By Haley Costen
Staff Writer

The Movies:

This should be a no-brainer. If your idea of a good date is sitting in silence with popcorn breath, take someone out to see “Divergent” this weekend.

Worse than your date judging you for smuggling in dollar store candy or hogging the armrest is that it’s not a controlled environment.

First dates are already awkward. Know what’s more awkward? Sitting next to someone you don’t know well while two characters profess their love for each other or suddenly start going at it. There’s no telling what’s going to happen during the movie to make it uncomfortable, or whether it’s going to be good or bad.

Best case scenario: You barely talk, but you witness some amazing cinematography and finally add that film minor you’ve been thinking about.

Worst case scenario: They hog the armrest and try to hold your hand with their salty popcorn hands through the 15 minute-long sex scene of the three hour long art-house movie you wished you’d never paid ten bucks to see.

A Group Date:

Nothing says “I wanted to get to know you…sort of” like a group date.

While group dates can make things very laid back and casual, they’re a little too casual for a first date. As in is-this-even-a-real-date-or-are-we-just-hanging-out-with-your-friends casual.

Don’t use a group date as an opportunity to test the waters with someone. Hopefully you’ll have plenty of time to resent each other’s friends later in the relationship. Why rush it?

Best case scenario: You escape out the bathroom window

Worst case scenario: One of you is stuck listening to your date’s friends reminisce about fun memories as you sit in bored silence.

Sporty Dates:

Sure, ice skating at Frog Pond or taking a day trip to the beach for surfing with your new boo sounds romantic and fun.

Until one of you shows the other one up or wipes out.

You might have grown up seeing people on MTV dating shows going on fun, spontaneous dates like volleyball matches on the beach and jet skiing, but I have a few words for you: it’s all fun and games until someone gets hurt.

I know for a fact that if I set foot anywhere near a volleyball court, I’m going to get hit in the face. It’s inevitable. Besides, I didn’t shower today just to sweat for the first time since my high school gym class. Thanks, but no thanks.

Best case scenario: You look like a pro and go home feeling like Rocky.

Worst case scenario: You wipe out and look like an idiot.

Going All Out:

Some people dream about being surprised with roses, champagne, and a date at a fancy restaurant.

Others have nightmares about someone they just met treating them to a night like this.

There’s nothing wrong with going all out for someone you care about. But save the love poems and the grand romantic gestures for a few months later if you want to avoid a restraining order.

Best case scenario: You find out your date is a Danish prince or princess and that this was their idea of a casual date and they’re not creepy at all. Problem solved!

Worst case scenario: “It puts the lotion on its skin or else it gets the hose again.”