If a relationship with a girl gets more serious or you get married, don't you want a great first date story to tell your children and grandchildren? The first date is the important impression you will leave on a girl, and effectively plant the seeds that will lead you to your second date and beyond. If a relationship does get serious, you will always have that great first date story! That's why it's important to put some creative thought and effort into your first date ideas.

Whatever you choose as your first date idea, aim to make it memorable. While it may be tempting to try and find out everything about her and take her somewhere you know she'll love, take the initiative and plan something exciting and new for her. She'll appreciate the effort, and it won't look like you're trying too hard to impress her. That said, find out enough so that you can choose something that she will enjoy - not every girl will be willing to go skydiving, and a date at a barbecue restaurant with a vegetarian won't work very well.

Movies, concerts, and the theater are fun date spots, but not suitable for a first date idea. Sitting for two hours in the dark watching an action flick leaves you no time to chat with a girl. If you do want to take in an event, try to fit in dinner before the show or a drink afterwards. Choose somewhere quiet, without a lot of distractions, so you can really get to know her.

A double-date as a first date idea has its pros and cons. On the upside, if you choose to double date with a close friend, some of the initial awkwardness will be eliminated. You can relax and have fun as a foursome. However, it does take away from the first date chemistry between you and your date, and you may not have as much of a chance to talk one on one. It's usually a good idea to save double dating until the second or third date.

Whatver you do, try to relax and have fun. Don't drink too much out of nervousness; you may make a fool of yourself, or be unable to remember the fun night you shared. And, when the bill comes, pay it! It's traditional for the guy to pay on the first date, regardless of who asked whom. One exception - if the girl really insists on taking care of it.

Remember, although it's important to put some thought into your first date ideas, everything doesn't have to be perfect. If you make a connection with a girl, and you're a good listener, even if things don't go exactly as planned, chances are you'll get a second date!

Here are ten creative first date ideas to get you started:

• Take in an exhibit at an art gallery
• Set up a country theme night – create France in your apartment with wine, baguette and cheese
• Ice skating
• Get dressed up and go to a piano bar
• Go to a foreign film festival
• Make a meal together
• Go to a casino and pretend you're in Vegas
• Go for a walk around the lake
• Go to a batting cage or go-karts
• Go kayaking