7 Tips for Double Dating ...

The evening may turn out awkward and a lot less enjoyable for some parties if you end up spending most of it talking to your friend or, even worse, HER date! You don’t have to spend the whole time deep in conversation with your date necessarily, but do try and remember, you’re there to get to know him so make him feel included.

This is especially important if you still live at home or if you all came in the same vehicle. Mom or Dad may not agree to it again if you break the rules and your doubles may be displeased with you if you cause them to break their rules by staying out later than they are allowed. So in order to keep everyone happy, be sure and check on what time you and your friends all need to be home by.

Whomever you decide to double with may not be able to afford to go to an expensive restaurant or do something very pricey. Here are a few ideas that would be fun yet inexpensive for everyone: Go out for ice-cream, pack a picnic and go to the park, go to the park and play on the swings, go out and play in the rain or blow bubbles, or check out local attractions such as, theater, museums, baseball teams, or library productions.

When you double date, you don’t want to look like you’re trying to out-do the other couple. Dress as you normally would and you’ll be a lot happier that you look like yourself and you’ll enjoy yourself a lot more!

Sometimes, when there’s a group of people together there can be a lot more pressure to do things you know you shouldn’t or don’t really want to. Practice responsibility, don’t let anyone drink and drive, bend curfew, or go somewhere they are not allowed to go when they are with their parents for instance.

Beware that you don’t choose one of your dates exes or old flames or that your friend doesn’t bring one of YOUR exes!! It’s even a good idea to make sure that there is no unresolved conflict between any of you. That could make for an ackward evening!!

Come up with creative ideas of stuff you can all do together. Here are a few to get you started: Rent a few DVDs and have plenty of popcorn and hot chocolate on hand, go spend and afternoon at your local pool, have a water fight at home. Stock up on water balloons and water guns! or you can go for a walk, split the cost on renting a boat for a day out on the lake, offer to do something for someone as a group, paint a house, do some yard work for a neighbor or babysit for a single mom. You could also volunteer together at your local shelter, nursing home or theater. There are so many things you can do!

Double dating is a great way to have fun and a responsible, mature option especially for younger teenagers. I hope these ideas give you a few things to consider and plan in advance for. Or maybe you have some other tips for fun double dates? Please share!

Top Photo Credit: Vanessa.Paxton