6 Dates to Master Throughout Marriage

You and your spouse will go on a lot of dates throughout the course of your marriage – at least we hope you will! After all, continuing to date each other helps you nurture connection, friendship, and intimacy in your relationship, which can wane over time if you’re not careful.

Depending on the season of your marriage, maintaining a habit of dating will require varying amounts of effort and intention. Sometimes, it’ll be easy. You’ll have plenty of time for dates and few considerations to plan around. Other times, you might feel as if you barely have time to sip a cup of coffee together in the morning.

Luckily, different kinds of dates can meet the changing needs that arise as you navigate various life and relationship phases together. If you’re unsure what we mean, keep reading as we explore six kinds of dates to master throughout your marriage.

1. The At-Home Date

For one reason or another, many couples have gotten more familiar with the idea of a date in the comfort of their own home. Whether you’ve got small children, money is tight, you’re snowed in, or you’re simply exhausted after a long week and can’t fathom going out, sometimes a date at home is just what you need. The great thing about this date is you can make it whatever you want. Dress up for cocktails in the kitchen followed by takeout served up on the nice dishes. Put pjs on early, load up on snacks, and settle in for a competitive game of Scrabble. Bring a blanket to the backyard to watch the sunset and gaze at the stars. The essential component is that you’re being intentional about being fully present and spending quality time with each other.

2. The Spontaneous Date

Every now and then the perfect opportunity for a spur-of-the-moment date will fall into your lap. Learn to make the most of these occasions. Maybe the grandparents offered to take the kids for the night at the last minute or you both had your last meetings of the day get cancelled. Perhaps you find yourselves with a couple of hours to kill while one of your vehicles is in the shop. Don’t be afraid to drop everything for an unplanned date. Sometimes the best times are had when you least expect them!

3. The (Re)Connection Date

Inevitably, you’ll go through periods when you’re feeling a little distant from each other. Maybe your schedules are just beyond hectic or you’re dealing with some stressful life events and haven’t been able to prioritize each other. Perhaps you’ve had a big fight recently and are still not back to your usual dynamic. No matter the situation, this date puts the focus on connecting (or reconnecting) with each other via meaningful conversation, physical or spiritual intimacy, or whatever you and your spouse need to feel close to each other again.

4. The Something-New Date

Remember the giddy excitement you felt when you were first dating each other? Recreate those feelings with a date that gets you trying or experiencing something new together. Dance lessons, axe throwing, painting class, the list goes on. Get creative and outside your comfort zone. You’ll not only get those feel-good endorphins flowing, you’ll also create an experience you can bond over. You may even discover a new hobby you can enjoy together.

5. The Tradition Date

While trying new things together has its benefits, a date that becomes a tradition has a lot to offer as well. It could be visiting the spot you met every year on your anniversary or always attending the opening game of the season for your favorite sports team. Perhaps you meet for lunch the first Friday of every month. Creating rituals like these cultivates shared meaning and reinforces your commitment to each other while giving you standing date to look forward to.

6. The All-Out Date

Sometimes you just have to go big and pull out all the stops. Perhaps you’re celebrating a really special occasion, such as a milestone birthday or anniversary. Maybe you’re commemorating a landmark achievement like landing the job of a lifetime or paying off your debt. Or maybe a fancy date with your spouse is simply what you want or need in your relationship right now. Whatever situation you find yourself in, this date is probably rare, but it’s always special.

You and your spouse will go through many different seasons in your marriage, each one with its own challenges and rewards. With that in mind, the kinds of dates you go on can be tailored to accommodate the stage you’re in. Hopefully these ideas help you think creatively so that you can continue dating each other all throughout your marriage.