The first date with someone new is always an exciting time. What to wear, what to say, and were to go? It's a time of getting to know each other and establishing a relationship. Here are some romantic ideas for dates that may give you some inspiration.

You may already know your date. She or he may be a work colleague, or a fellow student at college. Alternatively a friend may have introduced you or you may have met each other through an online dating site.

If you know your date then you could suggest a romantic meal out in an intimate candle lit restaurant or a riverboat cruise. If it's summer and the weather is warm why not have a picnic on the beach, or in the local park.

If you are meeting for the first time then a more casual date is best. You could meet up for coffee in a cafe or have lunch together. Choose somewhere fairly quiet and intimate so that you can enjoy chatting to each other.

Take a hot air balloon ride. This is a very romantic date idea and can provide intimacy and spectacular scenery as you silently glide over the land below. This is also an ideal environment for a marriage proposal!

Join a salsa class together. The Latin rhythm is very sexy, and you will have great fun learning to dance. Who knows, you may end up taking part in dance competitions and discover a new passion!

Get tickets to a rock or jazz concert. A trip to the theatre or cinema is a great romantic date idea especially when followed by an intimate dinner for two. You will have something to talk about afterward as well, since you have both seen the play or film.

Romantic first date ideas don't need to involve lots of cash. Create a romantic atmosphere in your home with lots of candles and dim lighting, and cook your date a delicious romantic meal.

Strawberries, chocolate, oysters and wine all have aphrodisiac qualities. Rent a romantic comedy DVD such as "When Harry Met Sally", "Pretty Woman" or "Four Weddings and a Funeral."

In the early stages of dating you can't wait to be together so any time spent together such as a walk in the park on a warm summer's day can be just as romantic. If you are feeling adventurous try ice skating. You can pick each other up if you fall down, just try not to break any limbs though!

As your relationship develops and progresses always make time for dating each other. Even married couples with children should still make time to date each other in order to keep the relationship alive

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