2016 was a bit mental and turbulent, by all accounts; your love life may have mirrored it. Let’s strike another pose for 2017, shall we? One that pivots towards madness with a new partner, on a first meeting that shows you’re up for anything.

Breakout games

City dwellers will probably have seen the escape and breakout rooms popping up – usually in a dark, boxy-looking spot between a Greggs and a hair salon. Their illicit exterior hides a batch of timed, fiendish puzzle games, each focusing on its own theme. Think of it like Saw, but without the peril.

First date ideas are all about intimacy. Bond with your beau by teaming up to figure the way out, enjoying the close confines of your Breakout session. If your minds manage to meet, and the key is found, you may be on the same intellectual page…

Amateur art classes

Life drawing may not be the best option, as the only body you’d prefer to goggle at would be your partner’s (and likewise, we hope!). Yet a more abstract tutorial, like painting or free sketching, proves you want to learn a considered pursuit, even if your drawing skills don’t stretch beyond notes on the fridge.

Most communities have an art scene; you just need to know where to look. There’ll probably be a small admission fee, worth it for the laughs, cringes and flirtatious colour dabs you’ll enjoy together.

Scenic hikes

We all need a rest from the acrid madness of towns and skyscrapers. Plan an excursion to a place where the air is clear, and the grass is rough and wild. Oh, and take your hiking boots, because you might decide to crest a summit, particularly if it’s a spot you’ve always wanted to reach.

The terrain will be jagged, hilly and gorgeous enough to keep the conversation in good shape, even as you pause for breath, sipping a shared water beaker. As well as feeling physically invigorated, you’ll both be in-tune with each other – there’s nothing to distract from the bare-bones nature of your date.

Improv comedy nights

Yep, fair enough, it may be a complete bomb, since laugh-a-minute routines are usually quite subjective. But improvisational comedy – as in, the sort where there’s no plan for the evening, and the audience shouts out what they want to see – can also be fast, fun, and frivolously entertaining.

Plus, it’ll help you gauge whether your date is a shy somnambulist (rarely adding their voice to the crowd) or a dynamic, confident jokester, spurring on the madcap vibe with nary a reservation.

Unusual first date ideas are so, so much more exciting than wine and lasagne. Skip the meal, and give these suggestions a whirl! Your online dating kudos can only benefit from them, as will joining FreeAndSingle, assuming you haven’t take a dip into our singles database quite yet…

The post Cool And Unusual First Date Ideas For 2017 appeared first on The FreeAndSingle Blog.

However, if sparks are flying faster than you can manage, the time may have come to throw your date into the lion’s den, so to speak. To make this encounter run smoothly, let’s explore how to launch someone into your friendship group without mentally crippling them for life:

Go somewhere new

It’s hard enough rocking up to a pub round the corner as the +1 of someone you know. Their best buds are probably there early, trading jokes with the regulars, sitting in the same spot they always do. When a certain venue becomes a hub for a select group of people, it can take on an air of menace, as if you’re an intruder trying to nip past a barbed wire fence.

To compensate for your date’s nerves, let him or her pick a meeting spot that your mates are none the wiser about. The scales will be tipped slightly in their favour – watch their delight when they proclaim the genius of a two-for-one meal deal, one that only they have indulged thus far.

See a movie

Normally we advise against trips to the cinema: who wants to sit in silence with their beau for two hours, when you could be exploring so much else? But the flicks do have an advantage for the all-important friend intro, namely the benefit of chilling out to a good story, clothed in an atmosphere of communal appreciation.

Bookend a film with something more social – a detour to a bowling alley, a meal or casual shopping – and your date can use the darkness and comfort of those plush cinema seats to take stock of their situation. If nothing else, a movie can provide great talking points, and you’ll all have an opinion to share.

Hit the tiles

Bars and clubs, by their very nature, bring people together. Amidst the bright lights and thumping music, your date doesn’t have to do much to fit in. After a few drinks, your mates are bound to let their guard down. If your partner can survive the night, they’re a keeper. And when you all reconvene over a greasy breakfast the next day, you’ll have recollections to trade, along with warm feelings that only come from tight-knit revelry.

