10 First Dates: A 10-Week Dating Challenge to Do With a Friend
10 First Dates is a 10-week challenge to go on one first date every week. Before each date you set an intention, and afterward you write a short reflection. It turns dating from something you wait to feel ready for into a weekly practice, and doing it alongside a friend keeps you honest.
Updated
Scan with your phone to download GLIN.10 First Dates at a glance
| Length | 10 weeks |
|---|---|
| Category | Relationships |
| Rules | 3 |
| GLIN target | 5 points per week |
| In GLIN | Built into GLIN: start it in one tap |
The rules
- Go on one first date (or a meaningful date with someone new) every week for 10 weeks.
- Before each date, write down your intention for it.
- After each date, write a short reflection.
What you track in GLIN
The 10 First Dates template sets this up for you. Edit anything before you start.
| Action | Points | Group |
|---|---|---|
| Set your intention for this week's date | 1 | Setup |
| Go on 1 first date (or meaningful new-person date) | 3 | Action |
| Journal reflection after the date | 1 | Reflection |
Weekly target: 5 points per week. Invite a friend, set your stakes, and you’re in.
Why a weekly challenge works for dating
Dating has long gaps where it’s easy to drift: one awkward date and suddenly it’s been two months. A weekly target removes the “when I feel like it” part. Ten weeks is also enough dates to notice patterns in who you pick and how you show up.
How to do 10 First Dates in GLIN
- Open Explore in GLIN and tap 10 First Dates. It’s a weekly challenge: 10 weeks, with a target of 5 points a week.
- The three actions make up the week: set an intention (1 point), go on the date (3 points), write a reflection (1 point).
- Invite a single friend who’s dating too.
- Set your stakes. “Loser plans the winner’s next night out” is a classic.
Tips
- Book early in the week. Waiting until Friday to find a date is how weeks slip.
- Keep first dates short. Coffee or a walk lowers the pressure for both of you.
- Reflect within 24 hours. Three lines is enough: what went well, what you’d change, what you learned about what you want.
Looking for a broader social challenge? Try Reach Out 30.
Frequently asked questions
What is the 10 First Dates challenge?
A 10-week dating challenge in GLIN: one first date per week, with an intention set beforehand and a reflection written afterward. Each week you need 5 points: 1 for the intention, 3 for the date and 1 for the reflection.
Does it have to be a dating-app date?
No. Any first date counts, and so does a meaningful date with someone new. The point is to show up consistently, not where you meet people.
Who should I do this challenge with?
A single friend who is also dating. You will each see when the other logs a date, which makes for good accountability and better debriefs.
What should my intention be?
Something you control, like "ask better questions", "leave my phone in my bag" or "say what I actually think". Avoid outcome goals like "get a second date".
Start 10 First Dates with a friend
Free to download. Invite a friend and start today.
Scan with your phone to download GLIN.