Eight dates better than Netflix & Chill

I've known of Netflix for as long as I can remember. It's nice to have, especially when you just need a day of binge watching your favorite show. Nights when it's cold or rainy and you don't want to go anywhere.. Netflix is always an option. However, something that makes me nervous is that our generation is seeming to it an acceptable date night.

Tryina Netflix and Chill? Sure, be right over. Now, i'm not saying it's wrong to spend a night watching a movie on Netflix and hanging out. It's really nice to have nights like that, especially after a long week of work or school. Lately i've been spending alot of time around younger kids and it makes me nervous for them. I have three nieces, too, and I definitely don't want them thinking that they deserve anything less than a respectable man to treat them right. Should our generation really be setting an example that it's okay to send a text and invite someone to come over and chill, when in actuality we really know what they probably want to happen? Shouldn't we be setting an example in which we take time to get to know someone, go on dates outside of the couch and bedroom, and actually date just one person.

So, I'm more of an outdoorsy person. If it's sunny out, or even if it's cloudy but still warm enough to be outside, I'll be there. I hate wasting time inside if I don't have to. Now, I might a little rusty on the dating scene, but I've got plenty of friends that are in relationships. So if you're looking for a date night, something to do, or just want to try something new.. here's eight things I think are better than a night of netflix and chill.

8. Go on a hike. Walk. Run. It doesn't even have to cost any money to do something different. Drive somewhere, find a park or  trail or anything, and just wander around. I've driven through random parts of random cities and found the most incredible places. One park was in Wilmington, NC, and it was the most breathtaking park with ponds and alligators and turtles. My roomie and I spent a few hours just walking around. Take some time and just go out and explore!

7. Do a painting class. I like art. I like to think I can be creative. I'm actually super cheesy so I do tend to try to make artsy things for people. I haven't been to a painting class, but a few of my friends have. It's on my to-do list. You might not be good at it, but it'll be fun to go out of your comfort zones and try something together.

6. Go on a picnic. Pack some snacks, sandwiches, anything you want, and go find a place outside. It's so nice to enjoy the fresh air, and who doesn't want to eat outside? Wanna make it more romantic? Go by a lake or the ocean or any other pretty place, and you'll be able to appreciate the time you've taken to slow down and enjoy the beautiful site. 

5. Ice skate together. Where I'm from, the nearest ice skating rink is about 45 minutes away, but my friends and I make the trip every now and then. It's something different to do, and if you feel a little clumsy, it'll be the perfect excuse to hold hands. How adorable.
Maybe you can even cuddle up and share a hot chocolate.

4. Make dinner for the two of you, or your family. This is something my brother and his girlfriend like to do. I'm their third wheel most of the time so they let me help sometimes, but being together in the kitchen and attempting a new recipe can be quite the experience. It's not only fun time together, but there's also food as the outcome.. What could be better than that? You can even top it off with some candles to make it extra special.

3. Fishin. There's something about being out in the peace and quiet next to the water that never gets old. Go fishin together. It might not be successful, but the time out by the water will give you time to talk and laugh and just be together away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

2. ​Go to a concert. Music is powerful and if you share a love for the same kind of music, it's so much fun. You can get dressed up and spend the night singing along with your favorite artists.

1. Stargaze. Okay, so maybe I'm a little biased on this one, but I absolutely love the stars. The moon. The entire night sky. Living in the country has played a big part in that, but I could sit outside every night and not get tired of looking up. There's something about the innumerable number of stars and how big the night sky is. If you have a pickup truck, you might be my best friend if you take me stargazing in it. Bring along a little wine, and I might not ever leave. It's free, it's peaceful, and it's incredible beautiful. What could be better? 

Now, Netflix and Chill or do something fun, cheap, and different? I can a fan of the both, but it's nice to have a little variety, ya know? Let's set an example to those around us, especially the younger folks. Let's teach them what it really means to date.. To open the door for someone, to call or write a letter instead of texting, and to appreciate, respect, and love your significant other.

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