People need to balance their friendships and lovers, and it takes some practice. You’ll want to avoid accusations that you’re giving one or the other too much time. By taking steps to integrate the two early on, both parts of your life will fit seamlessly together. Of course, you need to find a date first, so join FreeAndSingle today and get chatting to local singletons.

The post Mates And Dates: How To Combine The Two appeared first on The FreeAndSingle Blog.

The Beach

As long as you ignore the sand in your sandwiches, this is a winner. You can check out each other’s bodies as you dry off seawater in the sun. Throw yourselves off dunes, bury your partner up to their ears, and initiate some impromptu beach volleyball. Seaside food is generally delicious too, so you can compare the cut of your chips as a breeze slips over your held hands on the pier. Beaches bring out our playful side, ideal for couples looking to love and laze in sync.

Country Pub

There’s something about public house B&B’s that bring out the best or worst of a nascent romance. Maybe it’s the isolation, the classic drinking beacon backlight against miles of moorland; or it could be the high chance that you’ll mingle with other guests, devoid of the distraction of nightlife.

Whether or not you’re particularly ‘into’ the countryside, it’s hard to beat a day exploring with food and ale waiting for you by a hearth, a dart board, and the bearded smiles of local customers. An intimate pub stay can be a gentle predicator for how compatible you are in the long run.

Grassroots Festival

Sports, film, music, gastronomy… there’s no end to the amount of street festivals rearing their head every year where we least expect them. Take advantage of this by finding a weekend event that suits both of your tastes, ideally in a place you haven’t been before.

There’s no better way to view culture through a lens than absorbing the sights and sounds of a festival, which will throw up dozens of things to do, nudging both of you towards carelessly expressing your passion in public.

Spa

Modern life is hectic, and taking a breather in a place specifically built to exorcise stress can drown out the white noise in your relationship, letting the two of you connect to the barest bones of your personalities. Jacuzzi’s, cocktail bars and massage parlours are impeccable for detoxing nags and worries, letting you indulge a sense of freedom together. You’ll walk out with a refreshed take on your connection.

Travel soothes the soul, it is often said, and the occasional weekend break is vital for putting your relationship into focus. Even if your romantic life is full of spark and colour, we recommend taking off to a place where just you and they can experience one another beyond the pressures of work, family, and friends. These are only a few suggestions; we look forward to hearing what you come up with!

Still searching for your travel partner? Join FreeAndSingle today, to fast-track your dream getaway with free online dating.

The post Weekend Getaway Ideas for You and Your Date appeared first on The FreeAndSingle Blog.

You probably make festival plans with your friends, but have you considered bringing your date along for the ride? If not, we think you’re missing a golden opportunity to have a great time and see the best side of your partner, so let’s take a look at what different types of festivals could do for your love life…

Music To Your Ears

The biggest festivals are those dedicated to great music, so it’s no surprise that people flock year after year to events that are all about dancing, roaring, and shaking off the shackles of routine. Use your imagination and you’ll find all these are awesome ingredients for a date, providing you’re into the same music.

You’ll be stimulated constantly by the bands or artists on the bill, which can make for some tactful excuses for a kiss when the time is right, or even ‘letting’ your date mount your shoulders to see over the heads of the crowd.

The Language of Love

For something a little more low key but equally enchanting, look out for a poetry festival and someone to accompany you. Literary omnivores are a rare breed as it is, so choosing someone to chaperone you to this event will be like having a surgeon by your side, cutting to the very core of your passion.

You can take turns reading to each other, trying out new words and showing off your literary prowess. At the very least, you’ll have plenty to talk about when the first chapter of your romance ends without a question mark.

Toasting the Future

What better way to speed the ‘getting to know you’ shtick along than touring a drinks festival together? Ideal for seeing someone for the second or third time (before things get serious enough to warrant weekend travel plans), a local shindig dedicated to cider, wine or craft ale is a quality dating spot. There’ll be something for both of you to have an opinion on, and you can show off your burgeoning knowledge of Scottish brewing techniques whilst clearing a picnic table for a long, night-time chat in the moonlight.

