Our Best Tips For Making Your Second Date Memorable

First dates may be all the hype, but second dates are the true test of compatibility — and they can be just as exciting, if not more. If you're going on a second date, you can take a sigh of relief because chances are that your initial date went pretty well, and you're both interested in seeing each other again (and you're pretty sure they're not a serial killer or kidnapper). Now with the first date awkwardness and jitters out of the way, it's time to plan a memorable, more relaxed second date.

A second date can truly make or break a relationship because you're starting to have deeper conversations to see if you have long-lasting chemistry or if the initial sparks will just fizzle out. So, how do you make your second date memorable? Lucky for you, we've put together a list of tips to help you have the best second date possible.

Your first date had to go pretty well in order for you to land a second one. Coffee Meets Bagel, a San Francisco–based dating app, put this to the test by polling 1,000 successful couples who found each other on the app. According to the poll's findings released to Cision PR Newswire, "77% of couples planned their second date during their first date, or the day after." So, if your first date was truly a success, it could help to reminisce about it on the second date. 

Now, this doesn't have to mean doing the exact same thing as your first date. If you two loved your first date because of the romantic atmosphere, consider replicating that atmosphere for your second date. For example, if your first date was a picturesque picnic, you could plan on watching the sunset or lounging at the beach for your second date. This way, the activity is different, yet you're still basking in the romance and relaxed environment of your first date.

On the other hand, if your first date was an absolute nightmare, but you still decided to give your date another chance, maybe it's something that you can laugh about. Chances are, your date probably felt the same level of awkwardness. At the end of the day, it'll be something that the two of you can either fondly remember or make fun of together.

If you're a foodie, then you know just how enjoyable it is to bond over food. Plus, if you pick a restaurant that you already love as a second date spot, it can be a cute way to showcase your personality and share a bit about yourself through food. When it comes to picking between restaurants that you love, aim for something more casual and relaxed since it's only a second date. You should also factor in the music and general ambiance of the restaurant as well as the type of food that your date likes or dislikes to ensure it's a good fit.

Food and romance can often go hand in hand. Remember the iconic dinner date scene from "Lady and the Tramp" where they share meatballs and pasta? Just imagine having this bond with your date over a delicious meal or sharing the sweetest dessert together.

A glass of wine, a big tub of popcorn, and of course, your favorite romantic movie: How does that sound for a relaxing and comfortable second date? While you probably want to avoid a first-date trip to the movies for the sake of getting to know your date better, an at-home movie night can be the perfect way to set the mood for your second date. The best part is that you can set up a memorable date right in the comfort of your own home. Just grab some pillows, blankets, and a few candles to make it extra cozy.

If you don't have a certain movie choice in mind, you can also take advantage of streaming services like Netflix and Hulu to help narrow your selection depending on the type of movie that you and your date prefer. This will also help you learn more about the kinds of things your date likes to watch. If you're still in doubt about what movie to go with, consider a classic romantic movie like "Titanic" or "The Notebook" to really help set the mood for a love-filled evening.

Watching the sunrise or sunset together can be a great second-date idea. Both are equally exciting and wonderful ways to express your shared love for nature. You can choose to start your day early by packing breakfast, grabbing a warm rug or blanket, and then driving to a place filled with natural beauty where you can watch the rising sun. If you are both morning people or early risers, then this may be a better option for you that also creates a refreshing and peaceful start to your day.

On the flip side, watching the sun go down can be incredibly romantic. You can do so from a city rooftop, garden, or even the beach. Essentially, anywhere where you can get an incredible view of the sun and relax works. The setting sun can be an incredible memory to share together and help you feel present. This can also pair well with a dinner date. Just be sure to check the times that the sun is rising or setting for the day so that you don't miss it!

Name a better way to let loose than karaoke. Of course, if you don't have any singing talent, there's no need to worry. The goal of karaoke is to have fun and venture outside your comfort zone. You may feel a bit too shy around your new date to sing karaoke, but this is what makes the activity so fun. It urges the two of you to be bold together and sing your hearts out.

If you're not up for a karaoke night at a bar, consider having a karaoke party at home. All you need is a TV screen to see the lyrics of the song, a microphone, and an instrumental playlist that you can sing your heart out to. You can even set up the atmosphere to get your date in the mood with some party lighting, disco balls, and finger food. If you're on a budget, you can get creative and use a makeshift microphone, such as your round hair brush. You can even invite some close friends over to bond with your date if you're worried about things being awkward. Just remember to be yourself and get your singing on if you want to make this date a memorable one.

Beach picnic dates are always an affordable yet picture-perfect option. First, you just have to find a beach with a little bit of privacy where you can set up a picnic blanket. Ideally, you'll come prepared with a picnic basket filled with all the essentials like food, utensils, water, and perhaps even an umbrella to give you some shade. A charcuterie board is a perfect snack to bring with you to your date. Just add some type of fruit, cheese, chocolate, and meat, and you're ready to go.

Be sure to give your date a heads-up to bring a swimsuit with them so that you can also swim in the water if it's nice outside. A long romantic walk on the beach can also make your date feel more intimate. If you prefer, you can find out if dogs are allowed and bring your furry friends along as your date companions. For a great activity to accompany your picnic, try collecting seashells together. If you are looking to just relax, simply bring some sunscreen and lay out in the sun together after your picnic.

Taking a picturesque hike is a great way to make a second date more fun. Now that you've experienced a first date with this person, you can see what a trek brings out in them. First, make sure to check with your date if they feel comfortable doing a hike physically. Then, narrow down to a location that has some good views and is beginner-friendly. Ideally, choosing a park that is nearby and not in the middle of nowhere would probably be the best option for safety reasons. Look for a trail with enough room that you can walk next to each other for the best experience.

