The Best Dates for Summer

Summer is the absolute best time to fall in like or love. There is so much for you to do with your significant other, or potential love interest. This list has the best dates for the summer for every category. Just met this person and want to get to know them? Been dating for forever and need to switch it up? Not sure if you like this person but want to get a group together? 

Amusement Park. By far the best date to go on, especially if you are just starting to get to know each other! Pay at the gate or ahead of time and you can buy your own ticket if you are just starting out (so no one feels pressure). Between the roller coasters, the people watching, the snack foods and shows, theres so much fun to be had. Not to mention the waiting lines — a great way to get to know more about each other while being casual. If you go to a park with water rides, it’s a fun way to cool off in the summer heat. All in all, this would be my number one date spot. You can venture out just you and your love interest, or get a group to go together so it doesn’t feel so personal. 

Planetarium. If you're looking for a way to throw down the mojo, a planetarium is where it’s at! Nothing is more romantic than a night viewing the stars. But sometimes in the summer it can get unbearably hot and sticky; the planetarium is a great alternative. It’s a great way to hold hands, sit in the dark, and cool off from the hot sun. A few planetariums I’ve been to host a nightly  sky show where it shows you how to spot the constellations that night. Take your day-date and turn it into a date-night after the planetarium trip!

Bowling. Yeah, yeah I know it’s a typical date idea but seriously… when was the last time you went bowling? Or better question: have you ever left a bowling trip not happy? It’s a cheap date and is a great way to have a one-on-one conversation or bring another couple along to make it a competition. 

Arcade. Talk about a blast from the past! Who doesn’t love arcades? There are so many games to be played, and you can win some fun things these days. My personal favorites are whack-a-mole and ski-ball. Whatever your favorites are, the arcade is a perfect way to show your date that you’re fun and are up for whatever! Some arcades are located on the beach or in fun locations where you can use it as an excuse to make your date go longer!

Putt-Putt. For those of us on a budget putt-putt, or miniature golf, is a great and cheap date. Neither parties need to be good at putt-putt, I mean who really is good at putt-putt? And if they are good, is that some kind of accomplishment? Putt-Putt is a great way to have one-on-one conversations to get to know someone better and see if you’re up for another date.

Nature Preserve. If you are looking for something a little more intimate, take a trip to a local state park or nature preserve. These are a great way to walk around and have a quiet, uninterrupted discussion. If you want to step it up a notch you can pack a lunch and have a picnic. Soak in the nature and get some one-on-one time.

4 Things to Discuss Before Getting a Pet With Your SO

You and your SO have been together for three years and while you're not ready to tie the knot, buy a house, and have babies, you think you're ready for the next step: getting a pet. I'm gonna be honest right now and let you all know that I am a bunny person. I like dogs and I don't like cats. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love my friends' cat pictures on Facebook & Insta. They crack me up but just don't ask me to watch it when you're out of town visiting your parents. So let's say you and your SO want to adopt a dog. It's definitely not a baby, but it sure as hell takes up as much of your time as a baby! I have 4 things to remind you before you go out and buy that puppy you've been dying to get:

1. What if you break up? No one in a relationship wants to think about breaking up but it could happen. And if it happens, what's going to happen to your beloved pet? Are you going to have her on weekends and she gets her during the week? This is serious stuff to talk about. While it's an uncomfortable subject, it's a must have convo between you and your SO. Just sit down and go over everything logistically. If you were to break up, how would you handle the animal you've promised to take care of?
2. Do you party? Again, pets are like babies. You can't be away from them all day at work and then go out and stay out with friends. If you honestly think that you have enough time to take care of a pet and their needs, then go for it. But you should really consider how often you are home, and if you even live in a home. I've lived in apartments where there are weight restrictions, breed restrictions, and unfortunately "rodent" restrictions. So picture yourself a year from now: will you and your SO be living in an apartment?
3. Are you footing the bill? A huge thing to consider is the price you'll pay with having a pet. Who's going to foot the bill when it comes time to adopt, neuter, or take care of them when they're sick? This is a serious conversation you should have with your SO before you go out and adopt. I had two friends who were dating and they bought a dog together. They weren't living together and their parents didn't know they were dating. They eventually broke up, got back together, broke up, got back together, and I believe they're still broken up? But who really knows. Needless to say, the one who didn't get to keep the dog wanted to get compensated for the money she paid for the dog to go to the vet. If you're in a committed relationship and considering a pet, straighten the financials out first and consider the chance of breaking up.
4. "It's your turn to walk her." Talk about the responsibilities of having a pet before you go buy yours. Neither of you are going to want to take the puppy out for a walk at 5 in the morning, but guess what: someone has to or you'll be doing clean up duty. Talk about who is going to walk the dog, who is going to feed the dog, and who will take the dog to the vet. Not to mention going over house rules. You might not care if the dog lays on the couch with you while you binge on Netflix, but your SO might not be a fan. Talk about it before the argument starts.

Getting a pet could be a great step for you and your SO, if you're both ready and have discussed all possible situations. And don't think it will be easy. Having a pet is like having a baby only pets always stay cute... babies not so much. Be ready to compromise and work things out for the best options for your furry friend. You'll get in an argument once or twice, but talking through every scenario with your SO can help prevent more from happening. After talking to your SO about the four things we just went over, if you still think you're ready, have at it. And remember: adopt, don't shop.