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.

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.  

The Library-- Beyond the Check-out

There is more to do in a library besides checking out items. Below are a list of activities to do together that will cost nothing! This can also be done in a bookstore, and while there, grab some drinks or pastries.

1.     Find your favorite book as a child, then read them to each other.

2.     Look through some cookbooks and find a meal you would enjoy making together.

3.     Pick out a joke book and share the best ones with each other.

4.     Choose 3-4 random books. Have a conversation with each other, but only use lines from those books.

For information on your local libraries visit: Phoenix Public Library

Revitalize that Relationship!

Remember that marriage is give and take. Make sure to find time to talk with your spouse about the balance in your relationship. One person should not have to carry the whole load. Discuss the following points with each other:

-What do I do for my spouse on a daily, weekly, monthly basis?

-What does my spouse do for me on a daily, weekly, monthly basis?

-What do I appreciate most about my spouse?

-Ask your spouse, Where can I improve in our relationship?

Time Travel

Let’s face it, you and your spouse are very different! We are just not wired the same. Sometimes we may think, why does my spouse have such a different viewpoint then I do on, money, sports, dating, time management, work, etc.?  Sometimes we have to put ourselves in our spouse shoes to understand understanding of certain topics. Let’s go back in time and see where our spouse has came from!

Option 1: If you live somewhat close to the houses you and your spouse grew up in, take a trip together and look at your old house. While you are there, talk about your memories there and what life was like in the house. This may give you an understanding where they have come from and why your spouse has different viewpoints.

Option 2: If you have them, watch home videos of each other growing up. Share with each other memories of what it was like growing up with your family. This may give you and your spouse understanding where each other have come from and different viewpoints.

Relationship Reconnection:

After you are done either watching home videos, or visiting the homes you and your spouse grew up in, talk about each other’s memories and thoughts on how you grew up. Share what was the number one thing that you learned growing up in your family with each other.

This might be an “AHA” or “No Wonder” experience for both you and your spouse. This will help you find understanding and empathy for each other. Embrace the differences between you and your spouse, they make your marriage fun and unique!

Blackout

Photo Courtesy of Marin at Freedigitalphotos.net

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.