Category: Blog

Summer is statistically shown to be one of the best times to date. Not only are people more likely to get dates off the ground sooner in the summer, but the activities available seasonally make for great dates. We asked our team what some of their favorite summer dates are, and here’s what we found:

• Movie
  • Planning a date can be tricky, but a movie night is always a winner. It’s low-pressure—perfect for first dates when nerves can be high. With a set timeframe, it’s easy to plan, and you can extend the evening with a meal or drinks if things go well. If not, there’s a natural conclusion to a classic date night. 
• Cooking Class
  • A cooking class makes for a deliciously fun date. It’s hands-on, interactive, and you get to enjoy a meal you created together. Perfect for breaking the ice and bonding over a shared experience, plus you’ll learn new skills and recipes to impress each other with in the future.
• Go on a Sports Outing
  • A sports outing is an exciting way to get to know your date. Whether you’re watching a game or playing mini golf, pickleball, or another sport, it’s a great mix of fun and friendly competition. It keeps the energy high and provides plenty of opportunities for laughter and bonding. Plus, cheering on a team or sharing playful banter makes for memorable moments.
• Take an Art Class
  • A paint and sip date is the perfect blend of creativity and relaxation. Enjoy a drink while you show off your inner artist, even if you’re a beginner! It’s a fun, low-pressure way to get to know each other and create lasting memories. And, you’ll have a unique piece of art to remember the experience by.
• Picnic in the Park 
  • Pack a basket with your favorite snacks and drinks, and head to a local park for a relaxing picnic. Enjoy the fresh air, play some games, and maybe even take a leisurely walk afterwards.
• Beach Day 
  • Spend a day at the beach soaking up the sun, swimming, and building sandcastles. Bring a beach ball or frisbee for some extra fun, and don’t forget the sunscreen!
• Hiking Adventure 
  • Explore a nearby trail and enjoy the beauty of nature together. Hiking is a great way to bond and get some exercise, and you might even find a scenic spot for a picnic.
• Farmers’ Market Visit 
  • Stroll through a local farmers’ market, sample fresh produce, and pick up ingredients for a homemade meal. It’s a fun way to support local vendors and discover new foods.
• Amusement Park 
  • Spend a day at an amusement park riding roller coasters, playing games, and indulging in fun fair foods. The excitement and thrills make for a memorable date.
• Kayaking or Canoeing 
  • Rent a kayak or canoe and paddle through a nearby lake or river. It’s an adventurous and peaceful way to enjoy the water and each other’s company.
• Star Gazing 
  • Find a quiet spot away from city lights and spend an evening star gazing. Bring a telescope if you have one, or just enjoy the view with the naked eye.
• Cooking Class 
  • Sign up for a cooking class together and learn how to make a new dish. It’s a great way to bond over food and pick up some new culinary skills.
• Botanical Garden Visit 
  • Take a leisurely walk through a botanical garden and enjoy the beautiful flowers and plants. It’s a relaxing and visually stimulating date idea.
• Live Music or Outdoor Concert 
  • Check out a local band or an outdoor concert. Enjoy the music, dance, and soak up the lively atmosphere. Head to Eventbrite to see what’s happening in your area.
• Zoo or Aquarium 
  • Visit a zoo or aquarium to see and learn about different animals. It’s an entertaining and educational experience.
• Bike Ride 
  • Go for a bike ride along a scenic trail or through a charming neighborhood. It’s a fun way to explore and get some exercise.
• Food Truck Festival 
  • Find a food truck festival and sample a variety of delicious foods. It’s a casual and tasty way to spend an afternoon or evening.
• Mini Golf 
  • Challenge each other to a game of mini golf. It’s a light-hearted and fun activity that brings out a bit of friendly competition.
• Garden Tour 
  • Visit a public or private garden that offers tours. Enjoy the beautiful landscapes and maybe even get some inspiration for your own gardening projects.
• Hot Air Balloon Ride 
  • For a truly unforgettable experience, take a hot air balloon ride. Enjoy breathtaking views and a unique perspective of your surroundings.
• Outdoor Yoga 
  • Join an outdoor yoga class or set up your own yoga session in a park. It’s a relaxing and healthy way to spend time together.
• Historical Site Visit 
  • Explore a nearby historical site or museum. Learn about the history and culture of the area while enjoying each other’s company.

Looking for someone to date with? Try Fast Forward!

Each month, we submit some of your questions to our expert and transformational coach, Erika Lynn. This week, she gives us a highlight into the first key to success in any relationship.

“In the fast-paced world we live in, it’s easy to get swept up in the whirlwind of daily demands and lose sight of what truly matters to us. I’m talking about your value system. Over many years of coaching and counseling people I have learned that a misaligned value system is the number one reason relationships fail. 

Finding a fulfilling relationship requires knowing who you are, what matters to you, and living that truth. Your values are your compass to navigate both your life, and your relationships with clarity and confidence, guiding you to make choices that match your core beliefs.

Crave honesty? Live that truth. Even when it’s uncomfortable. You will necessarily only attract people who share that. 

So if you don’t know your values, find out. Knowing them is not just about self-awareness, it’s about creating a life that is deeply satisfying and aligned with your true essence. And in the end, successful relationships are about mutuality- sharing the values that matter most to you both.”

Have a question for Erika? Submit Here

Learn more about Erika at https://www.erika-lynn.com/

AI & Dating: Is it really worth the hype?