Festivals can cater to any taste and location, and it’s not all about mud, tents and music. Inviting your date to a festival could be a lot to ask, but if they want to share your joy for an extended period amongst a throng of strangers, chances are they’ll be sticking around for the long haul, and hopefully making every day with you an event in itself.

Want to get your foot on the ladder of dating success? Join FreeAndSingle today to start chatting with singles in your local area.

The post Why Festivals Are The Ticket To Dating Success appeared first on The FreeAndSingle Blog.

Brilliant brunch dates

How do you like your eggs in the morning? Celebrate Easter the grown up way with a brunch date that’s a fun and informal way to get to know your partner. Find your favourite café for a casual weekend brunch, and combine with cocktails or bloody Marys if you want to send the sparks flying. With the whole day ahead of you, the world’s your oyster with a brunch date.

Sunday feast with the family

If you’re reaching the stage where you’re wondering if they are meet-the-parent material, Easter is a good excuse to introduce your partner to the family. Bringing them along to a big family feast will draw attention away from the daunting nature of the situation, and will give you a chance to see how they bond in a more natural gathering of your nearest and dearest.

An Easter cookery class

For something a little less serious that’s guaranteed to break the ice, plan a cookery class that will help you make those Easter treats together. From Easter eggs to cakes and breads, there are plenty of classes that are themed around this special occasion.

An ideal first or second date for singles who aren’t yet comfortable inviting their date into their home, it’s a fun way to get to know one another, with a rewarding feast at the end! Alternatively, if you’re working to a budget, invite your partner round for a fun afternoon of baking together.

Easter egg hunt

Whisk your date off their feet with a memorable day out that will showcase your creativity. Plan a walk in the countryside, but get a headstart and lay a few chocolate eggs along the way. Keep it a secret until your partner stumbles across the chocs, for an adult Easter egg hunt that will bring out their playful side.

This is a romantic date idea that’s bound to go down well with your partner, provided the sun is on your side and you don’t choose a busy route where someone may find the treasure first!

Make this weekend one to remember by planning a show-stopping date that will woo your new love interest. From first dates to meet the parents, these fun ideas are suitable for every stage of your dating journey. Got your own date ideas for an unforgettable Easter? Comment below and let us know!

The post Egg-Cellent Easter Date Ideas appeared first on The FreeAndSingle Blog.

To give you a whole new outlook on February the 14^th, we’ve compiled a few alternative Valentine’s Day activities for singletons and daters who are looking for a fun weekend.

Anti-Valentine’s day fun

If you’re spending February the 14th alone this year, don’t wallow in despair at your single status. Gather your single friends together for an anti-Valentine’s Day party that will make your coupled-up mates green with envy. Organise a sleepover party for the Saturday night, and enjoy pizza for breakfast with your favourite people on Sunday morning.

Show yourself some love

Sometimes, there’s nothing better than waking up with a whole day ahead of you and absolutely no plans. So embrace your freedom this Sunday and fill the hours with ‘me time’, to wake up feeling good about yourself rather than mildly hungover on Monday morning. Whether you’ve been aching for a massage, you’re in the mood for baking or you feel like hitting the gym, the world’s your oyster when you have no plans.

Alternatively, spend some time updating your online dating profile and get chatting to the thousands of other singletons who are spending February the 14^th on the sofa – Cupid could come calling on Sunday after all!

A picnic blanket for two

Managed to bag yourself a date at the last minute? You may struggle to find a table in your favourite restaurant this close to the day. But as Valentine’s Day falls on a Sunday this year, you don’t need a fancy table for two to enjoy a feast with your date.

Instead, why not pack a picnic and head out on an adventure? Whether you both love walks on the beach or you know a secret spot that overlooks your city, this feast will be far more memorable than knocking elbows in a crowded restaurant.

Raise a toast to V-Day

You may struggle to find a table for two, and the weather may be too damp for picnics, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find somewhere to eat. Instead of committing to a three course meal, go for drinks during the day to watch the afternoon roll easily by. Sunday cocktails make a fun and relaxed first date, and savvy daters will find a spot that serves bar snacks to keep hunger at bay…

Combat singleton blues and embrace being single this February 14^th, with these alternative Valentine’s Day activities for every situation. Whether you’re organising a first date, catching up with friends or enjoying some alone time, make the most of your single status this weekend by filling it with fun activities.

