Megaman needs dating advice.

[Pip Boy]

I've recently found me one of those fancy pants girlfriend things. I'm rather fond of her, but now that school is out I won't be seeing her often unless I go out of my way to make it happen.

Problem is, I'm broke. Anyone have any ideas for things a guy could take a girl to that are cheap/free? Any number of hours associated with cooking/setting things up/whatever are fine, I'm willing to work for this, I'm just broke. I figure what I lack in money I might be able to make up for in creativity. And by creativity, I mean my willingness to anonymously consult a bunch of nerds that I know. Any ideas? Any stories of more interesting escapades you've been on with your significant other?

THINGS TO KNOW

1) She and her entire family are deeply religious. So am I. Please keep your comments on the third date to yourselves.

2) She likes movies, but her parents do not allow her to go to a movie theater. Probably because they're religious, I'm of the opposite gender, and movie theaters are dark.

3) I can't drive and neither can she. A friend of mine has left an open invitation to double with us, and he'll cover transportation. He's as poor as I am, though, so mooching monies off of him is not an option.

4) A have an informant on her (I'm not a stalker) who says she's crazy for Chinese food.

So, I guess the applicable question is: How do I make dates inexpensive but not 'cheap'? Something tells me that just bringing her to my house and popping a DVD into the Xbox wouldn't quite come off as slick.

Any more general dating advice is welcome as well. While I may seem to all of you to be a charismatic ball of... charisma... having been home schooled for the last 2 years before this one, I hadn't many opportunities to meet girls.

EDIT: Also, anyone with stories or whatever relevant to the general theme of the thread could post that too.

[bluestarultor]

Have you ever considered trying to cook together? Cooking can be hella fun, especially if you're going to be making something entirely new. Like, if she likes Chinese, try finding a recipe for curry chicken or something and try it with her. You could potentially have a blast and end up with good food, to boot.

Unless she hates cooking or something. Also, this would be something that you'd want to alternate with something else. Like, at least every other week to every two weeks or less, depending on her interest.

[POS Industries]

Megaman needs dating advice.
Can't go for Roll because incest is messed up, but Splash Woman is a mermaid and that is ultimately just too complicated to deal with. Not really any other options for women there so I'd suggest going gay.

[akaSM]

Well, my GF (and I) really enjoy going to a park and, maybe buy a couple ice cream cones. That's not expensive and parks are nice :).

[DarkDrgon]

well me and my girl are in the same boat (we are broke, have no means of transporting eachother 'till I get my license, and she has overprotective parents.)

Generally we alternate quiet nights in at one of our homes, walking through the park (bring a picnic.), and the occasional night wandering the mall looking at things we can't afford.

[bluestarultor]

Can't go for Roll because incest is messed up, but Splash Woman is a mermaid and that is ultimately just too complicated to deal with. Not really any other options for women there so I'd suggest going gay.

Well if you're going that route, Jewel man would probably be willing to accomodate. I don't think they could have made him any more obvious if they'd tried. XD

[Pip Boy]

Can't go for Roll because incest is messed up, but Splash Woman is a mermaid and that is ultimately just too complicated to deal with. Not really any other options for women there so I'd suggest going gay.

I don't now how much incest is a problem when the two involved are robots.

[The Wizard Who Did It]

1) She and her entire family are deeply religious. So am I. Please keep your comments on the third date to yourselves.
Unless you've specifically talked with your significant other about this, keep in mind that there are multiple different interpretations for this area, even among people who are "deeply religious". Just saying.

Something tells me that just bringing her to my house and popping a DVD into the Xbox wouldn't quite come off as slick.
2) She likes movies, but her parents do not allow her to go to a movie theater. Probably because they're religious, I'm of the opposite gender, and movie theaters are dark.
As far as generalized cases go, you're right that isn't very slick and should not be your first plan. However, relationships are extensions of the individual in question, so even things which in most cases aren't "slick" may be the exact thing to do for that specific individual. So your planning should depend mostly on how well you know her.

That said, depending on how far you are in the relationship, just cuddling and watching a movie at home may be the best decision for you. If she really likes movies, and she can't get a movie fix from you otherwise, it's not entirely bad. Just something to keep in mind, and should only be followed through on if you know her pretty well.

