There is always excitement in the air at the beginning of a new relationship. Spending time together is a fresh experience; familiar things we've done in the past become novel and thrilling. But as relationships age, other stresses in life eclipse the simple pleasures of enjoying each other's company. We tend to fall into routines, perhaps even taking the other person for granted.

It's important to keep the relationship healthy by allowing yourselves the time to rediscover each other and renew the passion. Courting each other all over again is a great way to keep the fires burning. If you're stumped on what to do, our date night ideas should set you in the right direction.

Getting Outside
Avoid couch potato syndrome like the plague; it will only breed apathy in your relationship. Sitting in front of the TV night after night is an easy enough rut to fall into.
Here are some fun and unique date ideas to get you both off the sofa and into the great outdoors.{relatedarticles}

Classic dinner date re-imagined - Instead of eating at the local pub you've been to a million times before, try an adventurous ethnic eatery. Korean BBQ or Brazilian churrascaria, for instance, offer a truly interactive dining experience.

Dust off those dancing shoes - Busting a move on the dance floor is a great way to let off steam. Too shy or uncoordinated to shake it? Take a dance class together. Become cinephiles together - Bored of the same old dinner and a movie? Skim the local listings for film festivals showing shorts, documentaries, or indie films. Or go the drive-in and make out like teenagers.