Winter date ideas to keep the flame flickering

By: Natasha Archary

Chick-flicks are unrealistic. Why, oh why do we fall for these scripted, perfectly staged, stereotypical ideals of romance?

Most women can relate to this line, “God I wish my life was a movie sometimes. You know, I’d never have to worry about my hair, or having to go to the bathroom. And then, when I’m at my lowest point, some guy would chase me down the street, pour his heart out and we’d kiss. Happily ever after.”

And cue, cheesy pop-song that has no relevance whatsoever but it makes women want to run to the altar with the new guy they just started dating.

Dating should feel like a dream though. Like taking a carriage ride through the streets of Johannesburg on a freezing night, sipping warm rum and having him kiss your nose warm. (Okay even as I typed that I got a bit queasy, overkill much?)

When you think Winter date ideas, under Hollywood standards one assumes the date should include snow. Ideally, yes super romantic and we’d all love to be trapped in a log cabin for weeks on end with nothing to keep you warm but each other. Realistically, we all have jobs and other than select areas of the country, we South Africans don’t just have snow days at our romantic disposal.

So, what could be likened to a romantic Winter date idea then?

Try these on for size when you’re trying to impress your date with your dating prowess without coming across as utterly cheesy.

ICE-SKATING

No, it will never compare to skating on a frozen rink in Central Park but this one is still a cute, intimate date idea. There’s an ice-skating rink in Northgate. No, this didn’t die in the 70s. Whether you’ve been before or not, it’s makes for a fun, active night out. Warming up afterwards could be the highlight of the night.

BONFIRE

Heat things up in your backyard. That’s if you have a backyard and are not confined in an apartment with body corporate rules. You can go as far as setting up a projector, throwing down some plush cushions and blankets and going all out for a retro “drive-in” night. A movie and popcorn under the stars? Come on!

BOWLING

There’s nothing quite like a bit of healthy competition to keep the sparks alive in relationship-ville. Double-date and enjoy a group date out with friends. It’s fun, different and encourages socialising. It’s boring when it’s just the two of you all weekend, every weekend.

PLANETARIUM

There are only a few things in life that are more mesmerising than the astronomical wonder of the cosmos. Your lovers’ eyes, your favourite meal and well you can fill in the others. Point is, this is a fun Winter date idea. A visit to the planetarium is not only informative but it’s eye-opening too. To think of the billions in this universe, the two of you found each other. Ah…

JUMP PLACE

So you think because it’s Winter, this means you get to be lazy and just snuggle on the couch all day and night? Nope, not on our watch. Take your partner to an indoor trampoline arena. Get your blood rushing, warm up and burn some calories whilst spending time together. Sure, you’ll look like a couple of misfits amongst the energetic youngens but who cares? In your eyes, it’s just the two of you, so go for it.

SNOW

If it’s snow you’re after, it’s not entirely out of reach. A trip to the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho could make for the most romantic Winter getaway ever. The ski resort that’s situated in the heart of the Drakensberg gives you a taste of rom-com romance. If that’s your thing, then knock yourself out. Obviously this is a more extravagant date, so maybe wait until you’re in a serious, committed relationship before whipping out this card.

There are so many more unique date ideas that would be perfect for the colder months but we’ll leave it here for now. Let us know how it goes and whether they worked to heat things up for you.

Written by: Natasha

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