Summer Date Ideas in London

London's top rooftop spaces for summer events

It doesn’t matter if you’re meeting someone for the first time or have been married for years, we should all go on more dates, right?! Dating allows you to spend precious time with your other half and get to know someone And while a cosy night on the sofa is perfectly fine some evenings, sometimes we have to get out and try new things. Keep reading for Unified Dating’s top summer date ideas in London!

We all want to show our dates our best side: spontaneous, fun to be with and creative! So why not be the one to come up with a great date idea?

In crazy and hectic city like London, picking the right activity for your date can be daunting. Which is why we have complied out favourite things to do on a date in London. Some are unusual and quirky, and others just romantic classics. Impress your date with your dance moves at the roller disco or escape to fantastic worlds with a VR experience, it’s time to sort the next date night. 

Coronavirus and the lockdown might have kept us inside for longer than some have hoped, but the urge to do things has only gotten stronger. And now with the restrictions all lifted (hopefully permanently!), plus the amazing weather, we all need to make the most out of it and get back in the swing of date nights!

Kayak to CRATE Brewery.

Paddle through London’s oldest canal from Limehouse to Crate Brewery’s bar on the water’s edge in Hackney Wick. A true urban adventure.

Although remember to bring some waterproof clothes for this adventure in case you get splashed along the way!

Go on a Picnic.

Stock a Picnic Basket at one of London’s food markets and then go on a picnic! This is a great opportunity to learn about each other’s food preferences and tastes. And it also offers many of conversation starters when you are strolling around your chosen food market!

Chat over a world-class coffee.

If there’s one thing London knows how to do, it’s a delicious cup of coffee. And having a chilled chat over a latte is a great relaxed option for a first date. Pus, it doesn’t have to be too long. Some of our favourites include Monmouth Coffee Company  and Ozone Coffee.

Soak In Atmospheric, Candlelit Baths.

If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to bathe the outside of your body in red wine, then we’ve got good news for you.

Because AIRE Ancient Baths has come to London.

Next-Level Gaming Bar.

Platform in Shoreditch is London’s first dedicated video game and e-sports bar and restaurant. It is the perfect spot for a quirky date! Even if you are not a gamer! Promising fun activities, great pizza and a bar loaded with drinks, it’s a sure winner.

Try your hands at a Pottery Class

Now for something completely different. There’s something of a pottery craze sweeping the capital this summer. Perhaps as a push to be more sustainable means we want more handmade, unique, less mass-produced items in our homes. 

But be ready to get a little messy!

Retro Arcading.

Mix up your date night with Queens. Not only can you have a romantic meal of MEATliquor food and coctials, but you can also challenge your date to a game of bowling or an arcade game!

Head to a rooftop venue for the great views.

Nothing says ‘romantic date’ like a rooftop bar or restaurant with sprawling views over the city. Take your pick from the hundreds, probably thousands of rooftop bars in London.

Have some laughs at comedy night.

Laughter is key for a good first date, so why not book in to one of the capital’s excellent comedy nights? 

For example, Comedy Fridays at Boulevard Theatre alternate between female-led improv ‘The Yes Queens’ and ‘unruly mixed bill comedy’ in the Late Night Scene.

Have an unusual film experience at Backyard Cinema.

Backyard Cinema specialises in experiential film screenings in quirky settings. We’re talking about sitting down to watch Romeo and Juliet (1996) in Highbury’s Union Chapel, decorated with neon crucifixes, enjoying its soundtrack backed by a live choir. Perfect, right?!

There are plenty of Summer Date Ideas in London to choose from! Comment below if you have any other recommendations!

Top Tips To Keep The Spark Alive In A Long-Term Relationship

Simple Date Night Ideas for Richmond Couples - Richmond Mom

There is so much focus out there on the magic of new relationships but what is most important is keeping the magic going after being with someone for a while. Here are Unified Dating’s top tips to keep the spark alive in a long-term relationship. 

Remember the butterflies you used to get when you saw their name flash up on your phone or the nerves when you are meeting for a date? Well, it is still possible to continue getting those feelings. Even when you now know all of their annoying habits.

Break the routine

If you find yourselves looking back at your sex life and wondering where it all went wrong, it’s important to get that sorted asap. Just because you have been together for a while, it doesn’t mean your sex life needs to disappear.  Sit down together and ask if there is anything you would like to try in the bedroom, how you are both feeling about your sex life and how you think you can improve it. 

But it’s not just about sex, it’s your everyday routine. This is particularly normal for all of you that work a 9-5. You get home, cook dinner, watch TV, go to sleep, and repeat. 

It’s easy to get into a routine when you have been someone long-term. It’s stress free. But after a while, you will get bored and long for something more. It is important to talk and get these things out in the open. 

Continue the date nights

It’s easy for life can get in the way. And for date nights to be pushed down the priority list. 

