Beautiful Day Out

Kris’ Take: We have so many great technologies; so much so that we stay inside, and we never leave! But I see, especially as of recently, that there are so many beautiful days passing us by. I can assure you that spending a beautiful day out with the person you love will feel so much better than staying inside. I endorse parks so heavily because they are serene, typically quiet, and the more people that go to parks the stronger conservation efforts will be when the time comes to determine whether the park should remain or be mowed down for a parking lot. Being in a calming and beautiful environment promotes a better feeling physically and mentally. This leads to better conversations and I think it would even help with tense situations. Being couped up inside with all of the artificial light and the stuffy air can only perpetuate sad or angry emotions and certainly does not promote a happy or good mental/physical disposition.

I highly suggest going on a nice walk or bike ride through a park, and just enjoy your time together in a beautiful place.

Date Idea: A Day in the Park

Kris’ Take: Just yesterday Laura and I went to a wonderful park that’s about 45 minutes away. It was a really fun time for the both of us. The day started out with a quick breakfast and then we were off. I know this idea might sound a little cliché, but it’s a great way to break up the monotony of everyday life. We walked around for quite a bit looking at some of the wildlife and we did a lot of talking. I think that’s probably my favorite part about the parks. They are normally such a quiet and tranquil place, and that makes for a great talk. After a while of walking around we drove to find a pavilion and I began grilling food. Laura liked watching me do this because she hasn’t seen many people grill using charcoal, so she enjoyed watching me stack the briquettes. I like cooking for Laura on grills because it’s not very hard but it looks impressive, and to be completely honest I’m no expert on a stove. It allows me to show that I have some cooking skills.

We brought a bit too much to eat and her and I are not fans of wasting food, so we decided to feed some of the local wildlife, but don’t tell the park rangers . There were these two squirrels that were scampering around so I walked towards one slowly, put the sandwich down and slowly backed away. Then Laura and I watched it from a distance. It was adorable; he approached the sandwich and looked at it for a second. Then he picked it up and started nibbling at all of the bread. I suppose he didn’t notice the delicious barbequed pork in the middle. After watching the squirrels for a while, Laura wanted to do some shopping so we hit some of our malls and accomplished very little, but we did manage to find her mother some very charming candle holders that would go perfect on the fireplace mantle! Well, I hope you all have a wonderful day, and remember that even these simple dates can be quite fun. Oh, not to forget, Laura and I intended on flying a kite, but the wind had different plans: To take the day off!

Laura’s Take: The park was such a nice way to spend the day! I really enjoyed the nature walk most of all because it gave us a chance to chat. Plus is was so secluded from the rest of the park that it really felt like we were someplace else, like in a jungle. I wish we had gotten a chance to fly the kite, but I guess we should have checked the weather forecast first. Anyways, glad we got a chance to finally go to the park! And you were quite the cook if I do say so myself!

Hot Tamales rates this idea:

4 out of 5 Hearts

Date Tip: Sound of Silence

Laura’s Take: Absolutely nothing can be a worse dating don’t than this, or at least in my opinion. Kris would probably still say it’s blowing your nose, but that’s a whole other post. So you pick up this beautiful girl, you open all the doors, take her to a romantic restaurant and even remember to pull out her chair. You’ve ordered your dinner and now comes the silence. Silence at the dinner table is almost the worst thing that can happen on a first date. I say almost because there are always worse alternatives. But honestly, having a boring conversation will make any date a flop. So before you pick up your date, think about what you already know about her. If it’s a blind date, just think about what kinds of things you’d like to know about her, such as hobbies, family, career, etc. Now make a mental list of these things and when you can feel the conversation growing quiet, pull out a question. Who knows, maybe the conversation will just flow and you don’t need to, but it’s always reassuring to know you have a backup plan.

Kris’ Take: I do agree, but the blowing the nose thing would go on that list of alternatives. Men, please take notice that Laura mentions thinking of questions to ask HER. I don’t care how good your job is, how high your pay is, or how big your house or condo in Cali is; the date is about her. Unless she asks you these questions, focus on her, and get to know her. It shows that you’re interested, and she’ll be happy that there is conversation. You can say so much more by listening and responding to what she has to say rather than giving your biography. Many women listen to the underlying idea, you could be telling her all of these great things, and what she’ll be hearing is “Me, me, me, oh more about me, did you know that I, Blah blah blah.” She’ll think that you’re completely self involved and full of conceit. You’ll be thinking you’re just keeping the date going, but she’ll be thinking “this dates over.” Ask about her, if she wants to know about you, she’ll chime in with a “what about you?” Give her a concise answer and get back to her.

Date Tip: Talking Too Much

Kris’ Take: Okay, don’t give her the silent treatment, but she doesn’t need your biography either. Save some information for another date. We know that you want to tell her all of the good deeds you’ve done, but that will just make you sound egotistical. Let her talk, let her explain, and remember, pay attention. Don’t just nod and smile but be thinking about sports, actually listen and input your comments throughout to demonstrate you’re listening. Listening is one of the most important qualities that women want in men. And guess what, very few offer it, talk about a competitive advantage! And it’s so easy to do!

Also, if there is something you don’t understand, like her being the international southwest regional branch manager of operations, ask her what that means. People love being put in the hot seat and educating. It shows that you’re interested, and it allows her to have the spotlight. People love attention, that’s why the two of you are on a date in the first place.