Love Dating and Romance Tips

Simple ideas make for the most memorable and romantic birthday dates.

When dating, you can face a lot of pressure to plan a perfect date or romantic gesture, especially if that date is to celebrate your beloved's birthday. Luckily, a great date doesn't have to be over-the-top or bankrupting. With a few creative personal touches, you can make a big impression on your sweetie, one that lets her know that she is truly special, both on her birthday and the other 364 days of the year.

1. Be a Kid Again

   • Growing older isn't always fun, but you can remind your loved one that he is still a kid at heart by planning a fun-filled, kid-inspired date that will make him forget how many candles are on the birthday cake. Start the date at an arcade where the two of you can battle it out at skee-ball or a hoop shoot; challenge each other to see who can win the most tickets. Follow with a pizza dinner and ice cream cones enjoyed on a park bench. You can add more fun to the occasion by presenting your date with a birthday crown and making him pose for a few pictures; if he isn't shy, have him wear it for the whole day.

   Take a Lesson

   • Everyone has a secret passion that they wish they had the time to explore. Do some investigating and find out if your sweetie has any hobby or skill she always wished she could learn, then find a way to make it happen. Sign up for a couples lesson in something your date would love, whether it is horseback riding, photography, cooking or something more daring, like shooting lessons or salsa dancing. Learning a new skill can make a normal birthday exciting, and will bring the two of you closer together. Follow up the lesson with a romantic dinner, where you two can talk about what you learned that day.

   Scavenger Hunt

   • One of the most entertaining ways to give a present is to make your honey work for it. Create a scavenger hunt with your present as the prize at the end. The best thing about a scavenger hunt is that it can be as big or small as you want it. Clues can be left around an apartment or even a whole city. It is up to you to create the adventure.

   Take Him Hostage

   • This date is good for the adventurous couple. Arrive at your date's home or workplace as he gets ready to leave and "kidnap" him by telling him he has to get in your car and be prepared for a wild ride. Take him to his favorite restaurant or entertainment venue for an unexpected thrill. For a more involved kidnapping, arrange for an overnight trip. Pack a bag for your sweetie, ensuring that you gather all of his essentials, and spirit him away for the night; contact his employer or family if needed before leaving town. This works best if you know your partner well enough to pack a bag for him; you want the surprise to be thrilling, not stressful.

   Dating Tips

   • Remember that no matter what your plans are, the most important part of creating romance is to do something that reflects who you are. If you are naturally free-spirited at heart, attempting a formal wine-and-roses dinner may make you feel uncomfortable and your date will surely be able to pick up on it. Being yourself from the beginning is truly the best way to create not only a successful date, but a successful relationship.

     A second important piece of advice is to not put too much pressure on yourself to have a perfect date or create the perfect day of romance. Plans change, issues arise and a date might not work out the way you expected. This is okay and often these imperfections and unexpected moments can lead to some of your best memories.