4 Ways to Redefine Date Night

When it comes to date night, many couples are just happy to get one on the books a couple times a month. If you’ve made them a regular occurrence in your marriage, kudos! It’s not always easy to stay connected in the midst of your busy lives, but prioritizing date night is a great way to do that. So what happens when your regular date nights are starting to feel a bit too “same-old”? Or you’re transitioning into a new phase of life and your usual routine is getting harder to fit in? Sometimes it can help to get yourselves thinking outside the box. Here are four ways to redefine date night.

1. When

Sure, we’re calling it date night, but dates don’t have to happen at night! Go on dates at times that make sense for your life and circumstances. Maybe that’s a breakfast date after dropping the kids off at school, a lunch date on a day you both have lighter schedules, or Sunday after church since you’re already out and about. Not only does it lend a different vibe than the typical evening date, but you also might find that popular places are less busy or certain activities are cheaper than at peak times.

2. Where/What

Some that might argue that going grocery shopping should definitely not be considered a date. But we say, why not? If it’s time you enjoy spending together and that helps you feel connected, more power to you. As long as you’re fully present with each other and not preoccupied with checking an item off your to-do list, there’s no reason why you can’t consider it a date. Consider simple ways you can make it special or fun, like grabbing some ice cream on the way home. Thinking outside the box in terms of what you do or where you go on dates can actually help you go on more dates, since it allows for more spontaneity

3. Who

Yes, one-on-one dates are important, but don’t limit yourselves to that all the time! Consider double dates with friends or family, or getting a bunch of couples together for a group date. It’s a great way to change things up and create a different dynamic that allows you to see (or be reminded) of different sides of each other. It can help you gain insight into your own marriage while strengthening the “village” around you.

4. How

How do you and your spouse usually initiate a date? Maybe one of you shoots a text or you have a standing one on the calendar – both are great! But what if you got creative and brought a new energy to the standard routine? Maybe it’s a post-it left on the bathroom mirror or a cryptic calendar invite with instructions for where to be and what to wear. The idea is that you keep things fresh with energy and intention instead of just going through the motions. Do you have to do it every time? Definitely not, but injecting some variety and novelty every now and then can be just what’s needed to keep you both on your toes.

Maybe you’ve succeeded in making regular date nights part of your marriage and are looking for ways to switch things up. Or perhaps you’re trying to figure out how to make them work within your current or new phase of life. Whatever the case, redefining the way you think about the various aspects of dating your spouse can spark a new sense of energy and enthusiasm that spills over into other areas of your relationship, helping you feel more connected than ever.