One of the things that adds pressure and potential awkwardness to first dates is the tendency to focus completely on each other.

For example, “let’s get a drink.” When two people who barely know each other sit down for a drink, there’s only one thing to focus on (besides drinking): talking to each other.

Of course you must talk to each other in order to get to know each other. However, if there was some other activity involved, it would relieve the constant pressure to figure out what to say next.

  1. Let’s Get A Drink & Play Board Games!

Bars with board games are becoming trendy these days. Now playing a few games of checkers, Connect 4, and Hungry Hippos may sound childish, but it can also be a great way to learn about each other’s childhood, competitive spirit and carefree attitude. Give her a chance to let loose and become a kid again, even if just for a little while. And really, isn’t there something mildly sexy about a hot girl in a low-cut shirt trying to gobble as many balls into the hippo’s mouth as possible?

Similar to this one is going to a bar with video and/or arcade games.

  1. Making Stuff.

Going to a painting, pottery or cooking class is a great way to do something together while having some activity to focus on. This vastly reduces the pressure to “talk and get to know each other.” The beauty is that you will get to know each other anyway through the teasing, flirting and laughing that happens throughout the class.

3. Read Random Things.

Wander through the bookstore and randomly pull books off the shelf. The game is that you flip open the book and read the first sentence you see. Then the other person has to give a reaction.

If you want to spice things up, the person reading has to tack-on the words “in bed” to the end of any sentence that was read. This activity won’t make for a complete date, but it’s a great add-on activity if you happen to wander past a bookstore (for example: a date window shopping on the boardwalk).

4. Pretend to be Pompous at the Art Gallery.

Now if you’re actually an art snob, you can skip this one. But if you’re like the rest of us, you wouldn’t know a Jackson Pollock from PlopEgg Painting. (If you’re not familiar with the latter, you can Google that. Just not at work).

So find an art studio that offers complimentary wine and take your girl. Hold your noses high in the air and tell each other “what you see in this piece.” Then have a laugh.

5. Animal Lovers Unite.

If you’re an animal lover and she’s an animal lover, this one can really melt the heart. Take her to the shelter. Volunteer to walk the dogs, feed the cats, do whatever needs to be done. Trust me that when a woman loves animals and sees that you do as well, her attraction skyrockets. Just make sure to tell her to dress appropriately for the occasion.

An alternative to this one for people who have dogs is instead of you two going on a date, you agree to "take the dogs on a date.” See how the little rascals get on with each other. Take them to the dog park or the beach. If the pair of hounds click like old buddies, chances are that you and her will get along just fine.

6. Be A Tour Guide.

You’re from the West Side. She’s from the East Side. Take her on a walking tour of your favorite parts of town. Maybe she’s spent little (if any) time there before. Act like a real tour guide. Give her a little history. Impress her with your knowledge (just between us dudes: it’s cool to Google a few facts before hand, just so you know what you’re talking about). Make sure to pop into a couple of your favorite pubs for a drink or two along the way.

7. Go To The Farmer’s Market (or a fair).

Anything where you can wander around, see some sights, taste some food and generally play around is always great. You’re bound to find some unique attire for sale in places like this. Try on some goofy hats together. Take some pictures. Have a laugh.

Grab a seat under a shady tree and enjoy some of the homemade treats the market has to offer. If you are prepared with blanket, you can turn the event into an impromptu picnic.

Women love uniqueness and creativity. And when the pressure to simply talk has been removed because there’s an activity involved, she can relax and be herself. And so can you. When that happens, the talking just happens naturally.

You can use the ideas above for a full date (except the bookstore one probably) or as one part of a longer date.

And remember to check out more great articles to up your game here.