How Can I Make A Third Date Really Special?

When you have enjoyed your time dating someone new, you may start thinking about what direction you want to take the relationship in. You’ve been on a couple of dates now, and things seem to be going well. If feelings are starting to develop, you might want to do your best to make the third date special. This can help you start moving things in the direction you want to go in, and it can also help strengthen your burgeoning bond.

What can you do to make a third date special, though? There are many different ways you can make your date more special, ranging from the location, the activity, the conversations, and more. Here, we’ll explore a few ideas you can consider if you’re trying to make your third date a little more special.

Make things more romantic than usual

By the third date, you may want to get deeper into the romantic aspects of this budding relationship. In many cases, the first and second dates can be largely about getting to know each other generally and seeing if there’s any possibility for a connection. By the third date, you may feel a bit more comfortable around each other, feel confident that there is at least some connection, and want to introduce a bit more romance. 

There are plenty of ways to make a date more romantic. You could choose a more romantic location or activity, like a candle-lit dinner, romantic boat ride, long walk in a charming neighborhood, or something similar. You could also consider adding more physical touch, if you are both comfortable with that. Simple physical touch like holding hands, a hug, or having an arm around your date may add some romance. Showing your affection in a way that you are both comfortable with can be a great way to make your third date special.

Do something out of the ordinary

Another way you can make the third date special is by choosing something somewhat out of the ordinary, to make it feel more memorable and unique. If you have been going out to see movies together for your dates so far, you can change it up. You might even want to try something that you have never done before.

There are a lot of different options when it comes to going on a third date, included below are a few ideas to consider:

Karaoke

Karaoke can be a unique way to loosen up, have some fun, and be silly together. That said, not everyone feels comfortable singing in public, so you might want to ask your date what they think about this idea. You don’t have to be an amazing singer to have a good time with this idea either. The important thing is to have fun and let loose. You can sing some of your favorite songs and show your date your personality. 

A romantic picnic

Going on a romantic picnic is another great idea for anyone who likes to keep things simple. You can find a nice local park that has a good atmosphere, choose a day with nice weather, and then bring all of the necessary items to have a picnic with your date. You can make food yourself or pick up something simple. A date like this can be a good opportunity to talk and get closer to each other. If you do a picnic in the evening, you might also have the chance to lay out and do some stargazing, which could feel even more special. 

Cooking a meal together

Cooking a meal together can be a fun date idea. This is a more intimate type of date, and it can also help you get used to working together. Pick out a meal that you both love and put effort into making it. Even if things don’t turn out to be restaurant quality, it can still be a lot of fun. You will likely remember the first time you cooked a meal together for a very long time. It can also lead to a lot of laughter and intimate moments. 

Consider bringing a gift for your date

Another way to make your third date special is to bring your date a thoughtful gift, if this seems like something your date would be comfortable with. If your date enjoys flowers, they might really appreciate a thoughtfully selected bouquet. There is no one-size-fits-all gift that will be perfect for everyone in this situation, so try to take what you know about your date’s interests into account when selecting a gift. 

If you haven’t known each other very long, you might want to get something fairly simple and inexpensive. For instance, if your date mentioned that they love iced coffee on your last date, you could surprise them with an iced coffee when you meet. Or, if they mentioned that they love a certain author, you could get them a book you think they would like. It’s really about what you feel comfortable with and what you think your date would find to be appropriate. 

Admit your feelings

Finally, another way to make your third date special is to discuss feelings you may be having. You might be starting to feel a deeper level of interest in this person, and you might want to consider having a discussion about where the connection is headed. If you are feeling good about how things are progressing, then taking the time to talk to your date about your feelings could be special.

You could, for example, tell your date how much you are enjoying getting to know them. You could tell how you’re feeling so far and what’s on your mind regarding the connection. You could ask them how they are feeling so far, and you might consider approaching the subject of what you are both looking for. If it feels right, this might be a chance to discuss next steps in the relationship if that’s on your mind. 

How online counseling can help

Dating and relationships can be exciting, complicated, and confusing, and there may be times when you would like some additional help—whether as an individual or as a couple down the line. Whenever you need it, online counseling can help. Research has found online therapy to be effective at improving relationship satisfaction, relationship confidence, and multiple areas of individual functioning. 

For many individuals and couples, making time for something like therapy can feel very challenging, especially when you are trying to coordinate multiple busy schedules. With online therapy, you can meet with your therapist wherever you have internet, eliminating the need for a commute, which may make it easier to slot into hectic schedules. 

Takeaway

If you’re trying to make your third date feel a little more special, you can consider some of the ideas above, such as making it a bit more romantic, choosing a unique activity, bringing a gift, or expressing your feelings. For further help with dating and relationships, you can connect with an online counselor for support.