From the Editor
You already know who you want to ask out but you've been sitting on it for two weeks because you don't have a plan… and showing up with "so what do you want to do?" is not the move.
Every week I'll give you five fresh date ideas, a few things happening around the valley, and one small thing that'll make her think you could be the one.
FIVE DATES FOR THIS WEEK
Not Just an Ice Cream Date
Outdoors · ~$10–15
Lay a tarp (this could be a plastic tablecloth for example) down in the parking lot, set your bowl on it, and go upstairs. You're dropping the scoops from the second or third floor balcony of your apartment complex, with ice cream first, then any toppings you’d like. Once you've both dropped your ingredients, you can head down and eat whatever you actually got into your bowls. It's chaotic, it's cheap, and it requires zero skill, meaning you'll both be laughing before you've taken a bite.
How to ask: "I have a top-tier dessert idea. I need your arm and your stomach. Are you free Saturday?"
BYU Museum of Art
no ID required, Free
This is open to anyone, and completely free. Walk the current exhibits together and take turns making up the backstory for each piece: who painted it, why, what were they going through. It sounds strange until you're ten minutes in and laughing as you pass every new painting. This is way better (in my opinion) than sitting across from each other at another restaurant running out of things to say.
How to ask: "Have you been to the MOA? I want to check out the new exhibit and I was hoping you’d come with me Thursday."
Guru's Cafe Blind Order
Food · ~$15–20 each
Try this rule: you each order something the other one picks, something neither of you has tried, and then swap plates halfway. Before your food comes, try to guess the ingredients in your dishes. The food is good, the prices are fair, and this format gives you something to actually do besides ask each other about your majors. Located on Center Street, in Provo.
How to ask: "I'm doing this thing at Guru's where you can't order your own food. You in?"
Topgolf
Vineyard, Experience · ~$35–50
Just 20 minutes away but a bit more expensive, so save this one for when you really want to impress. The simulator games are more like Mario Kart than golf, so you don’t need to be a golfing pro to have fun. Good for a second or third date when you want something that feels like an event.
How to ask: "I'm going to Topgolf on Saturday, have you been? Come, and I'll show you how to lose gracefully."
Stargazing at the airport overlook
On the south side parking lot off Airport Road, it’s dark enough to actually see stars, and quiet enough to have a real conversation. I’d recommend bringing a blanket, and making a playlist beforehand.
How to ask: "I found this spot by the airport that's dark enough you can see the stars. I'll make a playlist, do you wanna come?"
FROM OUR READERS
ONE HELPFUL TIP
Here's something nobody tells you:
She's not waiting for perfect, she's waiting for you to have a plan. Saying, "want to hang out sometime" has never worked and it probably never will. Instead, pick a day, pick an activity, and say it like you already know she's going to say yes. That's it. That's the whole secret.
UPCOMING DATE OPPORTUNITIES
BONUS EVENTS
BYU Ballroom Dance
Utah Valley Symphony
Tell us about your events!
Marriott Center · From $20
How to ask: "I got tickets to something Friday, it's a surprise, dress nice."
May 21 — Utah Valley Symphony concert
UVSC Ragan Theater · From $16 · Low effort but high perceived effort.
How to ask: "There's a symphony Thursday night, I think it'd actually be really good. Wanna go together?"