In a reality reminiscent of a Black Mirror episode, AI clones are going on simulated dates to gauge compatibility. While this notion seems fit for a dystopian future, this is actually a reality and AI’s impact on dating is even more profound, helping us have conversations and pick matches. It’s time to peel back the layers of hype and explore what AI truly brings to the dating table.

Understanding AI in the Dating Scene

The use of AI spans a wide range of options from enhancing user interactions (innocuous) to improving matching algorithms (beneficial) to AI companions (dangerous). Here’s a breakdown:

1. Enhanced Profiles: AI tools analyze user’s photos and highlight ones that are likely to garner interest. Some platforms are also using AI to flag potentially deceptive profiles in an attempt to mitigate ‘catfishing’ and fraud.
   
2. AI-Driven Conversations: Some dating apps incorporate chatbots that help break the ice or keep a conversation going. These bots use natural language processing to generate responses that are contextually appropriate, albeit generic.
   
3. AI Matchmakers: These systems use machine learning algorithms to analyze user data—interests, behaviors, and preferences—to suggest potential matches. The premise is that AI can discern patterns and compatibilities hidden to the human eye.
   
4. Virtual Companions: Farther on the fringe are AI companions, programmed to provide emotional engagement and conversation. While intriguing, these are more about simulating companionship than fostering genuine human connections.

Is AI Worth the Hype?

Despite these advancements, AI’s effectiveness in dating is questionable. The core of dating—human connection, chemistry, and emotional understanding—is nuanced and deeply personal. AI, at least with its current capabilities, largely operates on quantifiable data and pattern recognition, which can only skim the surface of human emotions and subtleties. It can suggest a match based on similar interests or demographic data, but it cannot comprehend emotional compatibility or the chemistry that sparks between people in real-life interactions.

AI-driven suggestions often push towards standardization, where unique personal traits might be overshadowed by data-driven averages. This can discourage users from exploring relationships that could be fulfilling outside algorithmic predictions.

Lastly, the extensive data required to fine-tune AI for better predictions raises significant privacy issues. Users may be uncomfortable with the level of personal information processed by these platforms.

In all, despite technological advancements, AI is not close to mimicking the complexities of human relationships. The essence of dating goes beyond algorithms and predictions. It involves understanding, growth, and the instinctive human ability to connect on an emotional level. Real connections are born from mutual vulnerability and emotional compatibility—areas where AI still has significant ground to cover.

Want a break from AI? Explore real connections on FFWD.

Because second dates are the real litmus test to see where things go…

So, you’ve survived the nerve-wracking ordeal of a first date and lived to tell the tale. But let’s be real—first dates are like trial runs for a job interview, except instead of impressing a potential employer, you’re trying not to spill spaghetti sauce on your shirt. The real challenge? Securing that elusive second date. Fear not, we’re here to give you some insight on how to increase your chances of scoring more second dates.

Dating can feel like a revolving door, of meeting people and dead ends. Getting on first dates is a great first step, but there’s a lot more power in moving things beyond the first date. Some people do get stuck on first date after first date, whether that’s because they just aren’t finding people they mesh with, or because they aren’t giving themselves enough time to make an informed decision before calling it quits. Getting seconds dates isn’t just about upgrading from coffee to cocktails; it’s about diving deeper, exploring common interests, and seeing if there’s potential for something more than just a fleeting encounter. In short, they’re the gateway to more substantial connections, and opportunities to better assess if you want to keep seeing each other.

If you’re on a treadmill of first dates, here are some therapist informed tips to get off — and on to more second dates.

1. Be Yourself, Unapologetically: Let’s face it—pretending to be someone you’re not is about as appealing as a soggy sandwich. Embrace your quirks, flaws, and unique personality traits. If you tiptoe through a date trying to conceal surface level parts of yourself, you’re never going to be able to be fully present. Be unapologetically you, and watch as the right people are drawn to you like moths to a flame.
2. Listen and Engage: Here’s a wild concept — actually listen to what your date has to say. We know, groundbreaking stuff. Engage in meaningful conversations by asking thoughtful questions, sharing your own stories, and refraining from checking your Instagram feed every five minutes. Show genuine interest in your date’s life, and resist the urge to zone out and plan your grocery list in your head. If you’re that bored, they probably aren’t your person — but out of consideration, you should come into the date with an open mind, and avoid being dismissive.
3. Choose the Right Setting: There are great venues for getting to know someone, and not-so-great venues for getting to know someone. We usually opt for a coffee or drinks for a first date, because it’s a great way to get to talking without worrying about what you’ll eat or if you’ll share or spilling on yourself. But, if you crave something more fun and out of the box, choose a date location that sparks excitement and sets the stage for memorable moments. Putting efforts into dates is an indirect way of putting effort in a potential connection..
4. Mind Your Manners: The term “etiquette” is outdated, but it does matter on a date. People who are perceived as kind, and also polite, are more likely to advance to second dates. No one likes people who are rude to waiters, or worse, rude to their date — and least of all, chew with their mouth open. A first date is a trial run in spending one on one time with someone else, so avoid inflicting discomfort.
5. Follow Up Like a Champ: So, you survived the date without any major disasters—congrats! Now it’s time to seal the deal with a killer follow-up. Send a text or call your date to express your gratitude for the awesome time you had and your interest in seeing them again. Keep it light, playful, and genuine.

Remember, dating is supposed to be fun, so don’t take it too seriously. Embrace the ups and downs, learn from each experience, and above all, stay true to yourself. Who knows? With a little bit of luck and a whole lot of charm, you might just find yourself on the road to a great connection. Looking for someone to spark magic with? Download FFWD.