Since a hike is all about getting to the top, you'll have plenty of time to get to know your date more personally. Plus, if the two of you really enjoy your hiking experience, it'll be a great activity to bond over in the future. Just be sure to wear some sensible sneakers and a workout set that makes you feel confident. Carrying a backpack with important supplies like water, bandaids, food, and a map or directions for the trail in case you get lost can also help you feel prepared. Lastly, just be sure to check on the weather before you leave for your date.

There's a reason movies and books romanticize lying under the stars with a love interest. After all, how enchanting does a second date sound where you simply lie on a blanket underneath the night sky and watch the moon and stars together? The key to a successful stargazing date is finding an appropriate location. Someplace with an unobstructed view of the sky is a good option.

A hot summer night after the sun sets is the perfect time to gear up to go on a stargazing date. Just be sure to dress comfortably for lying down and also pack a jacket or blanket since it can get chillier at night. You can also bring some snacks or drinks to add charm to the date. If you want to come extra prepared, you can try to bring some binoculars. The darker the night sky, the better chance you have of getting a clear view of the stars. You can also check out what phase the moon will be in before you go, as two weeks before or after the new moon is typically the best time to see stars (per NASA).

Now it might sound weird to get sweaty on your second date, but working out together can be a real treat. The nice thing about doing a workout date is that there are so many different workout activities to choose from. So, if you're not a gym buff, you can still have tons of fun by going swimming together or taking a yoga class. The goal of this is to just get your body moving and learn about your date while doing so.

Working out together may seem like a challenge, but it's a great way to get to see who a person really is and how they face challenges. It's always a plus when the person you like is also someone who motivates you, and this date gives you the perfect opportunity to find out if they are doing that for you. You can also look forward to the endorphins, or the hormones secreted after a good workout, which can increase attraction (via the Medium). If you're worried about them seeing you struggling during an intense workout, you can opt to take things at your own pace with a brisk walk or some light stretches.

Having good eye contact with your date is key to establishing intimacy. Of course, this can be hard to do when you're just getting to know someone, but understanding its importance is crucial. Eye contact is a key nonverbal form of communication that can be used to express various forms of emotion. For instance, if you both use sultry eye contact to exchange long-lasting gazes at each other simultaneously, it can be very romantic or flirty.

While eye contact can signal that you're interested in someone, it can also be a great way to establish and increase empathy between individuals (per BetterUp). If you think about it, we often use eye contact and other nonverbal body language cues like nodding to show that someone holds our interest or to show them respect. If you establish good eye contact with your date, it will let them know that you're listening to them and help them feel valued during your date.

How do you pick the perfect second-date attire? The good news is that they've already seen you once, so you don't have to worry about first impressions. Since it's still early on, you want to make sure that you put together an outfit that makes you feel confident and impresses your date. Most of all, you should make sure that your outfit matches what you plan to do. If you're heading out for a casual beach picnic, you definitely don't want to put on your favorite cocktail dress or a suit and tie.

Your wardrobe is like your own personal brand. This is why staying true to your authentic self is really important when picking out an outfit to look and feel your best on your next date. If you're a more casual person, stay true to it by putting on your favorite denim with a dressier top. This will make you feel comfortable and, in turn, radiate confidence. On the other hand, if you're going on a fancier dinner date, dressing up more in some stylish pants or a colorful dress can help you stand out. Just be sure that you're choosing a slightly more elevated outfit than what you'd wear on a normal day in order to truly wow your date.

Physical intimacy is an expression of your emotions and a way of bonding with your partner. Yet, it is also unique to each individual and entirely dependent on what or how much physical interaction you prefer. This is why it's a good idea to bring up the topic early and make sure that you and your date are on the same page. If you don't kiss a partner until the third date, let it be known. Because communication is key to a healthy relationship, beginning on this note ensures that you'll start off on the right foot. This also avoids any awkwardness like your date leaning in for a kiss and you completely swerving it.

It can seem intimidating to talk about your views on sex and physical intimacy, but the best way to talk about the topic is just to rip the bandaid off and flat-out ask your partner how much physical intimacy they are comfortable with on a date. Physical intimacy can be a big part of relationships, so if you and your partner don't align about your views on it, talking about it early on during dating can save you the time of dealing with this tough conversation later on in the relationship.

Your body language can speak volumes as to how you're feeling. We interpret people's body language and nonverbal cues every day in order to sense their moods. If someone is smiling, they feel warm and inviting versus if they have their arms crossed and are frowning. In order to impress your date and signal that you are enjoying the date, be sure to maintain eye contact and smile. You can also try to relax, unclench your jaw, and stand tall in order to project confidence.

You can even read your date's body language to dissect how they are feeling. A tell-tale sign that someone likes you lies in their feet. That's right, if your date has their feet and body turned towards you, then their open body language suggests that they are listening to you and feeling comfortable with you (per Science of People). The same goes for if they are mirroring your body language, like tilting their head in the same direction as you or moving in overall synchronized harmony with you.

When you go on a date, the goal is to get to know someone and, ideally, keep spending time with them. If your date goes well, then it's time to start thinking about your third date. After all, you don't want to miss the chance to see them again. The best time to plan your third date if you're feeling the spark is toward the end of the second date. You can prompt the conversation by saying something along the lines of "I had such a great time today and would love to see you again." If they respond back with interest, then you can get to work on suggesting an idea for the next date.

However, if you're not feeling so confident or forward, there might be an easier option. Try suggesting a movie or activity that you think they would love or are enthusiastic about. This will make a great transition into seeing if they're open for a third date. Alternatively, you can also text your date after the second date to see if they made it home safely or just to tell them how much you enjoyed the date. If your date fails to respond or is curt, then they may not be feeling the same sparks as you. However, taking the leap of faith to send them a text or ask them on a third date could very well secure you another exciting date.