First dates can be a highly stressful experience. There is an almost-unknown person staring at you from across a table and there is nothing else to do but focus on eating and discovering if you want to see each other for the next few hours, let alone for the far-off second date.

Don’t worry! We’re here to help! Here are some ideas that will put the fun back into the first date.

Lets add a little chocolate into the meal scenario. Now dip food stuffs into that chocolate and things can get messy (but in a good way!). In places like San Churro or Max Brenner forget worrying about getting chocolate on your face, hands and clothing, and just have a good time eating it!

You might see this person again or you might not, at least you can learn something. Search out the nightlife on an evening tour of Mulligan Flats each first or third Friday of the month, it will give you something to focus on if the conversation runs dry.

Maybe you’d like a more hands-on date (no pun intended). Getting creative in an art class is a great way to break the ice and get to know each other. The Canberra Glassworks has short courses in a range of glass making, maybe you can make more than a piece of art in these classes.

There is always the tried and tested dinner date and if you’re feeling hungry it’s a good idea to go somewhere with some variation. Deakin’s Double Shot is a Canberra favourite and a great place for a breakfast date, a lunch or coffee.

Take advantage of the lovely weather we’ve been having out on the lake. Paddle side-by-side with the water lapping against your paddleboat. You’ll have to work together to get anywhere and have a few laughs along the way.

Combine a few elements at Palace Electric Cinemas. A movie is a classic date idea and it goes quite well with a few appetisers. Try a cocktail and share a dip platter with a little conversation and let the movie take on the work.

Drinks on a first date can make the social convention a bit easier and Canberra has some great bars. Reload also has video games for the competitive among us, while Molly is great for cocktails and for décor – small, intimate and not too loud.

Getting to know someone takes time – more than it takes to eat dinner. Why not go somewhere cultural like a the National Art Gallery or a trip through the Old Bus Depot Markets and spend some time admiring the view?

First dates can be a movie or they can be a cup of coffee or they can be something memorable, try something different and make your next first date a really great one.