Creative Dating

This book is a gem. Funny and creative ideas for a real dating experience. These are ways to really get to know someone, rather than just dinner and a movie. I recommend you seek out a used one as it is out of print. Well worth the bother.

This is a really fun book! I bought it back in 1986 when I was in high school. Ah! The girls I charmed. Woohoo! I'm the man! Okay...all foolishness aside. I really like this book. I participated in a dating workshop at a Christian camp (Windermere) that allowed me to share many ideas that I adapted from this book. It also inspired me to be a better date, a better friend, and a better Christian. Doug Fields and Todd Temple have created a fantastic book full of creative ideas, witty admirations, and several chapters that include how-tos on sending notes, buying gifts and saying "I love you." I know this book and the authors were very popular when I was growing up, but I'm not sure how today's teens and young adults would recieve them. Still, the ideas are fantastic! Each idea is rooted in several basic principles of a loving relationship. The ideas in this book are creative and fun, which love must always be. They are sincere and honest, definitely a requirement. Each idea is rooted in principles of equality and independence of the individuals involved. A successful relationship, as Pastor Dinsmore once told me, is dependent on both members remaining independent individuals. These principles aren't the content of the book though! They are just the outcomes of some really great date ideas! Amusing illustrations by Steve Bjorkman accompany varying date ideas. These witty little cartoons make light the subject of that awkward moment when two people come together for the first time. The authors also include details of "Worst Dates". These worst dates include quotes and detail the tragic events that occurred from real readers' experiences. (The authors are renowned youth group leaders and teen advisors.) The ideas in the book can be used by both boys and girls and they are definitely appropriate for married couples. Some of the best ideas in this book are "Run for Your Money" on page 33 which suggests the mischievous couple spread "fifteen dimes, twenty nickles and fourty eight pennies" out on a sidewalk outside a movie theater "two minutes before the children's matinee lets out." (Genius!) On page 99 "Day Camp" is a fun idea that costs a little more than $2.98 but promises to be entertaining for a group. Finally, I want to recommend everyone read this book. Unless for some reason you just can't stand communicating with other people, you will enjoy the ideas in this book. Don't save all these ideas for one date though! Have fun sharing these moments over time. I haven't been able to ever put this book down. It is definitely a keeper that will be with my family for a very long time. I agree with the previous customer reviewer; this makes a fantastic wedding, anniversary or engagement gift!

Perfect for any couple or single person, this book offers a unique and delightful perspective on dating. Includes many ideas ranging from absurdly funny to extremely inventive, and from low-cost to expensive. Offers something for everyone. Highly recommend as an engagement gift. Enjoy!