Are you ready to give your spouse a date they’ll never forget?
Research shows that couples who consistently spend quality time together are less likely to get divorced. Date night can also boost romantic love that is commonly linked with new-relationship passion and excitement.
Whether you enjoy low-key dates at home or fancy nights out on the town, there is a perfect date night waiting to be had. By spending time with your spouse regularly you will strengthen your communication, boost chemistry, and banish marital boredom for good.
One fantastic date night idea is to recreate the circumstances of your first date. Go back to the same restaurants, order the same food, and experience the rush of ‘getting to know’ your spouse for the ‘first time’.
As a married couple, you already live together. But you can make this date night extra romantic by pretending that you don’t get each other so often.
While your wife is getting ready, run to the store and grab a bouquet of flowers. Dressed in your best, “pick her up” at your front door. Make reservations at the restaurant you first went to together and marvel in the nostalgia.
This is a great idea for a date night because it recreates that first-date, butterflies in your stomach romance that you had when you first got together. Studies also show that reminiscing is good for your health and can help reduce symptoms of depression, boost self-esteem, and heighten life satisfaction.
Another fun route you can take with this date idea is to try and recreate your date by playing ‘strangers’. When you pick your spouse up from your house, act as though you’ve literally just met them.
Learning about your spouse and asking get-to-know-you questions can help you get to know them on a much deeper level. Even if you’ve been married for many years, you’ll no doubt learn something new.
Research shows that marital satisfaction is higher when spouses are best friends.
Studies also reveal that married couples experience lowered stress and greater happiness when they are spending quality time together. it doesn’t matter if you’re up in a hot air balloon or hanging out together at home.
This date is going to take place entirely in your home. Start the evening by cooking an amazing dinner together. This can be something as simple as making breakfast for dinner or spice things up and have fun in the kitchen by choosing a complicated French meal to make together.
Light candles and eat dinner at the table, tech-free. This will allow you to give each other your undivided attention.
After dinner, the night is yours to enjoy. Sit by the fireplace together or enjoy the sunset out on your back porch with a bottle of wine. So long as you are communicating and spending quality time together, the setting doesn’t truly matter!
This day date is great for those who enjoy adventure by light but would prefer to be cuddled on the couch at home in the evening.
Do you live in a tourist town? If not, perhaps there is a tourist draw or beautiful scenic spot near your house.
If you live in Niagara Falls, for example, why not take your spouse out for a delightful lunch before playing tourist for the day? Go for a stroll by the thundering waterfall, go behind the waters, and marvel at the beautiful lights of the tourist center.
You don’t have to live near a wonder of the world to have a great faux-tourist experience on your day date. Go out for coffee and dessert together at a fancy restaurant or hit up a delicious brunch restaurant to start the day off.
After filling your bellies, head out to a great museum, art gallery, zoo, or aquarium in your area. Hold hands as you spend the afternoon learning together.
This is a great and interactive date idea that will surely boost communication between you and your spouse.
Dinner and a movie is a classic date idea for a reason. The dinner portion of the evening is designed to give you and your spouse an intimate setting where you can flirt, talk, and laugh together as a couple. Plus, who doesn’t like being treated to a delicious meal?
On the other hand, the movie portion of the evening serves as low-pressure entertainment for both parties. There is no pressure to carry on a conversation. Instead, you have a fun treat to look forward to!
Don’t feel like you have to see a movie as the entertainment portion of the evening. This can easily be swapped out for going to a concert, play, or festival in your area.
For this date, you and your spouse are going to be getting active together. Studies show that exercise is good for both your mental and physical health, which puts you in the best mood while you’re spending time with your sweetheart.
Cardio and strength training are great at-home or gym workouts, but there are many other great options for couples’ workouts if you take advantage of the weather.
SPRING: Ditch the treadmill and jog around your neighborhood or in the local botanical garden to take in the beautiful blooming flowers.
SUMMER: Go swimming, surfing, or kayaking together. You can also play volleyball at the beach.
FALL: Play soccer, baseball, or go for a hike together and look at all the beautiful leaves
WINTER: Go sledding, skating, skiing, or go to your local arena or rink and play hockey together.
Do you have trouble sticking to a workout schedule? If so, this romantic and active date idea might just be for you.
This study shows that participants were more likely to stay with their exercise routine for two years or longer so long as they were working out with a partner.
Rachael Pace is a relationship expert with years of experience in training and helping couples. She has helped countless individuals and organizations around the world, offering effective and efficient solutions for healthy and successful relationships. She is a featured writer for Marriage.com, a reliable resource to support healthy happy marriages.