[POS Industries]

I don't now how much incest is a problem when the two involved are robots.
Why would robots need to date, anyway?

[synkr0nized]

Can't go for Roll because incest is messed up, but Splash Woman is a mermaid and that is ultimately just too complicated to deal with. Not really any other options for women there so I'd suggest going gay.

The novelty's worn off now that the joke's been made, but before reading the thread I was thinking that it'd be useful to make sure that you fight the correct robot masters to upgrade your blaster appropriately.

[Eldezar]

1) She and her entire family are deeply religious. So am I. Please keep your comments on the third date to yourselves.

Share your meditative practices with each other, do yoga together, and reach enlightenment with her. That would be a great bond for the two of you to share.

Nature + walking is almost always free. And even so, most nature reserves I have been to have been very cheap. Beach, too. Great exercise, and you have lots of time to simply talk without things like a movie getting in the way. This way, you may find out something else that you have in common or come up with more activities that cost little to nothing. Though, basically, I highly suggest making the first few dates something where you can talk a lot, so as to make sure you learn early on that you can have interesting conversations rather than every single time you hang out just be a movie or something.

Like was said before, cooking together is great. Lots of chances to talk and you keep your hands busy.

Lastly, try coming up with a brand new hobby that neither of you do now, but are both interested in. Gardening is all that comes to mind at the moment, but I am sure you can find out something sooner or later.

[Azisien]

Drop-in sports at community centers? Not sure how broke you mean by broke, but they tend to be like $2 for a couple hours of fun around here.

...You could look into increasing your work hours and rectifying one of your initial roadblocks. :p

[Pip Boy]

YOUR SUGGESTIONS HAVE BEEN ABSORBED AND ARE APPRECIATED.

THANK YOU.

Also, is giving her a flower on the first date typically considered sweet or creepy?

[Odjn]

YOUR SUGGESTIONS HAVE BEEN ABSORBED AND ARE APPRECIATED.

THANK YOU.

Also, is giving her a flower on the first date typically considered sweet or creepy?

It can honestly go either way. I'd not do it and see how the first few dates go myself.

[Lady Cygnet]

YOUR SUGGESTIONS HAVE BEEN ABSORBED AND ARE APPRECIATED.

THANK YOU.

Also, is giving her a flower on the first date typically considered sweet or creepy?


It depends on her personality. If it were me, I think it would be sweet. Most every girl I know, from my elderly great-aunt to my nieces, like getting flowers (I know it's phrased like I only know people in my own family, but I've mentioned them just because they effectively illustrate that the enjoyment of receiving flowers isn't confined to a particular generation). Make sure she doesn't have an allergy, though, as that can be a real mood-killer.

If you want to check out a few more suggestions, scout out your local area for free events and attractions. I just went to a local art festival with a dear friend, my daughter, and my niece, and it was free and a lot of fun, other than my niece whining about wanting to leave. As was previously mentioned, parks and free swimming beaches are a lot of fun. If you enjoy picnics, you can take along a couple of sandwiches and chips, and perhaps a camera and just spend the day enjoying the natural beauty...and the park, too. :p

[Rejected Again]

Honestly, I never do the flowers on the first date thing. Just in case the creepy thing is what happens. Though its probably a safe bet for sweet and thoughtful. Flowers I generally send/give when they have had a bad day and I know it. As for free, I second the beach/parks. Hours of fun to be had there. Ask some of your friends or parents. They probably know of a few "out of the way" places that are cheap and fun. I recently took a friend to a haunted house in my area for $10. We were there for 5 hours having a guided tour of the place and had an absolute blast.

Another thing to look at is many cities have pamphlets/brochures/booklets that they send out to area businesses describing upcoming activities and events, see if the area you live in has one of those.

[Seil]

I gave flowers first date, and apparently it was sweet. Here's my suggestions:

Hide a cooler on the beach filled with booze - depending on how old you are/how "accepting" her parents will be if she comes in with booze on her breath - or soda and snacks, and suggest a walk on the beach.

