Last night, one of my friends called me freaking out about having the guy she's been seeing for a few weeks over to her apartment for the first time. She asked me what I thought would be the best way to avoid the cliche of mediocre Mexican takeout and bad movies while sitting on opposite ends of her couch - they're in the "I like you enough to take you out to dinner, but I don't know if I like you enough to want to kiss you" stage.
I suggested cooking together.
This is a handy way to find out a lot about a person in one shot.
You'll find out his favorite and not-so-favorite foods, which will lead to conversations starting with, "Oh my gosh! How can you hate_____?!" and "I love _____, too!" This will evolve into stories about why he likes/dislikes the food, restaurant horror stories, childhood stories, etc.
When cooking, watching the way he handles himself in the kitchen will tell you a lot about his personality. Is he taking over all of the preparation while you have to stand back and watch? Are you doing equal work? Is he getting angry over little mistakes or is he laughing them off?
The important thing is to have fun. Joke around, throw some flour, laugh and keep talking! Even if the food comes out terribly, at least you'll have a good story!
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Comments (23)
I think that'd beat most dates that people have in restaurants. It's low key and much funner.
That's a really good way to start off a relationship. And, as an added bonus, you can always concentrate on chopping or frying something if your mind goes blank. Don't forget the cutesy aprons in case of a food fight! ;D haha. ...But that would be a waste of food. =/ Too bad.
I think that is really cute.
Good idea! :)
I would of done that but most of the time, I have nothing in my fridge. lol.
i like cooking with a girl... it's fun and a great time to flirt. plus, you get to stuff your face afterwards.
It's much less awkward than dinner and a movie.
That's a pretty cool idea :) I like to cook, and it would be nice to hang out with a guy who can do so as well.
That sounds adorable (: I wish I lived alone to do that.
Genius. :]
cooking with your date is very cute and sexy. plus, if you are good at cooking, it's a great way to show off your skills. :)
too bad i can't cook? hahaaha.
I wanna do this.
warning, this idea should not be used for first dates..
and oh yeah, just to brag, this has been in my list and is still currently in my list..
There is not much I like better than being able to cook with a guy. I think a guy in the kitchen is rather sexy. Kitchen compatibility is right at the top of my wish list.
Great advice! I used to love cooking with my (now) ex. It's so much better than getting to know each other by sitting in the dark not talking (mean watching a movie).
I;m a food writer. love cookign dates and they evem work with people who don't cook well (ask themto chop or stir, do stuff together)...but...
You said:
"I like you enough to take you out to dinner, but I don't know if I like you enough to want to kiss you" stage."
If you dont know if you dont' want to kiss him...why would you be in his or your apartment alone with him? Seems like you are missing a step there.
Cooking together is a great idea for a date night. Has anybody ever taken Sushi making classes before?
I like this idea. I love cooking myself dinner.
I agree. It's much more intimate this way.
cute ! :]
Cooking together would be a fun date.