The free love movement may be a thing of the past, but good dates are always in style. Singles in the City By The Bay balance chichi cultural opportunities with casual cool. Check out the rules of dating in the San Francisco:

1. Plan a date-cation.

Ever think your lack of work-life balance is keeping you from finding someone special? San Francisco daters have a solution: Take a day off.

The rules of a date-cation are simple: Call in sick, then make the city your oyster. When you’re both playing hooky, it feel like you’re getting away with something — well, you are — and heats up the experience. Enjoy places that are crowded on weekends. Have a leisurely picnic. Leave town. Just don’t make it a habit. “I just got fired” doesn’t make for great date conversation.

2. Indulge your sweet tooth.

Sometimes you don’t want to make the commitment of a full meal on a first date. Totally understandable. But don’t think drinking is your only option — why not just skip to dessert?

For starters, it pairs nicely with beverages. It’s also small and easy to share. Finding dessert can be an adventure in and of itself. Consider going on a cookie crawl or a cream puff expedition.

On a science tip, chocolate’s rich in the “love-chemical” phenylethylamine, a chemical cousin of amphetamine. So, logically speaking, the right cupcake could get you a second date.

3. Be romantic.

Yes, coming up with a date that’s unique is part of the fun of HowAboutWe. But don’t forget why you’re here (ahem, romance anyone?).

San Francisco daters are more likely than daters in other cities to use romantic verbs in their date proposals. Aww shucks, guys.

4. Go shopping.

Usually, two people don’t shop together until they’re a couple. (And even then, it’s sometimes begrudgingly). But not HowAboutWe daters — especially in San Francisco.

Not only does this activity stimulate the economy, but it also allows you to peek inside your date’s head. Is she a bargain shopper who gravitates toward the sales racks? Does he pick the first pair of jeans without even trying them on?

You don’t have to stick to clothes, either. Keep it cheap at a thrift store or browse books and toys.

5. Date hi-lo.

San Francisco’s cost of living is way up there, but the lifestyle is pretty low-key. It’s all about balancing expense with frugality.

Go out to eat somewhere fancy and opt for a free walk in the park afterward. Or go to a play, but eat from a food truck for dinner. Mixing it up is good for your wallet and keeps things interesting.

You’ve got the how, now check out where to date in San Francisco.

 

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