The post Alternative Valentine’s Day Activities appeared first on The FreeAndSingle Blog.

Whether you’re organising that crucial first date or you’re a little further down the line, let’s take a look at some cheap and cheerful date ideas.

Host a games night

What better way to blast away January blues than a games night? Play your favourite board (or video) games AND spend time with your date, without leaving the house. Break the ice and get a second opinion on your partner by inviting along a few friends, or get snuggled up on the sofa with a bottle of wine, just the two of you.

If you don’t feel ready to invite your date over just yet, find a local bar that hosts a weekly quiz or games night. Cards Against Humanity tournament? Count us in!

Visit a museum

Museums may sound boring to some, but you’d be amazed at the cool and unusual museums you’ll find in your nearest city. Play with drones and robots at a science museum, or take a step back in time at a history museum. Combine your cultural excursion with a picnic or lunch at a local café, and this makes a great budget-friendly date idea.

Be tourists

Why pay for a walking tour when you could organise your own sightseeing adventure? Map out the must-see areas of your city, from bakeries that sell the best treats in town to historic spots with little-known facts, and take it in turns to be a tour guide for the day. Whether you’re dating someone from a different city or you’re both relatively new to the area, this is a great way to fill a day and get to know one another.

Restaurant deals

Want a date that’s a little more relaxing, but on a tight budget? January is a great month for restaurant deals if you look in the right places. Hunt around for discounts to your favourite restaurants – and those you haven’t tried yet – to impress your date for less this month. Just remember that some discounts may not be valid on weekends – always read the small print!

Dating doesn’t need to be expensive, if you’re prepared to put a little more effort into planning something original. From outdoor adventures to rainy day activities, these ideas offer something for every eventuality. Got a few fun and free dating ideas of your own to share? Comment below and let us know!

The post Budget-Friendly Date Ideas appeared first on The FreeAndSingle Blog.

To ensure that you have a fabulous festive break and you’re not left twiddling your thumbs, we’ve compiled a few fun activities for singles to make this Christmas the best one yet.

Girls (or guys) night in

December is the perfect time to catch up with friends, so why not embrace the single life by throwing a party or having a night in with your mates? Whether you want to make the most of being a bachelor or you need some support from your girls, avoid crowds in town and get cosy with your friends indoors instead.

Christmas jumper bed day

Who needs a partner to enjoy lazy days in bed? Take the opportunity to have a long overdue lie in, or write off a day lounging around in your Christmas jumper. Nothing gets you in the Christmas spirit like a festive film marathon, especially when you have hot chocolate and a pile of snacks to keep you going!

Get active

However, Christmas doesn’t have to be a time to pile on the pounds. With more time on your hands, you can use your festive break to dive into your hobbies and get a head start on those New Year’s resolutions. Make the most of your gym membership, or soak up the great outdoors with long walks and runs in your favourite places. So you won’t feel bad about that extra portion of turkey on Christmas day!

Pamper day

Since you don’t have a boyfriend or girlfriend to splash out on, treat yourself this year with a few gifts that will make you feel special. If you love spa days, book yourself in for a massage and manicure that will leave you looking and feeling fantastic in time for the festivities.

Men, want a new look for the New Year? Head into town for a haircut and a few new clothes that will ensure you impress when out on those first dates!

Festive online flirting

It’s easy to feel a little lonely at Christmas when you’re cooking a meal for one or you’re surrounded by couples. But in reality, there are millions of singles just like you celebrating Christmas around the world. Not to mention local singles near you. Free online dating is a great way to fill those quiet hours in December… you might even bag a date before the year is up!

Fill your days (and nights!) with activities that will make you remember being single at Christmas for the right reasons. Whether you’re feeling a little lost without a partner or you’re simply tired of Christmas parties and awkward speed dating, these plans are sure to put you in the festive spirit.

The post Fun Activities for Singles at Christmas appeared first on The FreeAndSingle Blog.

