One aspect of Mormon culture is creative dating. This phenomenon takes place mostly in Utah and other states with a higher percentage of LDS people. It affects high school students and college freshman. Creative dating is really fun way to have relaxed fun dates without a lot of pressure. Creative dating lends itself to group dating, which is why it is so popular in Utah. (By group dating I mean several couples going on a double date together.)
The first element of the creative date is the asking. The way that one is asked is very elaborate. It usually asks the question, and then leaves you a puzzle to figure out who the person who asked you was. Since it is a mystery these questions are usually left on a doorstep or in a locker. The answer must be equally creative, with a puzzle to figure out the answer.
The second aspect of the creative date is the destination. Usually creative dates are long. They can last all day or just an afternoon and an evening. (Often creative dates happen in conjunction with dances.) Although the dates are long and elaborate they do not need to be expensive. One of my favorites was the scavenger hunt, where you pick a destination and then you must complete certain tasks to cross off the items on the list. For example we went to the airport (pre 9-11). At the airport, we had to ask a pilot to try on his hat, greet an incoming flight with a song, pretend that we are spies sneaking up on someone, and offer to carry someone’s luggage. You could also do this with pictures, and have several destinations that you have to hit.
The dates can be hiking, swimming, sledding, but then there is always some type of theme involved. After this everyone goes out to dinner. Dinner can be out or it can be at a home. There is also the option of the creative dinner where you have to fill out a form to pick out the order of your courses and the utensils that you get to eat it with.
After dinner there is usually another activity. It can be watching movies together at someone’s home or playing games. The atmosphere stays light and fun, because there are so many people around. It helps to have everything well planned out, especially with rides and destinations.
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