Dating is one of the things people most of us miss about first being in a relationship, where you get dressed up and make an effort for one another, heading out for dinner or doing something special. 

Not only do you feel better about yourself, but the effort your partner has put in is also something you will appreciate as well. You will get a chance to spend quality time together and have fun. 

Schedule a day a week or every month dedicated to a date night and make sure you always stick to it. It doesn’t have to be anything special or extravagant. It could be as simple as getting a takeout and watching your favourite film on TV. 

You could even take it in turns to plan something as a surprise! Or decide together if you’re not a fan of surprises! Whichever you choose, you will find it soon becoming the highlight of your schedule. 

Also, you should make a rule to not talk about any negative issues such as money or household chores. Instead focus on positive topics that will take you away from life worries and allow you to have a great time!

Show Your Love and Affection

Love doesn’t exist unless it is treated as a vital and living force between two people. Saying ‘I love you’ holds far less meaning than showing your love to your partner. Show excitement when you see each other. Make time to just talk and chill out. And be sure to make spontaneous affection part of your everyday life. 

Small steps, like holding hands and making eye contact, are easy to overlook in the face of busy schedules and responsibilities, but they can be key to keeping love exciting. And kissing is also super important. It is a simple way of showing your loved one your affection.

Keep your Communication Open

Inviting open communication and being receptive to feedback can help you overcome the real obstacles in relationships. 

Instead of making excuses or counterattacking when your partner gives you feedback, try putting yourself in their shoes and understand where they are coming from. Be compassionate to how they feel. You should seek to be direct and honest with your own feelings!

Yes, those first weeks and months, the excitement and attraction are in full force. But after some time, you settle into a routine, and life’s obligations have a tendency of snuffing out the romance. 

What are your top tips to keep the spark alive in a long-term relationship? Comment below!

Surprising Online Dating Statistics

How to Use Online Dating Apps Safely

When the first dating site launched, back in the 1990’s, single people didn’t really know what a dating site was or if it could actually work. So signing up was truly pioneering the unknown! Thankfully, we’ve now learned a lot since then and now there is much more information and research into the trends and success rates of online dating. We guarantee that there are there are many surprising online dating statistics and that will shock you!

The numbers show that online dating can work! And it’s rapidly becoming the new normal for singles, both young and old. But you don’t have to take our word for it. We’ve collected stats from the top researchers, polling institutes, and dating services to give you all an idea of what online dating is all about.

The following online dating stats are must-know information for anyone considering creating an online dating profile and seeking romance online. 

Millennials Swipe for 10 Hours a Week on Average

It’s no secret that consumers tend to log a lot of screen time throughout the day, and younger people tend to spend more time on their phones than average screen time. As millennials enter their 30s, they have increasingly turned to online dating for entertainment as much as self-improvement.

A Badoo study of online dating users under 30 found a high level of engagement and return visits. People in this age group spent about 10 hours per week swiping on the dating app. The average dating app session lasted 9.7 minutes for single men and 7.6 minutes for single women.

LGBTQ+ Singles are More Likely to Meet a Partner Online

The Pew Research Centre followed up with daters to see how successful their online dating experience is, and the results are fairly encouraging, especially for a single person in the LGBTQ+ community.

The most recent survey reported that among those surveyed 11% of straight singles and 21% of lesbian, gay, and bisexual singles have met a long-term partner on a dating website or app.

Average Hours Spent

Did you know that the average tinder user spends about 90 minutes on the app per day? On average women spend 8.5 minutes per session, while men spend 7.2!

The Lies that come with Online Dating

Did you know that 81% of people lie about their ehight, weight or age in their online dating profiles?!

This phenomenon was observed in a study conducted at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The researchers weighed and measured subjects in addition to checking their driver’s licenses for their actual ages, then looked at their subjects’ online dating profiles. Height is also often exaggerated by at least two inches!

Women tended to claim that they were 8.5 pounds lighter than they actually were. Men lied by less, only two pounds, but rounded up their height by a half inch more often. People lied the least when it came to age.

People who have the word ‘Love’ in their profiles are more likely to find Love!

In 2014, dating site, PlentyofFish, conducted a study in which scientists examined word choice in all 1.2 million dating profiles on the site. Researchers also discovered that men benefited from using the words “heart,” “children,” “romantic,” and “relationship” on their profiles.

Today, people are time-poor, and we rely on our digital devices to help us manage our schedules, our busy lives, and how we interact with others. Digital devices act as a window to the rest of the world, including our relationships. Despite these surprising online dating statistics, if you take precautions and keep your expectations within limits, there is no reason why you can’t find the love of your life the next time you swipe right!

