Food can often be an easy excuse to socialize or go out on a date. However, a meal out can bring incredible stress and discomfort for those struggling with an eating disorder. Being able to suggest other activities when making plans not only limits the discomfort for the person struggling but also allows you both to share nuanced experiences.
By: Elizabeth Foot
Whether it’s the first or the millionth date, it’s always essential to have various suggestions. For many, these might look like trying a new restaurant or recipe. However, for those struggling with an eating disorder, offering a non-eating focused date could make all the difference in having an enjoyable experience. And as a bonus, by trying new activities – instead of new restaurants – you and your date will likely learn even more about each other! Getting creative about outings can help you get to know each other and the area you live in better.
So, what are some date ideas that focus on something other than food?
Go To a Movie
It is so easy to offer a “Netflix and Chill” night, but going to a movie theatre can be incredibly nostalgic. Plus, as large as your TV and couch might be, nothing beats the cinematic experience of going to the movies.
Try a Comedy Show
These can be good for the early first dates. Just like a movie, it’ll give you something to talk about and space to enjoy without the pressure of keeping up the continuous conversation. Laughter is a fantastic way to connect; going to a comedy show can make for an unforgettable date.
Check Out a Local Concert
So many apps can offer users cheap tickets to emerging artists. Even if the artist isn’t your favorite, getting out of the house and finding new scenes will give you something to talk about!
Host a Game Night
Whether you and your date want to try trivia or host friends to play games, the options are limitless. You can attend trivia night out or find a new card game or board game to try at home. There are so many fun options; the world is your oyster.
Try a New Activity
There is nothing more humbling than understanding you and your date are being vulnerable together by embarking on a new activity. This might look like trying rock climbing, a painting class, bowling, or trying karaoke. Plus, for those in the earlier stages of dating, it can show you how the other handles new exposures and learning something. Make sure you choose something you are both comfortable trying and excited about.
Attend a Sports Game
Did someone say Madison Square Garden? Whether it be the Rangers or Knicks or something entirely different, going to a sports game is always entertaining and is a unique experience to share.
Stop by a Museum
Many museums have date nights, where individuals and couples can wander and explore after hours. This is an excellent option if you feel you’ve been running out of interesting things to try or if your date is interested in a specific type of art. It’s always fun to feel cultured!
Explore an “After-Hours” Night at an Amusement Park
This suggestion comes with the caveat that it is probably better to have a strong sense of what your date’s reaction would be to being yelled at, jump-scared, or having their stomach drop. Not always for the faint of heart, this would be a fun option if you and your date feel adventurous.
Work on a Creative Home Improvement Project
This might be better geared for long-term partnerships, but tackling a home improvement project will likely help you and your partner feel accomplished. Renew your sense of teamwork, and create something you can be proud of.
Go Antiquing or Thrifting
That new room you painted? It needs a desk to complement the built-in bookcase. Explore nearby thrift stores or antique stores and see what jumps out to you and your partner. You never know what you might find!
While these ideas can easily include food, eating is not the focus. By taking the pressure off of eating in public places, which can sometimes be over-stimulating and stressful, you’re likely to help your date feel more comfortable. This can help you learn more about them and if you might be a compatible match moving forward. Also, being the person who offers a fun and exciting date can highlight your creativity and ability to think outside the box – an attractive quality to many. Dating is stressful, especially if someone struggles with food and body image distress. Creating a mutual experience with as few triggers can help you enjoy your time together and prioritize recovery in your relationship.
At BALANCE eating disorder treatment center™, our compassionate, highly skilled team of clinicians is trained in diagnosing and treating the spectrum of eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, compulsive overeating, and other disordered eating behaviors and body image issues. BALANCE offers a bi-monthly free virtual support group open to individuals seeking help and to family and loved ones. The group provides a supportive forum within which members can explore issues, including ambivalence about engaging in treatment, recovery, resources, and treatment options, and knowing when and how to take the next steps toward making change. RSVP for our next group on Friday, February 17th, at 12:00 pm EST here.
Our admissions team would be happy to answer any questions you may have about our programs and services. Book a free consultation call with our admissions team below, or read more about our philosophy here.
This post was written by BALANCE Blog Contributor, Elizabeth Foot (she/her).
Elizabeth is currently pursuing her Master’s of Public Health in nutrition and dietetics from the University of Michigan, on track to become a registered dietician. Prior to returning to school, Elizabeth received her B.A. in Public Policy from Hamilton College in 2020.
Since graduating Hamilton, Elizabeth has worked for an infertility insurance company as a marketing associate, has volunteered with Multi-Service Eating Disorder Association (MEDA), and has advocated on Capitol Hill for expanding insurance coverage to registered dietitians as part of the Eating Disorders Coalition (EDC). Elizabeth is also a strong supporter of intuitive eating, HAES, and is excited to become a licensed practitioner working in the ED field. In her free time, Elizabeth can be found creating recipes, practicing yoga, or counting down the days until she can get a dog.