Instead of going out to dinner - and this ties into what Yellowstarultor was saying, cook dinner yourselves, together. You could easily make a romantic night of it by getting a romantic comedy and throwing that in your XBox after your dinner explodes. Or melts. Or does something unexpected. (http://forum.nuklearpower.com/showthread.php?t=26039&)

Do something with friends and include her. That may be just hanging out at your place, that may be going to the park and playing some frisbee, whatever. Just say hey, this is my girlfriend, do you guys mind if she owns you all at frisbee?

You could also hang out and throw something like this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkNvQYiM6bw) on - nothing like making fun of religious beliefs and crappy games together. Or, alternatively, if she's into games, then throw in something fun like DDR. Chances are you'll take up an entire afternoon.

Go for coffee in the morning. Like, maybe afore she has to work, just say "Hey, let's get a coffee somewhere." And then go for a coffee somewhere - it's usually about $10 max for a few muffins and a few cups of coffee.

Do something nice for her when she gets off work. 'Cause after a really crummy day, I come home and be all grouchy. You could always leave a gift at her folks place so that when she comes home, there's a little stuffed animal, some flowers or chocolate waiting for her along with a card. And you can home-make the card too. Maybe write a poem, or write down something Shakespearean.

Go to a dollar store and make a day of it. You can buy a whole lot of cheap, useless crap like toy swords, dart guns, confetti guns, bubbles, plastic army men, whatever. I remember so many afternoons wasting away with friends having fun with confetti guns.

Watch a sunset. This may seem like something really cheap and cheesy, but it's neat. My first date involved this. It was actually pretty cool.

If she practices an instrument, sings, sings in the church choir - whatever - go and listen to her sing/play. Up to you whether you want to join in, but just bein' there will mean something.

[Pip Boy]

YOUR SUGGESTIONS ARE STILL APPRECIATED.

But I was looking more into the department of something that is considered "dating" more than "Hangin out". While the line between the two can blur sometimes, I'm trying to go for the first date being something that will wow her.

[krogothwolf]

Didn't third Date just use to be a kiss on the lips? Man did I grow up with the wrong generation.

Seriously though. Depending on where you live go for a nature adventure in a forested area. It's always fun to travel the trails and see wildlife, if you can't do that beach. Worse case, park.

Also, you could go for a stroll down a outdoor shopping strip. My fiance loves window shopping and its fresh air and a good stroll.

Try a picnic?

[Pip Boy]

I live in Southern Louisiana. "Nature Hikes" consist of plodding through two feet of swamp water and mud that are filled with snaked, spiders, and alligators that could kill a person in seconds. Its a miracle I even get electricity and high speed internet out here.

EDIT MOVED TO NEWEST POST:

THE PLAN SO FAR:

My Dad went on a proselyting mission to Korea ages ago before I was born. I was able to dig up some how-to's on korean food from him, and figure out how to make a pretty awesome korean dinner. Nice and fancy n' stuff.

I even got her a fancy lookin pair of chopsticks that she can keep afterward.

After dinner I can put in a movie. As per the rules of the DVD player that I proclaimed when I hooked it up, romantic comedies are banned without exception from that DVD player. Any suggestions on what movie? My older bro got a job at blockbuster recently, so 5 movie rentals a week are for free.

[Tev]

Any suggestions on what movie? My older bro got a job at blockbuster recently, so 5 movie rentals a week are for free.Anything Pixar ever made is more than worth it. Other than that what kind of movies does she like that you could get on board watching as well? Do you both share a taste in anime? Studio Gibli does some damn fine work. Is she an action junkie? Does she like bad movies that the two of you can enjoy laughing at all night long?

[krogothwolf]

it's a shame romantic comedies are banned without exception as He's just not that Into you is rather good.

What type of movies do you both enjoy? Getting a movie one of you don't like is a disaster for a first date as either she'll hate it and remember that forever, or she'll see you looking completely disinterested while watching the movie and remember that forever too. So you might need to do some research before picking a movie.

Make a test dinner first for yourself or family and friends and get them to judge it. Don't want the dinner to taste horrid.

[Enkidu]

Have you ever considered trying to cook together? Cooking can be hella fun, especially if you're going to be making something entirely new. Like, if she likes Chinese, try finding a recipe for curry chicken or something and try it with her. You could potentially have a blast and end up with good food, to boot.

