Romance is an essential element in any relationship. It's what keeps things exciting and sparks that flame of connection between you and your partner. But life can get in the way and it's easy to let date night slip by the wayside.
This blog post provides tips on how to plan and prioritize dates, as well as ideas for creating meaningful experiences to keep the romance alive.
Why it's important to Make time to Date your Partner
Engaging in shared activities is an essential part of sustaining a relationship. Studies show that couples who go out at least once every month are more likely to have a better quality relationship than couples who go out less than monthly. The difference between one or two dates a month, and more than two was insignificant, but they decreased significantly in those who went less often than once a month. Spending quality time with our partners helps us to disconnect from our busy lives and focus on what's truly important.
Quality time is important in a relationship because:
- It helps relieve stress: Spending time with our partners helps us to disconnect from our busy lives and focus on what's truly important. We can share our stresses with our partners and find comfort in their support.
- Improves communication: When we spend time with our partners, we have the opportunity to talk and communicate more effectively. This is especially important when discussing important topics, like finances or future goals.
- Improves relationship self-esteem: Spending time with our partners helps us feel good about ourselves and our relationship. We can feel secure in the love and commitment of our partners.
- Strengthens romantic connection: Spending quality time together strengthens the romantic connection we have with our partners.
The Science Backs its up
According to a joint report by the Wheatley Institute and The National Marriage Project, 83% of wives and 84% of husbands who had regular date nights at least once a month were very happy in their marriages, compared to 68% of wives and 70% of husbands who did not have regular date nights. That's a pretty significant difference.
But wait, there's more! Couples who went on regular date nights were also more likely to have a stable marriage. In fact, wives and husbands in the frequent date nights group were about 14% more likely to report that divorce "was not at all likely" in the future.
And it's not just about being happy or avoiding divorce. Date nights can also improve communication within a relationship. The report found that 71% of wives and 77% of husbands who had regular date nights were very happy with their communication, compared to 51% of wives and 59% of husbands who did not have regular date nights.
Oh, and did we mention that date nights can lead to more sexual satisfaction and a greater commitment to marriage? Yup, it's all in the data. So if you want a happier, more stable, and more communicative relationship with your partner, the secret might just be in date nights.
Why exactly is date night so important?
Date night is more than just spending time together. A date is intentionally planned and centered around doing something with your partner. While doing everyday tasks together or simply being in each other's presence is important, dating is a break from the mundane routine and creates an environment for non-routine, spontaneous, and exciting moments to naturally emerge. A little extra effort to make your date night special shows your partner that you care and you're excited about spending time with them.
"The State of Our Unions", a study by the International Association of Relationship Research found that "positive relationship outcomes depend on the degree to which partners are dedicated to the activity." In other words, date activities sustain relationship quality only when partners are responsive and want to share relationship activities. When planning your next date night, make sure you're both on board and excited about what you have planned.
- Set a date in advance: Life gets busy, and it's easy to let weeks or even months go by without setting aside time for your relationship. By scheduling dates in advance, you're prioritizing your relationship and making sure that quality time together doesn't fall by the wayside.
- Take turns planning: Make it a team effort and take turns planning date night activities. This not only takes the pressure off one partner but also ensures that both partners get to enjoy activities they love.
- Make it a priority: Treat date night as an important appointment, just like an appointment. This will help you and your partner remember to prioritize it.
- Be present: Remember that it's not just about what you're doing, but how you're doing it. It's not enough to just be physically there—be mentally and emotionally present too.
Data from another study by the International Association of Relationship Research showed an increase in marital happiness, stability, and sexual satisfaction for couples who went on a date at least once month. Couples who take the time to regularly date each other, one or two times per month are markedly more likely to report better relationship quality.
Creative Date Ideas for Couples
Are you tired of the same old dinner and a movie date night? Mix it up with some creative ideas to keep the romance alive in your relationship.
Food and Drink Themed Dates
- Have a picnic in a scenic spot with your favorite foods. It's a romantic and intimate way to enjoy the outdoors and each other's company.
- Get your sweet-tooth fix by baking a new treat together. Whether it's cookies, cupcakes, or a pie, baking together can be a fun and delicious way to bond.
- If you're a foodie, join cooking classes and learn how to create new dishes together. Or why not cook a fancy dinner together at home? It's a special way to celebrate your love for each other.
- Try making your own sushi. Get a sushi-making kit and have fun choosing different fillings to create your own custom rolls.
- If you're more of an adventurer, explore the local culinary scene with a food tour. You'll get to try new foods, learn about different cultures, and discover hidden gems in your city.
Hands-on Fun
- For a more hands-on activity, consider taking pottery classes. It's a unique way to bond over creating something beautiful with your hands.
- Try a paint and sip event together. It's a fun way to get creative and unwind with a glass of your favorite beverage.
- Get in the seasonal spirit with a DIY activity that matches the time of year. For example, cut out paper snowflakes in winter or plant flowers in the summer. You can even make each other handmade Valentine's Day cards.
Stay-at-Home Adventures
- Have a photo shoot together at home. Take silly, serious, or even sexy photos!
- Mix it up with Date Night Jenga, where each block has a fun and creative date idea. Or have a game night and play your favorite board games together.
- Relax and unwind with a spa night at home. Light some candles, put on soothing music, and give each other massages for a truly intimate experience.
Beyond the Date
One other benefit of regular dates is increased physical intimacy and sexual satisfaction. Physical touch doesn't always have to be about sex. Cuddling, hugging, and holding hands can be just as intimate and bring you and your partner closer emotionally.
Emotional intimacy is just as important as physical intimacy.
- Take time to connect. Quality time spent with your partner can help keep the emotional intimacy alive. It can be as simple as taking a walk together, watching a movie, or sharing a meal.
- Communicate about your feelings and needs. Being open about your feelings and needs can help your partner understand you better. It can also lead to a deeper emotional connection.
- Take time to express gratitude for the things your partner does for you and your relationship. Gratitude is a powerful emotion that can improve your relationship's emotional intimacy.
Ways to Maintain Intimacy Beyond the Date
At the end of the day, date night isn't just about going out and having a good time. It's about building a relationship with your partner, staying connected, and maintaining intimacy.
Set aside quality time each day
It's just as important to make time for each other in between date nights—at the end of the day, date night isn't just about going out and having a good time. Building a relationship with your partner, staying connected, and maintaining intimacy is what you're after. Taking just a few minutes at the end of the day to chat and connect can go a long way.
Small gestures of affection
A simple hug, kiss, or holding hands can be a great way to show your partner you care. Send them a text during the day to let them know you're thinking about them. It doesn't have to be a grand gesture, sometimes the small things mean the most.
Support each other's goals and interests
Encouraging your partner to pursue their passions can strengthen your bond. Whether it's going to a TED Talk together or attending a yoga class, supporting each other's interests can create shared experiences and memories.
By taking the time to plan and prioritize dates, you're investing in your relationship and building a foundation for a lasting, loving partnership. So why not take some of the creative date ideas we've outlined and make a plan to spend some quality time with your significant other?
