The Surprise, but NOT so Secret Date
Assateague Island, Maryland
Confirm the When, ONLY!
Thanks to my person I was challenged to create a special surprise date that only I could know the details to...This was pretty overwhelming at first because it quite literally could be anything, big, small, day trip, overnighter etc., but once I got over my anxiety and the pressure to ensure it was “special” I was able to pull off another meaningful date. Follow the steps below and you too will be able to accomplish this and hopefully with less fear and trepidation than me!
Items Needed to Get Started:
Thoughtfulness (This will become a pattern as every date MUST start with it): Pull one or two little things you know about your person out of your memory banks, for example: what is her favorite thing to eat, drink, listen to, read, see, talk about…She liked horses and because of her dietary restrictions I also knew she fancied peanut butter sandwiches and bananas…So I went with that.
Pick a Date: You need to confirm the date(s) with your person. Remember this is a surprise, but NOT so secret date. Once confirmed put it on your calendars.
Location: The “World is Your Oyster” on this one. Since this is a surprise, you can pick someplace local that your partner really enjoys, road trip it, fly whatever works for you and your person and within your budget. As noted, I knew she liked horses, and fortunately we are located near one of the few native beaches that protects wild horses, Assateague Island, MD. Since this was a two-hour road trip and right next door to Ocean City Maryland, I was able to cash in on Marriott Reward points and booked us a room for the night.
Attire: Very important. Once you have determined the when & where you need to let your person know what to bring and how to dress etc. (Take the guess work out of it and make it as simple as possible for them. Remember, this is for them to sit back, relax and get excited without having to put too much effort in…)
My Date Details (Yours may be different, but this should help with inspiration):
First half of date-Lunchtime (On the beach):
Folding Chairs (x2) (Another essential tool to have in your belt): I planned a picnic on the beach.
Picnic basket and beach blanket: Self explanatory
Lunch: Remember I said she liked peanut butter sandwiches and bananas…Well, I got a loaf of multi-grain bread (Her preference) and chunky peanut butter (again, her preference), cut off the crusts and made a few sandwiches, threw in some bananas, and spiced it up with fancy cheese, prosciutto, and some chips.
iPhone/Android: For music and pics. Pick whatever fits the mood and is something that is pleasant and uplifting…
Genuine and Fun Conversation: Keep it fun and flirty. No drama or heavy conversation just light-hearted positive vibes and be present – IN THE MOMENT!
Second half of date-Hotel & Dinner Time:
Hotel Check-in: After a great picnic lunch on the beach, I broke down the chairs, loaded up the car and said “Ok, time for our next stop”. Remember this is a surprise date so the only things your partner should know is the when and what to bring. Everything else should feel like a fun adventure (Mystery). I booked a room with an ocean view right on the beach.
Dinner & Dessert: Here is where “Thoughtfulness” comes back into play. I knew from listening to my person that she had special memories of eating steak at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse growing up, and wouldn’t you know it there was a Ruth’s Chris a few miles down the street from the hotel, so I booked a reservation for two!
Elements of Surprise (AKA The Twist!): This is an easy one…The whole date
At first this was pretty daunting because it could literally be anything, but fear not. You already have the most important tool you need to get your creative juices flowing for this type of date …Thoughtfulness (Step 1. For all dates). Always start with that and let your heart decide the rest. These types of dates can be so much fun, and more importantly bring you and your person closer together.