Creative Dates The Why, the How, and the Reason for Now

This book is my love letter to our increasingly socially disconnected and lonely world. And all because of a minor assignment called a Creative Date given over my 30 years of university teaching. RULES: Make an invitation, travel less than five miles, and spend less than five dollars. ANYONE could be invited - roommates, siblings, significant others, children, grandparents, etc. Most students could not imagine doing anything fun with so little money, panicked at the idea of being creative, and worried about being embarrassed or thought of as a cheapskate. Needless to say, it was intimidating for some. But surprise! The Creative Dates were hilarious and meaningful; without exception, they were memorable. I saved the best of the best over the years and tracked down as many authors as possible (from 1990 to 2013) for inclusion in this book. After all this time, every single former Eastern Washington University recreation student remembered their date and for that I am forever grateful. 1) The Why: Origin story. 2) The How: Five chapters on Invitation, Creativity, Frugality, Connection, and Community. Why taking the time to plan a date is so important. 3) The Reason for Now: Sobering facts about our worldwide epidemic of loneliness as well as the heavy toll borne by too many screens and the predominance of virtual relationships. 4) The Dates: Fifty-five timeless dates listed by author. Though clearly fun and uplifting, these useful ideas will also improve social skills, renounce wasting money, and cleverly inspire face-to-face communication.