Date Nights: How They Improve Your Relationship & Ideas on How To Get Started

At first, date nights seem to fall into place. You get to know the other person by experiencing things together for the first time- How they eat at restaurants, if they fall asleep during movies, even if they're comfortable with public displays of affection.

At first it's all an adventure and, frankly, a blur. I can recall some particular dates but certainly not all of them stand out. It gets to a point where date night out becomes date night IN. And that's fine... Until it isn't.

Dressing up all the time for special date nights becomes a rarity and you begin to feel comfortable in your relationship. It has solidified into something that, to maybe you and your partner, doesn't feel extra effort needs to be put into. And that's wrong, so very wrong.

While there's nothing "wrong" with feeling comfortable, it is bad to get complacent. I've watched as couples fight about becoming sedentary in their homes and never go out on dates, either just the two of them or with another couple. Even my boyfriend and I are guilty of it!

The thing is... It doesn't have to be elaborate. It just has to be a night where you both feel especially appreciated where you can rekindle the flame of passion that may be dulling without you being aware.

That's why I'm sharing these ideas but you have to put your own twist on them!

1. Discover and attend local free events that may be a hidden gem near you. For this, I suggest searching through Facebook events or on Event Brite.
2. Head to a thrift store and see who can get the best/funniest outfit for $10 and then wear them for a walk in the park!
3. Make out in a drive-thru car wash- Spices up your love life while tackling an errand that may be on your to-do list.
4. Throw a game night! Brush the dust off of any games you have (or borrow some from friends and family), then compete to see who's really the "better half".
5. Make a pitcher of sangria and pretend you're in Spain- Imagine what excursions you'd do while there and maybe even look into the cost of an all-inclusive trip to there on True Trips
6. Enjoy a two-person luau at home. Find some ukulele music on YouTube, make a pitcher of frozen drinks (alcohol optional) and hula dance the night away!
7. Go to a drive-in movie or, if it's too cold near you, set up some blankets on the floor at home and put on a movie. Pack a cooler full of snacks and drinks to enjoy.

1. Complete a traveling multi-course meal: sip cocktails at one spot, head to the next for light appetizers, dig into your main course at another restaurant, and then head somewhere for dessert or take it to go!
2. Prepare an "around the world" meal- Each course is from a different country!
3. Go to an art museum and pretend you're allowed to take one piece home. Which would it be? This is a fun way to get to know each other's home decor style and maybe head to the souvenir shop on the way out to pick out something special to actually bring home.
4. Enjoy a microbrewery you've never been to before. Maybe even chat with some other couples while there! It's all about the experience.
5. Visit a farmer's market and collect things to make dinner at home. While you're at it, pick out a soy candle and some flowers to set the table.
6. Show up separately at a bar you usually don't go to. Flirt and pretend you just met. (This doesn't have to get expensive but if you're a few drinks in, then you'll have to order a taxi or an Uber.)
7. Dress up fancy, order some take-out food from your favorite place, then serve it on china with a glass of champagne.

If you've browsed the video above and none stuck out to you as something your significant other AND you would enjoy... Then just have fun with it! Begin by writing down a list of things you like to do as a couple.

For example, past date nights that were a hit or ones that stick out to you the most. No relationship works in the same way and therefore, what one couple may love doing, you may despise. Show your love in whatever way suits you best.

It's better to come off as genuine.

So whether you've been dating for 10+ years or haven't even celebrated your 3-month anniversary (yes... people really celebrate that), honor the love you have by being yourself! Clearly you care or else you wouldn't be reading this article...