Places for Dates or Bonding with IRL Friends

[Prix with a Silent X]

I dunno, just a thing I've been thinking about since my life happens more in 3D world than on the internet lately.

I don't know how much of it is TV and how much of it is reality, but there seems to be a concept that certain places, types of activities, times of day, duration of activities, environments, etc., are more conducive to particular types of bonding than others.

Trying to make this topic vague enough to let people discuss it, but I am curious about this for real.

If you were going to go on a date that wasn't just a prelude to a hook-up, what kind of place or activity would actually be conducive to that to you?

The same thing but for actually trying to get to know someone and make that transition between work/school friend and actual-friend?

The limbo between friendly acquaintance and lasting relationship of whatever type you desire with a person seems to be a crappy problem all adults face, and I thought maybe we could compare notes and maybe someone would have some useful input.

[Snow]

Going out and getting (mildly, please) drunk with someone can do wonders to a potential friendship. This is unfortunate because alcohol seems to be one of the few ways to naturally overcome the, uh, invisible barriers between people.

[Raylen Cypher]

Bond through games is my auto response. Doesn't matter what kind it is as long as it allows you to play with someone.

[Snow]

And hope with all your hope they're not bad loser saltdogs when they game.

[Sunara]

Sometimes I just like hanging out doing dumb shit, grabbing a bite to eat & just talking, walking the mall/hiking, etc etc. And other times, hanging out playing video games/ watching anime/ playing questionable board games.... It largely depends on the person I'm hanging out with and what interests them.

I don't really have good ideas for dates; my default is movie or food... I'd prefer mini golf or arcade if my (current) area allowed it. Maybe even someplace suitable to common interests? I'd love to go geek out with my crush over weaponry or just talk about anime/manga/video games if he wasn't always so busy.

[Skull]

Hmm, not too familiar with the whole dating spiel. It certainly doesn't help that there's nothing but farmland for miles around me.

I guess I'd do whatever shared interests we have.

[Sunara]

Just for the record, I haven't been on very many dates and I'm a terrible date planner.

[Five_X]

I'd suggest meeting up for [insert warm beverage here], but then again that can also really not work, for some people. It doesn't have to be one-on-one, though; if you've got mutual friends with a person, or in the case of work just some colleagues, you can go do group stuff together. Basically anything, really: going to see a sports game, going to a festival, bowling, whatever. And as Snow said, alcohol helps plenty and you really don't have to get smashed, like actually.

From what I've experienced, unless you know you've got something really in common with someone, it's easiest to get to know them in a group setting first, and then moving to more personal stuff from there. This way you get acquainted with more people overall, too.

[just Beamu]

For platonic friends watching or playing something together would be my idea of a good time. As for dating eeeeeh I dunno, probably more of what I'd normally do honestly.

[Draconic]

Video games, board games, anime, all that spiel for me. If you're trying to get to know someone platonically, then the best thing to do in my opinion is to get together with a small group of people. I find it's less awkward to talk to people when there are other people around, unless of course, you're aiming to talk about private subjects.

Places really depend on your area. I can give multiple places for Toronto, Canada. We have an aquarium and several museums right off the subway here. There are multiple board game cafés, and a place called A&C Games that has numerous game systems set up in the back of the store.

I guess what I'm getting at is, explore your city. Go to a hotel lobby and see what tourism brochures they're carrying. That can probably help when looking for places to go with people.
…and that's pretty much all I have to say on the subject.

[Historia]

I don't have any notes.

[Prix with a Silent X]

Same, but that's why I'm asking. Maybe you can learn something too.

[JetKinen]

I just call my buddies to see a movie or go eat in a restaurant.

Calling someone to go out to eat generally involves a lot of talking though so its a fast way to bond. I've been told people don't do this in other countries but here in Brazil, if we not in a hurry we tend to eat and then stay hours at the restaurant shooting the breeze. Bonus points if the restaurant has an rodizio

[Historia]

I just call my buddies to see a movie or go eat in a restaurant.

All my friends are girls so this doesn't work.

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I specify it isn't a date but it's still awkward for me.

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But I second the restaurant idea. Go to Chuckie Cheese, that's what all the cool kids do.

[Janx]

I mostly just play co-op games in my basement.

Now all my friends live so far away

[Saiga]

All my friends are girls so this doesn't work.

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I specify it isn't a date but it's still awkward for me.

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But I second the restaurant idea. Go to Chuckie Cheese, that's what all the cool kids do.

Yeah I can't imagine specifying something isn't a date would actually work

Can't you just meet up with multiple friends at once?

[JetKinen]

All my friends are girls so this doesn't work.

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I specify it isn't a date but it's still awkward for me.

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But I second the restaurant idea. Go to Chuckie Cheese, that's what all the cool kids do.

Girls can't see movies with girls?
Or is the gender icon just a lie.

[mewarmo990]

can only speak for I've noticed worked out for me, but:

Dave and Busters

ice skating/hockey (I am terribad, she was the former figure skater)

board games/D&D or something but I've never dated anyone into that

Can be less awkward if it's with a group, and these are all group friendly activities

[Certis Baliano]

Now that winter is approaching, it's not as great of an idea as before, but here goes. Find a local and relatively people-free patch of forest and host a cool fire-lit picnic there. Bring hot mulled wine in a thermos and get some snacks. If it's a date, also add some candles.

[Rafflesiac]

Now that winter is approaching, it's not as great of an idea as before, but here goes. Find a local and relatively people-free patch of forest and host a cool fire-lit picnic there. Bring hot mulled wine in a thermos and get some snacks. If it's a date, also add some candles.

And then the forest burned...

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But otherwise it sounds quite charming.