Thankfully, not every guy is a jerk. However, even when you guys aren’t jerks, you sometimes lack creativity. I want to help you show off your good character creatively while helping that beautiful, smart girl you like feel special. Try these different date ideas and things might just work out in your favor:

1. Build A Bear

What’s cuter than making custom stuffed animals with each other? You can even help each other pick outfits or record your voices to put inside your new friends. You’ll show her that you can be sweet and your inner kids can play together for a while.

2. Apple picking

You can walk lazily through the orchard hand-in-hand and look for the best apples, enjoying the sunshine and fresh fruit. Taking things slow and focusing on quality time together will show her that you’re a patient gentleman.

3. Hosting a Party

You can each invite your friends and put together a fun night of food and games that can involves cooking together beforehand, and helping each other during. This is a great way to show her how well you serve others, can work together, and you can both see you how your friend groups mesh.

4. Book browsing

Go to a book store and try to find books for each other! It will help you get to know one another and, if you’re at a used book store, you can show off some pretty unique finds at the end of your hunting. You’ll be able to show that you are thoughtful, unique, and imaginative.

5. Private dancing

Find a field, a (safe) empty street, or just use your driveway to make you own personal dance floor. Put up some lights or just use the street lights with a playlist and a speaker and you can have a cheap evening together that will show off your romantic side.

6. Pumpkin picking

Finding a pumpkin together is the perfect excuse to get outside in the fall for something more than just pumpkin spice lattes. Most pumpkin patches have a variety of activities, such as hay rides and live music, so you can easily make a day of it. Offer to take pictures for her Instagram, and she’ll know you’re a serious gentleman.

7. Visiting the Zoo

Most girls love animals, so a chance to walk around with you and look at adorable animals is going to make her smile. Now she’ll know that you’re fun and you can learn about each other’s favorite animals (which can come in handy if you’re ever picking out a stuffed animal for her to cuddle).

8. Sunset picnic

Make some food (or pick something up from your favorite restaurant) and take her somewhere beautiful to eat together while the sun sets. If you pick a park, you can even have fun on the playground afterward. Imagine Justin and Hannah from 13 Reasons Why but with a happier ending. You’ll show her that you’re a competent adult who is confident enough to be a kid sometimes.

9. Go to the Farmer's Market

You can get her a fresh bouquet of flowers as soon as you see them, and some of the food stalls might even have delicious food samples you can try together. Additionally, you’ll be supporting local families and businesses, and displaying the type of thoughtful mind and heart will help her fall for you.

10. Get breakfast

While you’re out of school for the summer, take advantage of having your own schedules to wake up early enough to eat together. You’ll show her you’re committed and the early hour won’t matter if you’re laughing over pancakes and coffee.

11. Studying

Some girls won’t want you to see them stressed (sometimes we act like the gif above), but stress is a part of life in the fall. School and responsibilities are back in full swing, so instead of rushing through homework to see each other, work on your homework together. Go outside with a blanket and quiz her on her American Sign Language or bring her coffee and ask for help reviewing biology. Incorporating her into your every day life will show her how special she is to you, and you’ll get to see each other when you’re real, not just on a nice date.

The summer and fall are perfect seasons to fall in love. With these date ideas, you’ll be able to show that special someone that you think outside the box. Now go ask her out!