There's always a house party. Always. I know, it doesn't sound very date-y, but you can make it work. Last year, my girlfriend and I had an early dinner, just the two of us, before joining a bunch of friends for a party. Or reverse it —  head to a party, but sneak home with a bottle of bubbly before midnight to give the countdown a romantic twist. You can really have the best of both worlds.

It's hard for New Year's Eve to live up to expectations, so my best advice is that you and your partner just do whatever makes you feel happiest. Ignore the social pressures, ignore the urge to make it the best night ever, and just make it as crazy or as chilled out as you want it. There's definitely an option that's right for you.

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