Here at FreeAndSingle, we’re feeling pretty festive, so we thought we’d share a few fun Christmas date ideas to get you in the mood…

Hit the snow

Nothing gets you in the Christmas spirit like a day spent in the snow. But if you can’t afford a ski trip or you’re living down under, you may grow old waiting to recreate the All I Want for Christmas music video. In absence of a winter wonderland, head to your local ice rink or snow dome for unbeatable fun rolling around in the white stuff. It’s a good excuse to cuddle up and get cosy after too!

Pub lunch and walk

If you prefer your dates to be a little more relaxed, why not don your walking boots and wrap up warm for a wintery walk that ends at a pub? Christmas is a great time for daytime dates when you have a little more time on your hands, so escape your town or city for some alone time getting to know one another.

Christmas shopping

However, we all know that there’s no rest during the festive season. When you’re not wrapping up things at work, you’re finding presents to wrap and stocking up on Christmas essentials. But rather than traipsing around town alone, suggest it as a date idea with your partner.

This will only work if they need to go Christmas shopping too, but you could share some valuable insights from the opposite sex as to what to buy your brother, sister, Mum or niece! Plan a treat at the end such as a meal or drinks to keep the motivation high.

Get crafty

Feel comfortable moving beyond neutral territory now? Why not invite your new love interest round for an afternoon or evening getting creative? Devote foodies will adore making mulled wine and mince pies, whilst craft-loving singles could compile resources to make homemade wreaths, gifts and cards. Working together is a great way to bond, and is a fun way to tick things off your Christmas to-do list!

With just a few weeks until the end of the year, now is the perfect time to take the plunge and invite the apple of your eye out on a date. These are just a few festive date ideas to help you whisk your new partner off their feet! Still searching for someone to kiss under the mistletoe? Spruce up your online dating profile and join the fun at FreeAndSingle today.

Photo credit: Will Folsom

The post 5 Festive Date Ideas appeared first on The FreeAndSingle Blog.

Going away together can make or break a relationship. So to ensure that your romantic break goes to plan, we’ve got some top tips.

Location, location, location

Choosing where to go is one of the most exciting (and important) decisions when planning a getaway. It’s probably best not to go long-haul, as the logistics can take a little bit of the joi de vivre out of any holiday. By going for a weekend break, you’re keeping it short, sweet and exciting. This is a great opportunity to create lasting memories and a deeper bond with your new match, so avoid destinations you’ve been to with a previous partner. Instead, why not search for somewhere neither of you have been before?

Planning

Once you’ve pinned down a location, it’s time to get planning. You may be the ‘disorganised’ or ‘super-efficient’ one, but when you’re in the throes of romance, it doesn’t always matter – it’s about sharing. Sit down together, maybe over a meal, and plan it out. Are your passports up to date? Do either of you drive? Does one of you speak the local lingo? Now is the time to ask lots of questions. It may sound boring, but you’ll actually learn a lot about your partner.

Electrical Devices

Everyone likes to take a few thousand pics on holiday. But think twice before snapping and uploading every second of your trip. You don’t want massive roaming charges, and remember it’s supposed to be romantic! Leave the phone out of it, or agree on set ‘screen time’, and you’ll connect even more than you expected.

Stay Sensible

Have fun, but remember not to over-do it. Getting too drunk, especially abroad, can be disastrous. Arguments can happen, self-control wanes, or you may feel more amorous than usual and forget to take precautions (make sure you’ve double checked them before going away!). So think twice before throwing caution to the wind.

Express Yourself

Holidays are a great chance to see a new side of your partner – and show yours! That might mean new clothes or hair, ‘showing off’ with your reading material, or the chance to share your knowledge about your destination. But again, it boils down to communication. Make sure you’re roughly on the same page.

It’s not a competition, but let the other know what you plan to get out of the break, what you both want to do, and simply relax. A little bit of peacocking never hurt, but remember, you’re already together. You want to show the real you, not an exaggerated version of yourself.

Follow these tips to make your trip away with your new romance even more romantic. Yet to find your future travel partner? Start free online dating today to meet your perfect match!

The post Top Tips for a Romantic Getaway appeared first on The FreeAndSingle Blog.