Great Dates: Readers Respond

Thursday, April 29th, 2010

A post earlier this week included tidbits of advice when it comes to having a successful date—whether single, engaged or married. Read on for suggestions and opinions from readers.

“I concur with your thoughts on varying your activities and, yes, the area affords us variety. Also, ditto on ‘the key is you.’ … I often tell my friends to bring the party. In short, fun begins with you. My take on a successful date is enjoying one another’s company. Healthy communication, fun and being ourselves. The venue can vary. It’s the shared exploration/journey that makes it intriguing for me. I often go to Old Town Alexandria near the Torpedo Factory by the water for a picnic outing. We watch the boats sail the Potomac and the planes on short final for Reagan National while enjoying the great outdoors. It’s simple but satisfying.”—Chocolate Bunny   

Another week of great ideas, Chocolate Bunny! Keep ‘em coming. I think the next reader has similar thinking.

“My hubby and I aren’t making a lot of money, so we look for anything that is inexpensive, such as local concerts. We also like going to the free museums and taking advantage of walking and running races in the area.”—B.R.

“Being a guy, I’m expected to pay for dinner. I get that, but it’s nice when a date reciprocates and offers to pay sometimes. It can really add up, especially the price of drinks in the area.”—M.J.

Interesting you say this, M.J. I had a conversation with my regular Harris Teeter cashier this week, and he told me he sees more females paying for their boyfriends’ groceries (in general). It’s nice to know that chivalrous guys like you are out there. We do notice.

“Make sure the shared activity is equally accessible to both parties. I went ice skating with a hockey dude once. He was very critical of my performance on skates. … Leave the ‘checking’ to the bedroom.”—D.M.

“My date has to be sassy and original or else I’m not interested in pursuing anything with her. If she’s got a great personality then the date’s a success in my opinion.”—T.J.

“I have taken my girlfriend to various places in NoVA and D.C., but I have actually been trying to think of new, fresh places. Live music venues would be fun—thanks for the suggestion.”—Colonel

Thanks for your input readers! As always, you provide insightful and humorous opinions!

If you have any story suggestions, anecdotes or comments, email me at littleredbook@northernvirginiamag.com, and check out Northern Virginia Magazine’s May 2010 issue to read my picks for top 10 first date spots.

—Katie

Tags: Dating, ice skating, Katie Greenan, Little Red Book, Old Town Alexandria, outdoor concerts, potomac river, relationships, Torpedo Factory