You’ve got date night down to a science – that’s awesome! It means you’ve made prioritizing your relationship a regular and consistent part of your marriage, and that’s often easier said than done. But what if things are starting to feel a bit too routine? We can help! Here are seven easily-implementable ideas to bust out of the dinner date rut.
1. Do a project together.
It could be something small that you can finish in a night, or something ongoing that spans a couple of weeks or months. Think a small DIY or home improvement project, like building a piece of furniture or painting a room. Not only do these tasks tend to be easier with two people, but you’ll also attach meaning and memories to the project. You’ll be able to look at that piece of furniture and associate it with the quality time you spent together.
2. Go shopping.
Pick the type of shopping you enjoy, whether it’s window shopping, combing the racks at the thrift store, drooling over sweet treats at a bakery, or browsing a bookstore. You can treat yourselves or not even spend a dime. Either way, you’re bound to share some laughs and have some laidback fun.
3. Tackle an item on your to-do list.
If there’s a task you’ve been avoiding, get it done together. It will be more enjoyable by simply doing it with each other’s company instead of one of you having to complete it on your own. Run those errands that are spread out all across town, declutter the storage room, or detail the car. Even the most mundane of chores can be fun if it means hanging out with your spouse.
4. Break out the board games.
Board games are a great option because there are tons to choose from and you can still have great conversation while you’re playing. Plus, they’re portable, so you can bring them to the park, your favorite brewery, or a quiet coffee shop – whatever matches your mood.
5. Get moving together.
It’s always good to stay active, and it’s even better when it means quality time with your partner. Head to the gym or take a workout class together, go on a long walk or scenic hike, shoot some hoops, or hit up the skating rink. You’ll get the endorphins flowing through the physical activity and having fun together.
6. Switch up the timeframe.
If you still want to enjoy a meal together (who doesn’t?), try shifting to a different time of day. If you typically do dinner, opt for a breakfast or brunch date. Or try a mid-week lunch date to break up your busy workdays. You still get to connect over a shared meal, but with a different vibe than usual.
7. Act like a kid again.
Go bowling, hit up an arcade, race go carts, or take a trip to the amusement park. Maybe these used to be go-to activities when you were younger, but perhaps they’ve fallen off your radar in recent years. Bring them back! The mix of adrenaline, friendly competition, novelty, and youthful energy is the perfect combination for a fun-filled date.
Remember, what makes a date isn’t necessarily what you do, it’s the mindset you have while you’re doing it. When you’re mentally engaged in connecting and enjoying each other’s company, anything can be a date. So think outside the box! How do you break out of the dinner date rut? Let us know in the comments!
I will try to implement these ideas, thank you.