The Patio Date

This will probably be one of your most relaxing date nights! I find it hard to find time to have conversation with my spouse because  of work, kids, and everyday life. Sometimes I think, “We will never be able to go out EVER AGAIN!” But I found that the most time my spouse and I have with just the two of us, is when its bedtime for our little one. I am sure that is how a lot of people are who may have children.

Try the patio date!  Put the kids to bed, or lock them inside the house.  Yes, inside!  Go out to your patio with hot chocolate, or your favorite drink, and strike up a conversation.  This will give you the time to just be together and catch up on each other’s lives. It is also very convenient! Anyone couple can do this because it is so simple!

Relationship Reconnection:

While spending time with your spouse outside try to really connect with them by listening and being attentive. Talk about your past, your present, and your future. It is always good to plan out some of your future and also reminisce about the good times in your past. Make the conversation meaningful.

Pie Night

You can have a pie night any night or make it a pie day tradition every 3/14.  Serve everything as a pie dish, for example the main dish could be chicken pot pie, Shepard's pie, Pizza pie, etc.  For dessert try out a new pie recipe or stick to an old favorite.





Relationship Reconnection: Letting your spouse influence you is important in your relationship. Just like each ingredient in the pie is essential for the pie to turn out good, so it is with each ingredient that makes you and your spouse unique. Each quality that you or your spouse has is important in the relationship and is what makes the relationship work. As you eat talk about the different ingredients that make you unique and how they fit into your marriage relationship. Each of you talk about the qualities your spouse has and how they benefit the relationship.

Quality Time Together

Take some time to just relax and be together. Watch a favorite movie, play a card game or just talk with each other. A fun video to watch together is Weird Things All Couples Do found here. This channel has a few videos about couples, and could be something relaxing to do together. Find time to be together, that is the key to a successful date. 

Revitalize that Relationship!

Sexual intimacy is an important part of a healthy marriage. Sexual relations isn’t just about the physical, but is very mental and emotional. Plan a night when you can spend time together without interruptions or other engagements. If you have children, find a babysitter and get a hotel room or arrange time so you can be together. 

Fall in Love, with This Questionnaire

 

Okay, so you aren’t really going to fall in love with the questionnaire, but hopefully be more in love with your spouse. A study was done to explore intimacy levels between two strangers. During this study couples had a list of questions to ask and answer. They rated their intimacy level with their fellow participant before and after the questionnaire. Many couples rated their intimacy levels higher after engaging in the questionnaire together. It takes 20-30 minutes to ask each other these questions. It is a great way to spend time together, and get to know each other all over again.

Here is the link to the questions: 36 Questions

Fort Night

Some nights it's nice to have a date night inside your own home, and sometimes it is necessary.  Make this date night special by building a fort together.  Take time building an elaborate fort together and more importantly have fun!  Once your fort is built, put on your favorite movie and cuddle up close together.  

Relationship Reconnection:

Turn toward each other.  Take the time to massage your spouse and make them feel how much you appreciate and love them. Show them don't tell them.  

Fondue for Two

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Fondue is a fun and delicious way to spend an evening together.  Rather it's sweet or savory, fondue dipping can be such a fun and yummy date.  You can melt chocolate; milk, dark, white, as well as many cheeses too.  The skies the limit, whatever you enjoy.  Choose the fondue and the items to dip and enjoy a fun night together.

Relationship Reconnection:
Over fondue, have a couples year in review.  How has the year gone?  It's fun to look back and remember all the things that have happened, places you have been, struggles you have conquered, and memories you have made.  This will strengthen your marriage and help you look forward to another great year.

The Ongoing Gratitude Date

When was the last time you thanked your spouse? For making the bed, helping with dishes, watching the children, or working all day? Now is the time to start thanking your spouse as part of your weekly date night. Have a notebook beside your bed or wherever you will remember to write in it. At the end of the day take one minute and write down a reason you are thankful for your spouse. It shouldn’t be the same every day. Sometime during your date night, share a few reason you are thankful for your spouse, and have them do the same. This is also a great time for communication. For example, “I’m grateful you took the kids while I finished dinner, if you could continue to do that when you can I would really appreciate it,” Your spouse can do the same with you. Being grateful shows that you see the good that your spouse is doing and not just seeing where they lack. This activity doesn’t have to be limited to just once a week, however, if you aren’t in the habit of expressing that gratitude, this is a great way to start!

Spa Night In

The colder winter months can take a toll on our skin and hair causing dryness.  For this date, go ahead and buy a few scented oils and/or lotions and pamper each other.  Having a spa night and giving each other massages is a great way to hydrate, relax, and unwind.


Relationship Reconnection:
Now if a couple massage and spa night doesn't say reconnect, I don't know what does.  It's time to relax, unwind, and rejuvenate those feelings. Physical touch can do wonders for reconnecting and improving your relationship.

Rise and Shine

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Now, all dates don't have to be in the evening.  This is an early morning, before the kids are awake, date.  Bundle up with a cup of hot cocoa or hot apple cider in hand and watch the sun rise together.  It's an amazing sight to see the day just beginning with the one you love.


Relationship Reconnection:
While the sun is rising, talk about things that are on each of your bucket lists for the Holiday season.  Make some plans together to be able to mark some of these off.  Making plans and accomplishing things together is a great way to feel a continual connection.

Blackout

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Blackout is the theme of this date.  Light a candle or start a fire in the fireplace.  Turn off all the lights and all electronics too.  Snuggle up and tell ghost stories, or just chat.  Of course sharing a yummy treat is always encouraged.

Relationship Reconnection:
The key to this date is just spending some quite down time alone.  No distractions allowed.  Talking and snuggling are great for reconnecting.  Talk about hopes and dreams.  Looking forward to things in the future together will strengthen your relationship.

Cupcake Wars

Who doesn’t enjoy a little friendly competition and yummy dessert?  For this date you can do it at home after the kids have gone to bed.  Make sure you have an ample supply of cupcakes, frosting, decorations and of course sprinkles.

Decoration ideas:

·       Chocolate chips
·       Licorice
·       Marshmallows
·       Skittles
·       M&M’s
·       Graham crackers
·       Animal crackers
·       Teddy grahams
·       Cookies
·       Chocolate chips
·       Food coloring
·       Any kind of candy—peach rings, gummy sharks, gummy worms, gummy bears,  watermelon candy, etc

Come up with a theme and start decorating!

Theme ideas:

·       Your biggest dream
·       Your spouse’s dream
·       How you met your spouse
·       Your first date
·       Best Vacation you went on
·       Best describe your spouse
·       Best describe your family

Relationship Reconnection

Take this time to talk about your dreams and goals in life.  Our spouses are not mind readers and don’t know what our dreams and goals are if we don’t talk them. By talking about our dreams and goals and the meaning behind them we can help each other achieve their dreams.

Touch Down

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It's football season, how about a game night at home?  Cheer on your favorite team and share some stadium foods too.  Hot dogs, nachos, whatever is your thing.  Root and cheer and enjoy your time together.

Relationship Reconnection:
After the game is over, talk about ways you have cheered each other on through the years.  Encouragement strengthens marriages and remembering these times of support can help you reconnect.