Unless she hates cooking or something. Also, this would be something that you'd want to alternate with something else. Like, at least every other week to every two weeks or less, depending on her interest.

Oh man you just had to say Chicken Curry.


Anyway I just broke up with my last girlfriend a couple of months ago, but one of the most important things is : Be yourself! I know it's pretty cliche but you really don't want to not be able to act like yourself around someone who you are only pretending to get along with because you want a "girlfriend" , so just be you and see how it goes. If she already agree'd to go out with you then that means she likes you, so you don't need to go out of your way to "impress" her, although being boring is never a good idea either haha.

Anyway as for movie choices, I'm pretty biased towards The Professional, my favorite movie of all time but really any movie will do as usually they are just excuses for people to sit next to each other on the couch/floor for an extended period of time, and maybe get a laugh or two out of it then start a conversation about it ( that WILL lead to a different topic ) once your finished watching it.


Thats just from my experience anyway. Also I've never even heard someone say "third date" before, wazzat? Just sex?

[Corel]

Pick an activity that both of you do not commonly do. This way either one of you won't feel embarassed that your other half is showing you up in some way. The opposite of this would be to do something that either you or herself have some expertise in and they can learn some stuff.

Examples of this could be Ballroom/Swing dancing, fun charity events in your area, Ice Skating (Out of season I know!), or similar communal events.

If you want typical cheap stuff that's border line cheesy (Which can work in your favour sometimes, as it sounds like you two are already together), there is swimming at the river coupled with a picnic (Show off any culinary skill if you have some, tis always impressive), Kite flying, hiking and sightseeing.

Really it has to play off your strengths and how you interact with eachother. If you're a good and interesting conversationalist something simple as a walk can be very memorable.

If you've got some talent that is impressive, use it. (Cooking skills, musical, art etc.)

If all else fails. Cave. Club. You know what to do.


But I was looking more into the department of something that is considered "dating" more than "Hangin out". While the line between the two can blur sometimes, I'm trying to go for the first date being something that will wow her.

I would just say to her "We're on a date" and go do something, if you're worried about it blurring over. Saying that and then doing some activity usually keeps the two clearly seperate.

Edit: You should be having fun doing said activity too. She'll smell it from a mile away if it's boring you.

For the record I have done all of the above at some point or another for cheap dates, the degree of success depends on what your other half is like.

[KnightOfRounds]

Something I've always wanted to do for a date was painting! Like, if you're painting a room or a fence or something. Do it together! But it's a rare occurence, and some people might think it's lame. lol

Cooking is always a winner, in my experience. Especially if it's something different and also tastes good.

Also, movie recommendation? The Princess Bride. Ultimate movie of all time. I wouldn't say it's simply a romantic comedy, but some might disagree. Other movie recommendations would be anime, the original 3 Star Wars movie, and old/classic films (along the lines of Wizard of Oz, It's a Wonderful Life, Citizen Kane, etc.). Those are buckets of fun to rewatch.

I say just Google search a "Top 100 films" list (there are millions) and go through some of the lists seeing if you guys both are interested in any number of titles.

[Rejected Again]

The Princess Bride is great. I would also like to toss out The 5th Kingdom, Nightmare Before Christmas(Or any Tim Burton flick really), Perhaps even The Dark Knight/Batman Begins if your both into that sort of thing. For horror movies, I tend to avoid Saw/Hostile and go with the classics. Freddy, Jason, Mike Meyers, Chucky, you know, the shit that was actually good. Boondock Saints is also a good choice 9 times out of 10 for a good action movie. Those are a few I would personally choose, but you should pick something that both of you would like. As stated before if one of you don't like what you choose it will be a bad memory for her.

[Bells]

I live in Southern Louisiana. "Nature Hikes" consist of plodding through two feet of swamp water and mud that are filled with snaked, spiders, and alligators that could kill a person in seconds. Its a miracle I even get electricity and high speed internet out here.

EDIT MOVED TO NEWEST POST:

THE PLAN SO FAR:

My Dad went on a proselyting mission to Korea ages ago before I was born. I was able to dig up some how-to's on korean food from him, and figure out how to make a pretty awesome korean dinner. Nice and fancy n' stuff.

