Dating Activities that leave you "Cool not Cashless"

An interesting activity that feels comfortable to both people can make for a great date. The activity you pick for a date plays a big part in determining how the date will unfold, for example, how much talking you will have to do. You can also earn points for the creativity of your date - if you have a really great idea then your partner will be impressed by your ingenuity.

Here are some cool ideas to make dating experiences safe and fun!

1. A movie - inviting someone to a movie is definitely safe. It is probably the #1 first date. One good way to make it a little more interesting is to let your date choose the film, or put a bunch of movie names in a hat and pick one at random when you get together.

2. Boat ride - take a ride on the local ferry or try a boat ride that focuses on unique sights in Bermuda.

3. A nice dinner at an inexpensive restaurant. A double date may even be fun.

4. Bowling with some of your friends at Warwick Lanes or Southside Bowling Alley.

5. Visit an arcade such as the one at the Frog and Onion in Dockyard.

6. A dance or a game - friends are always having dances, and football games are usually held every Sunday, so you can invite your date to one of these.

7. Progressive dinner- gather a few friends who live close by and assign everyone a healthy dish to make. You can all gather with your dishes at one house and indulge in an all-you-can-eat buffet, or you can eat the different foods at different houses to make the night more interesting.

8. Do something neither of you have done before - find an activity neither of you have tried but that you have both thought would be interesting.

9. Plan a 'favourite day' for your date - this can be done only if you have been perceptive enough to sense his or her likes/dislikes. So 'Her day' involves wearing her favourite colour, eating her favourite food, watching her favourite movie, etc.

10. Look up special events in the newspaper - The Bermuda Calendar in The Royal Gazette will have a list of special events for the weekend.

Safe Dating Tips for Teens

1. Only date people you know and trust.

2. Be extremely cautious when meeting people who you meet online (see point 1).

3. Discuss your thoughts and concerns with your parents.

4. Respect the goals and values that you have and don't partake in anything that will violate them.

5. Avoid drugs and alcohol as they can impair your judgement and make you vulnerable. (Editor's note: If you're under 18, buying alcohol is, of course, illegal; and for everyone, illegal drugs, are, well, illegal)

6. Plan dates in public areas for the safety of you and your date.

7. Sensitise yourself with the warning signs of relationship abuse:

- isolating you from friends and family

- having angry outbursts

- blaming others for problems

- threatening to hurt you during arguments

- getting extremely jealous for no reason

- acting cruel toward animals or children

- trying to control you by belittling your values or ideas.