Date at the Fair

[RocktheCasbah]

Hello good people. I know I am slightly crazy to ask for tips on dating from strangers but everyone here is so friendly so why not?

 

I am a 14 year old straight boy who managed (it was a miracle, really) to ask an insanely cute, and unbelievable nice girl out on a date to the county fair. It is tomorrow (eeek)!

 

I was wondering if you guys (and gals) could just give me a game plan and/or some tips to make if fun for both of us, but mainly her. How do I keep the awkwardness to a minimum? We are both in marching band together. What are some things we can talk about?

 

I am also wondering what I should buy. Should I get wristbands? They are sort of expensive but then we can ride every ride. Or should I just show her the video of the flying off that one ride (LOL)!? Should I just buy 20 tickets each? I also am bringing money for a snack or drink in case she gets hungry or thirsty.

 

Games, games, games! I hate those carnies that hassle you to play their stupid rigged games. It is going to be even worse because my date will be there. But I have done research into how to win some, so hopefully I can get her a unicorn (why not?)!

 

Clothing is also very important. I am planning on wearing a polo shirt with some nicer shorts (maybe cargo shorts). I just don't want it to look like I just threw on whatever I saw first. Also if she doesn't dress up (she probably won't) then at least it's just a polo shirt.

 

Awkwardness will be something I will try to avoid (even though her friend told me that she said my awkwardness was cute). The time with the most awkward potential will probably when I (meaning my older sister and my mom) pick her up from her house. Should I ask my mom to come up with me when I knock? My mom says she would like that if that was her scenario. I haven't met her mom and my mom definitly hasn't either. Also don't worry, once we get there, we are ditching my mom so that will be good.

 

I feel like we are both shy and we will have these unfun conversations like "what should we do now" and then I will be like "I don't know what do you want to do" and it will go on like that. How do I avoid this? I can be pretty indecisive. Also, my church has a booth this year so that is one thing we could go see maybe. I think it might be fun to see all the different stinky animals too. What do you think?

 

Also what should my general behavior be? How can I be extra chivalrous? I am definitely going to open the car door for her. Any general tips or things to avoid? What should my "gameplan" be?

 

And yes, know I am overthinking, but I would rather overthink than not be mentally prepared and ready. Thank you guys so much. It is much appreciated!

[GemmaUK]

The moderators here will likely merge this with your other thread - just to warn you

 

If a wristband is expensive go for tickets. I suspect she will have some money with her too - you could pool your money.

Have a wander about and prioritise the things you want to do most first off - check out the prices so you know what rides etc you both want to do.

Keep some cash back for a hot dog and a drink or something too for you both.

 

Cargo shorts and a polo shirt is good (wear cargo shorts with decent pockets - don't risk all your cash falling out on a ride! If you have a wallet take that so that you can keep your cash in one place rather than it being loose too.

 

It's perfectly fine for you to go up alone and knock for her - and as someone else mentioned in the other thread her folks may want to meet yours.

 

If you get a bit tongue tied if one of her parents answers the door don't worry - it's pretty much expected - just make sure you say hello, say your name and say you have come to pick up 'cinsert name' here for your day out/date.

 

You know her some so when you get there just be yourself around her.

One of the vest ways to alleviate any awkwardness is to sit and do a bit of people watching - see what is going on around you - this is a shared thing that your're experiencing right in front of you and a place like a fair - well you're going to see people doing funny things.

You can talk about band stuff but actually talking about what you are doing and what you can see right then and there will make the conversation more fun.

 

Opening the car door is great - remember also to let her go first - if she wants to that is. 'Ladies first' is the way to go with this - if she appears shy about going first then you can step up eg on to a ride and hold out your hand to help her up.

Don't walk ahead of her without still turning back and speaking and looking at her.

 

The rigged games - I am totally with you in that yep, they're rigged but actually they can be a lot of fun too - just for doing an activity together so don't completely rule them out. You're at a fair so part of that is getting into it all and not caring if you lose. Just laugh it off. Self depreciation like that relaxes people.

If you hold the gun for instance first and then she has a go too you can show her how to hold it.

 

Another good plan - suss out where things like the toilets are or any places you might want to eat - when you get hungry or need the toilet you'll already know where all that is.

 

If you begin to get to the 'what do you want to do' or the 'I don't know you choose' then you step in and make a suggestion 'let's do this'.

If she really doesn't want to go on a particular ride she will let you know - don't push it.

 

Don't forget too though to go sit under a tree or somewhere and just talk - this is good for when you grab some food - but again - when you get there check out a potential nice spot you can sit.

 

Look after her, have fun and be a gentleman - if one of the carnies tries to push her into a game or something she doesn't want to do you can step in and say 'no, we're off to do 'xyz' but thanks anyway.

