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.
Join the gym - Having a workout partner will motivate and challenge you. Keeping yourselves in decent shape will also tell the other you are still trying to look hot for them. Surprise him - Sectrely plan something you both enjoy doing, but maybe haven't had the time to do in a while. Or pretend it's his birthday and set up a date that is all about him. He may just return the favor. Smarten up - Visit a museum, science center, zoo, planetarium, art gallery, and expos like food and wine shows and consumer electronics conventions. Learn something new and discuss your impressions.{relatedarticles} Make it a staycation - Get a newfound appreciation of your hometown. Check out touristy activities in your locale and take lots of pictures. Keep an eye on local events - Festivals and fairs will come to your location, so don't miss the midway games, Ferris wheel rides, and other exhibitions that that will only be around for a limited time. Live entertainment - Watch a play at the theatre, check out a live band perform at a bar, giggle at stand-up comedy shows, attend a sporting event, or go see a poetry reading.
Knock it off the bucket list - Go skydiving or zip-lining, take a hot air balloon ride, try parasailing, participate in indoor rock climbing. Indulge in any one of the things you've always wanted to do. Here's your chance! Go bowling - Bowling is an old-school activity with a great casual vibe. The two of you can have a beer or a slice of pizza while engaging in a friendly competition. Just about every town has a bowling alley. It's a low-stress environment, so your date is guaranteed to feel relaxed and comfortable, which is important. Dating on a budget
You don't have to break the bank to spend some quality time with each other. The emphasis here is not what you do, but whom you are doing it with. Take a hike - Put on some good walking shoes and explore the natural wonders of the scenic routes in your community. Pack a lunch and make a whole day of it.{relatedarticles} Pretend you're rich - Put on your fancy clothes and test-drive your dream car, go to an open house showing, or attend a swanky auction. You won't have to spend any money and will get a rare glimpse into how the other half lives. Be spontaneous - Make no plans. Take a walk or a drive together and see where the day takes you.
Take a free tour - Many factories and production facilities offer free tours with samples. Learn a little something about the manufacturing process and get a chance to taste some gourmet wines, beers, cheeses, and chocolates. Play Bingo - Invest in a couple bingo dabbers and have some fun listening and paying attention. If you have the good fortune to yell out "Bingo," you can spend your winnings on a nice meal afterwards. Go to the beach - Bring a Frisbee, pack a picnic and watch the sunrise or sunset.{relatedarticles} Be kids again - Bowling, mini golf, batting cages, driving range, arcades, and billiards are pretty cheap activities that are fun for any age. Same goes for snowball or water gun fights. Staying home
Maybe you both work all day long and the last thing you want to do afterwards is go back out into the world. Here are some romantic date ideas for the homebodies out there.
A bubble bath for two - Unwind after a long day with a sweet and sexy bubble bath. Light some candles, play some soft music, pour some champagne, scatter some rose petals, and make an evening of cleansing each other. Play a board game - Go from bored to board. Games like Jenga, Scrabble, Twister, Chess, Battleship and Trivial Pursuit will engage you in a little flirtatious trash talk. Prepare a meal together - Plan a sumptuous meal side by side. Incorporate ingredients you both enjoy, experiment with new flavor combinations, and breathe new life into an ordinary task.{relatedarticles} Improve your home - Tackle a home improvement project. Perhaps a room needs a fresh coat of paint, you've been considering making the house more energy efficient, or you've been dreaming of that walk-out deck. Completing these projects with each other will be satisfying and give you a sense of accomplishment. Role-play - Don something sexy and explore your deepest fantasies in tandem. Push each other's limits and be open to new experiences.
