7 things for YP's to do on Friday evening

You've gotten over the excitement of Friday and you're thinking ahead about what you want to do when your workweek is REALLY over. If you're single, married, engaged or just in between relationships, you don't have to be bored tonight.  Here are some ideas to make your Friday night (or any other night) a fun and memorable one. 

1. Potluck/Game night. Call your friends, coworkers and your family and have a potluck. While you're at it, why not throw in a few games? Twister, Taboo, Checkers, Chess, Uno, Spades, Cranium, and Charades are good ones. Most people do not play these games often and it will be fun to see everyone's competitive spirit shine through. There are several different ways to twist it. You can make it an ice cream potluck where you ask everyone to bring their favorite flavor of ice cream or their favorite topping. You could ask everyone to bring their signature dish or dessert and their favorite game. You could get really crazy make it a karaoke night. Great food and clean fun always adds up to a good time.

2. Network. You may choose to attend a happy hour after work or check the events calendar in your city and see if there are any networking events. If you're in the DMV area, "Corporate Laughter" on Sunday evenings from 7-10pm (1115 East West Highway in Silver Spring, MD) is a great place to meet other young professionals in the area. The attire is business casual (jeans are cool but no sneakers, Timberlands, tennis shoes, baggy jeans, etc.). Admission is free the entire evening. If you're new to the city, AOL has a great feature which allows you to research events in your area and if you have a Facebook profile you can also look up events using the events tab. Try out a new club or check out a new band. Many of these events are either free or very cheap. Bottom line: Get out and meet new people.

3.  Try a new restaurant. I had to recommend trying a new restaurant because I'm a foodie and I know how enjoyable trying new types of food can be. I still remember the first time I tried Thai food. Great food plus good friends is a foolproof formula for memorable moments.  When you're considering locations, go out on a limb and try a mom & pop establishment, they often have the best food. As an added benefit, you can learn about new cultures by indulging in their delicacies.

4. Take a bubble bath. This one is not just for the ladies, gentlemen should try it too. Don't knock it til you try it. Bubble baths can be surprisingly relaxing. To maximize its effects, leave everything that connects you to the outside world out of the bathroom. Fill your bathtub and add bubbles. You may choose to play soft music and light a few candles to really make it an experience. Do not get out until you're like a human prune. Let your mind roam and meditate on positive thoughts. Do not worry about the things that went wrong this week; let your mind rejuvenate itself and relax. 

5. Go to the movies. Unless you go to a movie every weekend, you may want to check out new releases. You may surprise yourself and actually find your new favorite flick. If you ask me there aren't many good movies Considering the price of a move nowadays, you may want to resort to #3 or 4 instead. 

6. Make a video call. If you don’t have one already, sign up for a Skype account and download the app. Skype is a service that allows you to make video calls for free. If your friends and family are far away, ask them to set up an account as well and you can chat  for hours on end! Its great if your family just got an new addition or if you just miss seeing your sister's face or if you just don’t like holding a phone to your ear. 

7. Exercise. Exercising is a great way to release steam and if you pair it with a great playlist it can be an enjoyable experience. When you cycle, swim, run, or carry out any other form of strenuous endurance exercise, your pituitary gland releases substantial quantities of 'endorphins', chemicals which can block sensations of pain and produce overall feelings of euphoria. This means you can feel happier after only a few minutes of rigorous exercise.

Feel free to share your favorite Friday night activities in the comment section. Image source: http://skepbitch.files.wordpress.com/2008/08/tgif21.jpg