They say insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting the same result. Well, if you’ve been looking for love in all the wrong places, here’s something completely different to try: a Random Acts of Kindness Date.
How could that possibly work, you ask?
Think about it for a minute.
Dates are all about impressing each other and figuring out what you can get out of it. But doesn’t that seem a little backwards?
That’s why you should try this twist. Instead of doing something for yourselves, think about others. Engage in some sort of activity that gives back to people in your area. What a great way to spend your time, and get to know your date at the same time!
During your date, you’ll see how they are in a selfless situation. How is their attitude? Are they willing to give despite possible fears? Are they kind and helpful?
After just one date, you’ll definitely know if this person is worth getting to know on a deeper level, because you’ll see who they truly are. The reverse is also true–they’ll see a vulnerable and very real part of you, too.
You may decide to tell your date ahead of time that this is what you have in mind, or you may tell them the date is a surprise and just spring it on them as you pick them up. The choice is yours. Either way, it’ll be an unforgettable adventure!
Here are a few ideas for a Random Acts of Kindness Date:
- Go to an assisted living facility and put on a mini talent show, and spend time talking to the residents.
- Go to a few drive up windows and pay for the people behind you.
- Find homeless people in your area and get to know them and buy them coffee, dinner, etc.
- Spend a Saturday morning volunteering with a local organization.
- Return people’s carts at the grocery store.
- Head to the animal shelter and walk a dog or two.
- Host a free car wash in a busy area in your town. Have a bucket ready to take donations for a charity.
- Call your local library to see if you could help out reading to kids.
- Put change in a vending machine and hide to watch people’s reactions.
- Pick up litter on the side of a road or at a park.
- Take cookies to the police or fire department.
- Give lottery tickets to strangers.
- Babysit for a busy mom.
- Mow someone’s lawn or do general yard work.
- Find an organization that needs specific donations. Go shopping together for them and then drop them off.
- Call people in your community and tell them you appreciate their hard work, or stop by and bring them hand-written thank you notes.
- Volunteer at a homeless shelter or food bank.
- Teach a class to a youth group.
- Help clean up after a community event.
- Go to the movies and pay for the people behind you.
- Bring flowers to someone who could use a little cheering up.
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