Six ideas for a  first date..

There are certain qualities that turn a date from merely okay (or disastrous) to fantastic. One of these is, of course, the person you're meeting, but the atmosphere and choice of activity can make a huge difference too. Though much dating advice is geared towards those in their twenties or thirties, those of us who are more mature appreciate a different kind of date to the younger crowd. Here are some ideas for potentially fantastic first dates.

Brunch

Less intimate than a dinner and much earlier in the day, a brunch allows you to chat and get to know one another in the daytime. You can claim another appointment if you need to get away, or suggest another coffee if it's going swimmingly.

The cinema

A traditional first date for any age group. Advantages include something to talk about over a drink afterwards, disadvantages include not being able to talk during the film and possibly being stuck watching a dreadful film with someone you don't know. If it's truly dreadful though that does make a good talking point.

Shopping

Most people would run in horror at the idea, but if you have a shared interest that lends itself to browsing it can be a great way to get to know one another's likes and dislikes. Readers can go book shopping for hours, for instance. Food lover? Farmer's market. Christmas enthusiast? German Christmas market! To find people to go with Click here.

A picnic

Finger foods are fun on first dates (don't forget to pack some wipes). In the summer this can be outside, but don't let cooler weather put you off. Cosy inside picnics in museums and other public spaces that allow such things can be fun settings to eat together, plus there's an inbuilt activity for after lunch.

Hot air balloon ride

If you feel a bit more adventurous then a ride in a hot air balloon can be a wonderful way to spend part of the day. You'll see the area from a very different perspective and you'll have plenty of opportunity to chat and plenty to chat about.

Play together

This is an easy one for sports enthusiasts, but even if you're not a tennis player or walking enthusiast you could try a new activity together. There's a world of sports and games out there, from table tennis to white water rafting!As the Huffington Post points out, though, there are many advantages to dating later in life. We have more experience, more idea of where we'd like to go from here and what we'd like (and will not put up with) in a potential partner. Dating has changed since we were in our early twenties, but the essentials are as they ever were. Meeting someone for the first time can be daunting, so a first date needs to be fun, relaxing and safe, especially for those of us who may not have 'dated' for a while

Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lisa-firestone/dating-midlife_b_2919429.html