I even got her a fancy lookin pair of chopsticks that she can keep afterward.

After dinner I can put in a movie. As per the rules of the DVD player that I proclaimed when I hooked it up, romantic comedies are banned without exception from that DVD player. Any suggestions on what movie? My older bro got a job at blockbuster recently, so 5 movie rentals a week are for free.

Dating is kinda like science. Unless you can replicate results, it doesn't work.

What i mean is, you shouldn't be too worried about "Wowing" her that much. You could create expectations to future dates and even for the relationship, and dating on a benchmark against yourself isn't that good.

If you guys "click" you guys click. You have to have fun and show her that you're actually sharing who you are with her, but, at the same time... adding some of what she likes into what you like.

Sounds complicated, but it actually is easier done than said.

Other than that, your plan sounds solid. But for a movie, you should really look into something funny (if you're ruling out Romantic flicks), maybe probing a bit more for an actor/actress she likes

[Pip Boy]

She's into pixar stuff. I think I'll grab Wall-E. It was pretty cute, and is something we'd both enjoy.

Then again, The Nightmare Before Christmas might be better because she is a Tim Burton fan on levels that kind of scare me.

[Rejected Again]

Why not grab them both? Then you could let her choose. Personally I would go with Nightmare before Xmas, but once again that's me.

[krogothwolf]

I'd go with Nightmare befor Xmas to, Wall-E is cute and all and I enjoyed it, but it's not as good as Nightmare

[DarkDrgon]

my girl is a huge pixar junkie, to the point where one of the petnames she has for me is Wall-E.

Im on the fence about calling her Eve.

[The Wizard Who Did It]

I'd go with Nightmare befor Xmas to, Wall-E is cute and all and I enjoyed it, but it's not as good as Nightmare
It's not as good, but WallE is also a stupidly good date movie.

It's a tough choice.

[Pip Boy]

Both? Her choice? Oh wells.

I guess my questions have been answered, so this thread can either be closed or break out into a free for all of related anecdotes now.

[akaSM]

Hey, if you want another movie option, I bought Howl's Moving Castle (or whatever you call it in english) some time ago, and my GF and I really enjoyed it.

[Jagos]

But I was looking more into the department of something that is considered "dating" more than "Hangin out". While the line between the two can blur sometimes, I'm trying to go for the first date being something that will wow her.

The nature walk is still a pretty good option.

Also for food, gyuudon. Japanese meat, rice and possible eggs. VERY good.

Movie - I'll second Wall-E and everything else. But surprise her and don't tell her. Let her guess a little bit. But Hideo Miyazaki's Spirited Away might be a good one. Beautiful animation and a fantastic, if weird story.

Third, peck on the cheek and don't forget the 90-10 rule. People say be yourself. From the sounds, you got the hang of it. Just remember to lead the whole night and you'll do fine.

[GARUD]

As for dating, if you can't use Romatic stuff, try something funny. Most Jim Carey movies are pretty good, especially his Ace Ventura stuff. If you are willing to break your rule, you can't beat The Notebook as a romantic movie. Most girls love that stuff. Love Actually is a good movie too, and is definetly worth a look since it has funny elements in it.

One big tip for relationships, if you are going to be doing anything together, that you personally don't like, change your mentality. If she likes to shop, and you don't, think of it as spending time with her, rather than shopping. That was more an example, but you get the idea.

[Pip Boy]

Hey, if you want another movie option, I bought Howl's Moving Castle (or whatever you call it in english) some time ago, and my GF and I really enjoyed it.

Y'know, I actually hadn't considered that. I don't think she watches anime, but most people who don't still enjoy all Miyazaki's stuff.

[Rejected Again]

Miyazaki is a freaking god in the anime world. Any on his movies are also good choices.

[Jagos]

And they're usually produced by Disney so you can get away with saying "It's a Disney movie. You're gonna love it."

[Kim]

Y'know, I actually hadn't considered that. I don't think she watches anime, but most people who don't still enjoy all Miyazaki's stuff.

I'm a big fan of Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke.