First dates are fragile. Whether you exchanged numbers at a club or met scrubbing your shelties at the local dog wash, chances are you've shared only a handful of words.

First dates are second impressions. Planned correctly, a first date can be an experience you'll never forget. Screw it up and you're stuck with bad memories and regret. There are the safe bets for a first date — dinner and a movie. But if you want to stand out and make a good first impression try a few of these first date suggestions. It's up to you – send your date home to a cold shower or leave them feeling cold.

AMUSEMENT PARK. An afternoon to re-discover your youth is a prime opportunity to showcase your personality. Win her a bear! Make him take off his shirt in front of the fun house mirror. Just avoid any potential for motion sickness. Coughing up candied apple isn't sexy.
PICNIC IN THE PARK. If you're a food and wine connoisseur, show off your elegant nature and plan the perfect afternoon meal. It's the perfect chance to chat, laugh and play hanky-panky on a blankie.
HORSEBACK RIDING. Horses equal romance - the steamy, sweaty kind of romance that Harlequin novels are made of.
DAY AT THE MUSEUM. If you're not the adventurous or athletic type a day at the museum will show your cultured, intellectual side. Whether you're into history, art, aviation, cinema, or pop culture you're bound to find museum you both connect with.
SEE A PSYCHIC. Everyone loves a good fortuneteller. Only attempt this date if you see the first date as light and fun. You can learn a lot about your date through a good tarot card reading. Maybe the cards will say you're meant to be together.
HELICOPTER RIDE. What's more romantic than the view over a city from a helicopter? It's a memorable first date that will definitely get you a second date.
SKY DIVING. For extreme daters, this one's for you. Admit it. There's something oddly comforting and erotic about plummeting toward earth with someone you barely know.
HIKING. Leave the city and track down some wilderness. While you walk you can talk. When you're out in the middle of nowhere, you have no choice but to get to know each other.
BEACH AT SUNSET. Who doesn't love a good sunset? And who doesn't love the feeling of sand between their toes? And who doesn't love ducking into a cliff and getting romantic at high tide? If you plan on behaving on your first date, save this date for the second or third time you get together.

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Before you really put yourself out deep into the dating pool, you might want to take a good look inward first. Truly knowing who you are and what you might want to work on helps make you a better person -- and thus, a better date.

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First dates are fragile. Whether you exchanged numbers at a club or met scrubbing your shelties at the local dog wash, chances are you've shared only a handful of words.

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