Do be polite to the staff there. If they proper push then a simple no thanks, a smile and walking away is the best way to do it and shows you have respect for all and anyone you come into contact with - even if they are being pushy.

 

You sound like a gentleman in the making though.

 

I hope you have an amazing time!

[RocktheCasbah]

Well thank you so much for that Gemma! That really means a lot. I will try to follow your advice well! Thank you!

[RocktheCasbah]

Also how many tickets should I get for the both of us?

[d0nnivain]

You are going to be just fine! At your young age you are insightful & thoughtful. Together those skills will serve you well in a lot of areas not just dating.

 

Your outfit sounds fine. What about shoes? Around here the county fair always has mud so shoes that protect your feet & won't get stuck in the mud are a must. My husband usually wears hiking boots but since I was your age, as a girl, picking cute shoes for the fair has always been a challenge. lol

 

I don't think you have to spring for the expensive wrist band for the unlimited rides for 2. That is way too much money for a first date & really too much for your age. If you can afford 20 tickets that should be fine. Please be careful & safe. Avoid the big spinning thrill rides. At an amusement park the stabilizers go deep in the ground; at a fair there are only support arms. After what happened at the Ohio State fair, I'm even more concerned about the safety of these things.

 

Do treat her to a snack & a drink. There is always so much delicious food at the fair. If she offers to buy you something accept graciously. As a community service I always try to buy from the local groups: 4-H, Rotary, etc rather than the commercial vendors, but that is just me.

 

Trying to win her the unicorn is half the fun. A quality girl will appreciate the chivalry involved even if you don't win the prize. She may also prefer to win her own prize. At that age I know I did. I wasn't gonna let some boy show me up. If she gets competitive with you on this score take it in stride. It's better than indifference.

 

If you are feeling brave, hold her hand as you walk.

 

Do some "down time" things like watch some of the entertainment. Don't forget to wander through the animal barns. I love petting all the livestock.

 

All in all have fun!

[RocktheCasbah]

Thank you so much! That is very kind! Also that is great advice! I was thinking of wearing some nicer vans instead of my regular tennis shoes but maybe not? Should I buy 20 tickets or 40 tickets?

[RocktheCasbah]

You are going to be just fine! At your young age you are insightful & thoughtful. Together those skills will serve you well in a lot of areas not just dating.

 

Your outfit sounds fine. What about shoes? Around here the county fair always has mud so shoes that protect your feet & won't get stuck in the mud are a must. My husband usually wears hiking boots but since I was your age, as a girl, picking cute shoes for the fair has always been a challenge. lol

 

I don't think you have to spring for the expensive wrist band for the unlimited rides for 2. That is way too much money for a first date & really too much for your age. If you can afford 20 tickets that should be fine. Please be careful & safe. Avoid the big spinning thrill rides. At an amusement park the stabilizers go deep in the ground; at a fair there are only support arms. After what happened at the Ohio State fair, I'm even more concerned about the safety of these things.

 

Do treat her to a snack & a drink. There is always so much delicious food at the fair. If she offers to buy you something accept graciously. As a community service I always try to buy from the local groups: 4-H, Rotary, etc rather than the commercial vendors, but that is just me.

 

Trying to win her the unicorn is half the fun. A quality girl will appreciate the chivalry involved even if you don't win the prize. She may also prefer to win her own prize. At that age I know I did. I wasn't gonna let some boy show me up. If she gets competitive with you on this score take it in stride. It's better than indifference.

 

If you are feeling brave, hold her hand as you walk.

 

Do some "down time" things like watch some of the entertainment. Don't forget to wander through the animal barns. I love petting all the livestock.

 

All in all have fun!

 

Thank you so much! That is very kind! Also that is great advice! I was thinking of wearing some nicer vans instead of my regular tennis shoes but maybe not? Should I buy 20 tickets or 40 tickets?

[GemmaUK]

Vans win hands down!

 

20 tickets should be about right.

Then you will have time for relaxing too as well as going on rides - do a bit of both.

[basil67]

Thank you so much! That is very kind! Also that is great advice! I was thinking of wearing some nicer vans instead of my regular tennis shoes but maybe not? Should I buy 20 tickets or 40 tickets?

 

Before buying tickets, find out how much she likes rides. If she's like me with a weak stomach, she may not want to do anything more than a dodgem and ferris wheel.

[rightondude]

here's hoping you had fun young man! Your post took me back a good 25 years. I think you're gonna do just fine, bud.

[GemmaUK]

I so hope they both had a great time!

 

I'm in my late 40's and the OP keeps popping into my mind since I read his thread.

Not only that but his username has given me an ear worm I don't want to get rid of - great track!

Vans too reminds me of all the Vans Warped Tours I've attended.

 

I think RocktheCasbah may have a few folk from far flung parts of the world routing for him.

[rightondude]

LOL I want an update from the county fair!!!