Welcome to Sex In-The-920! I’m the Carrie Bradshaw of UW-Oshkosh, or your college sex guru. As we know it’s cuffing season, or in other words, it’s the time where everyone is getting in relationships. With that being said, getting to know someone can be difficult. Also, if you’re in college it’s most likely that you’re broke. But, with that in mind, I couldn’t help but wonder, when did people stop going on first dates, and only met each other online and called it that? 

  I do believe with the age of dating apps, it can be difficult to get to know someone. There’s a major dynamic of someone in real life, versus in person. Words always are interpreted differently over text. So getting to know someone in real life is most important. Yes, dates or first dates can be awkward, but they are super important! Dates keep the relationship alive! And, luckily there are many ways to go on dates that are in budget, or even if you want to have a fun little night, and ball out, there are some more expensive options! 

1. Pottery painting 

Having an activity on a first date is the best way to communicate with someone but also keep yourself busy. Painting is very relaxing, and it’s fun to pick out a piece together, and see how your partner paints it! This option can be a little expensive, but there are cheaper pieces to pick from, and usually the glaze is always included! The only downside is if this is a first date, you’d have to go back to pick your pieces up, and if the date doesn’t work out, it could be a little awkward. This date idea is very fun, and gives you time to have a longer date!

2. Coffee and a walk

This date is so cute and inexpensive. Luckily, downtown there are many coffee shops! If you’re not into coffee, there are other options. You could grab a quick drink and snack for under $15, and go on a little walk downtown or by the river! This date can allow you to get to know each other, and can be a shorter date! 

3. Dinner 

The most classic date! There are many options for food in town, and they can range between cheap and expensive. There may be pressure on who needs to pay as a downside, but the safest option is that each person pays for themselves, or one person pays and the other leaves the tip. The dinner date can be fun because again you guys can get to know each other, and have some very good conversations. You can also really get to know someone from what they order! Another bright side is if the date doesn’t work out, you get a good meal out of it. 

There are many different options for cute fun dates! I do believe that a movie date is not great for a first date because you can’t really talk or get to know someone. However, a movie is a good way to end a first date that can relax you. It’s also cute when both of your hands are in the popcorn bucket. But again, don’t do this as the first date off the bat!