How To Know if You are Ready for a Relationship

London dating tips

Has your first date gone well? And second and third. So, you like the person you’re with and you’ve maybe even met his or her friends and family so you can tell it’s getting serious… but the question’s still on your mind. Are you ready for a relationship? Read on to learn pHow to know if you are ready for a relationship

Serious relationships are a major commitment, and it’s worth putting some thought before you make the plunge. Read on for Unified Dating’s tips how to know if you’re ready for a relationship!

You Understand the Importance of Communication.

Good communication really is the foundation of any successful relationship. Especially if you’ve had issues with communication in the past, it’s important to learn how to communicate effectively. You can always learn from previous relationships!

Once you’ve figured out things like your communication style, how to express yourself clearly, and how to listen, and even how to argue, you’ll be a in a much better place to start a serious relationship. 

You’re Ready to Compromise.

Being in a relationship, involves some amount of compromise. While it’s important to stick to your values, being with someone also involves being ready to meet them halfway. Or at least understand their point of view.

Compromising means valuing the other person’s opinion – perhaps you let them decide what’s for dinner or their least favourite chore so they don’t have to. Either way, being willing to compromise is an important sign to know you are ready for a relationship or not.

You’re Happy to Spend Time Alone

A reason to be in a relationship shouldn’t be to escape from loneliness. Yes, there’s a difference between being alone and being lonely. But if you are just looking to be a relationship because you feel alone, then you have most likely not got the right mindset.

You should enjoy your own company occasionally, be happy when single and don’t need others to feel fulfilled. When you know how to be alone and you’re okay with it, it’s much easier to answer the question ‘Am I ready for a relationship?’.

You don’t seek constant distraction. You’re not afraid to be alone — and in silence, even. You like spending time alone and don’t need the television to be on or the phone to be glued to your head! You can be with just yourself.

You’re over your last relationship.

The worst thing to do is to go into another relationship when you still have feelings for another person. May those feelings be negative like rage or positive such as love and devotion. 

Make sure to look for signs of anger and resentment towards your ex and that you have forgiven not only your ex, but yourself. To be angry at yourself is a clear sign that you’re not ready to move forward.

If you cannot accept where you are and who you are right now, then it’s time to make a change!

I think deep down you will know if you are ready to dive into a new relationship, and if you are not you should think of how to overcome these steps to happiness. Get ready to open your heart.

How to greet someone on a first date

Photos - Couple greeting each oth... 121699 - YouWorkForThem

When it comes to online dating, everything is a little bit different than during a classic face to face date. Greetings can often lead to feelings of anxiety. With anyone, but it can be particularly unnerving with a date. In this blog, we look into the different ways to greet your date and when you should do each one. Read on to learn how to greet someone of a first date!

First impressions are critical. And first impressions are even more critical when it comes to the first date. And that’s one reason why first dates can be daunting. When you greet someone on your first date, you form an impression that is likely to affect your first date. But more importantly, it is going to affect the relationship that follows.

Depending on how long you’ve been talking to each other, the level of intimacy can be different. Maybe you’ve told each other personal things. Or even exchanged a few intimate messages. That may mean your relationship is already quite close, despite not meeting them in person before.

But as it’s a first date, you probably haven’t known them for long. Is a handshake appropriate in this case? Somehow it feels wrong. However, falling straight into each other’s arms and even kissing? That’s a bit too much!

So how should you best greet your date partner?

The Handshake

There are greetings, which are very common in many countries. For example, a handshake. In fact, it may be appropriate at the first meeting. As long as you do it right. A strong handshake is great. If you are thinking of doing a high-five or even a fist bump, don’t. That would be inappropriate!

A classic handshake is fine. However, if you expect more of the date and have already developed a few feelings when messaging, then a handshake may be a bit too formal.

The Hug

A good alternative is a hug. But it should be a friendly hug first. A short, heartfelt squeeze. And it shows your date partner that you are pleased about the encounter.

Whether a handshake or a hug is appropriate, the answer may be found in the posture of your date. If the person keeps a distance, then a handshake and a friendly “Hello” are your best choice. 

The Kiss on the Cheek

Giving a quick kiss on the cheek is actually very common when meeting someone for the first time. However, if you’re like me, then you may get a little anxious when not knowing how many kisses you should do. Is it both cheeks or just the one? This can depend on what country you are in and what nationality your date is. In the UK, people usually do just the one. If you accidently go for the other cheek, you can make a joke out of it and laugh it off. This can be a great icebreaker!

Despite all these tips, authenticity is the most important thing. Welcome your date the way you feel like. However, always consider your current relationship and the body language and vibe the other person is giving off. It’s vital to get it right. Small details like this really do predetermine the tone of the date.

Our advice would be to use greeting as an opportunity to immediately break the touch barrier and confidently embrace the person. Of course, only if you feel comfortable doing so! This can demonstrate great confidence and can allows you to be flirtier with each other right from the off. Your date may even feel more comfortable around you. 

But the most important tip… Don’t forget to smile!