Articles
Dating with a difference-Part 1
Venture away from the usual date ideas
Wednesday, 13th July 2011
This is the first in a two-part series from The Yorker, giving you some original ideas for dates, be it a first date when you really want to impress, or a birthday or anniversary that requires something a little out of the ordinary. Of course, York has plenty to offer in terms of slightly unusual dates anyway, including climbing the Minster tower, walking the walls, and trips to Scarborough and Whitby. But now that summer is upon us, why not take time out to venture a little further afield, and try a couple of the ideas below.
- The Zoo-My personal favourite, probably inspired by Noah and the Whale, is a trip to the zoo. Perhaps a tad OTT for the first date, but a good second or third date, as it gives you plenty to talk about as you’re walking round. It can be as romantic or as casual as you want it to be. If it’s full blown romance you’re going for, pick a sunny day and take a picnic with you. Top tip: Make sure you sit downwind of the elephants whilst eating.
- Ice skating-Ok, so this one’s becoming a bit of a cliché these days, and is currently quite unseasonal, but there is talk of the winter ice rink returning to the centre of York this year. For an element of surprise, go to a permanent year round ice rink in the middle of summer. It’s a good excuse to integrate an element of physical contact into a date, if that’s what you’re going for. Top tip: warn your partner to wear adequate clothing. Mini skirt + ice skating=chilly nether regions, and brings a whole new meaning to the phrase “ice queen”.
- Crazy golf-As Desperate Housewives taught us, when embarrassing incidents happen on a crazy golf course, you can guarantee there will be a family with young children waiting behind you, so this is not the place for PDAs. That aside, crazy golf is (weather permitting) a fun and relatively inexpensive date. Finish it off with an ice cream and a romantic walk round the park. Top tip: Not a good idea if either of you is overly competitive.
Dodging flying golf clubs doesn’t make for a fun afternoon.
- Comedy night-A good first or second date option, as it doesn’t involve making too much awkward conversation, but gives you plenty to talk about afterwards, plus they will come to associate you with laughter and happy times, making another date more likely (providing that it’s a decent comedian who does actually make you laugh, otherwise it’s just awkward). Top tip: Unless you know your date very well, make sure first that the comedy doesn’t touch on any inappropriate subjects likely to cause offence.
- Mazes such as York maze can be good fun, if you like outdoorsy type things. Top tip: If you lose your date in the maze and they don’t reappear after a couple of hours, assume they have gone home. You were probably boring them.
- Stargazing-This one is for the real romantic in you. Choose a peaceful spot, such as the Quiet Place, or head out into the country side. Maybe bring a picnic, or at least a couple of drinks. Top tip: Learn the constellations and impress your date with your knowledge. Alternatively, hope they don’t know much about astronomy and wing it.
