So you want to plan the perfect date night? Great!
But where do you begin?
A well-planned date night can help renew and deepen your connection with your partner by helping you discover things about each other and tapp into new depths of intimacy.
Though the classic 'dinner and movie' has become the staple date for most couples, it is not very practical for making a deep connection.
In this article, you'll learn why date nights are essential for your relationship and tips for planning the perfect date night.
About date nights
Date nights are like preventative maintenance for your relationship. They are an exciting and enjoyable diversion from your routine that might rekindle the spark you once felt when you first met.
Date nights show your partner how much you appreciate your time together and that you are ready to put your hectic life on hold and give them your undivided attention.
Date nights promote communication and active listening. You learn things about one another through conversation and check-in to see how each of you views the relationship.
In short, date nights help strengthen the foundation for a long-lasting, intimate relationship.
How do I plan the perfect date night?
To plan the perfect date night, give these tips a try.
First, eliminate all distractions so you can focus your attention on your date and nothing else.
This might mean tying up work commitments and clearing your schedule, arranging a babysitter, or putting your phone on silent (If you don't need it for emergencies, of course).
Second, schedule your date and stick to it.
Discuss your mutual availability and mark it on your calendar.
Studies show that if you pre-plan something, add it to your calendar, you are more likely to follow through.
Third, outline everything you'll need to prepare for your date if you are planning a date night with many activities or a time-sensitive event.
Will you need to make reservations? Do you need a babysitter? Is the date weather-dependent? How will you get there? Do you have buy tickets in advance?
While spontaneity can create the best date night memories, you don't want to show up late for a show or find out the restaurant you wanted to dine at is fully booked.
Fourth, on the topic of spontaneity, having everything planned out can keep things running smoothly, but it rules out discovery.
Discovery is when you and your partner learn something new or do something new together.
No matter how long you've been together, there is always something new to learn.
These moments of discovery help spark solid bonds and strengthen the foundation of your relationship.
Fifth, in keeping with the theme of discovery, find ways to talk to each other when you're on your date.
Plan some conversation starters. Did you know the Remble app contains a host of conversation starters on a variety of topics? You can find them under the “Practices” tab.
The worst thing you can do is do all this planning and then spend your time making small talk.
A sixth tip is to plan dates that require you to work as a team.
When you cooperate to achieve a common objective, it makes for a great date night.
Consider indoor rock climbing as an illustration. While one climbs, the other secures your safety rope and offers support and encouragement.
Working like this as a team to accomplish a common goal instantly strengthens your bond.
A seventh tip is to change things up.
Many relationships get into a rut because couples repeat the same activities each date night or choose predictable date nights over spontaneity.
Take advantage of your date nights to go on excursions that will strengthen your relationship. Encourage one another to take a risk or do something you usually wouldn't.
You'll discover new sources of happiness and amusement by engaging in new activities.
Eighth in our tips is to respect your budget.
It's fun to plan an extravagant date night like hot air ballooning, seeing a live theatre performance, or eating at a Michelin-star restaurant. But remember the practical side of a date night, and that's budget.
Many couples fall into the trap of arguing over money. Don't let date nights be a source of conflict. Budget your dates and stick to them. You'll enjoy your time together without worrying.
Ninth, have fun!
It might seem obvious, but it's worth stating that magic happens when you have fun on a date!
And this isn't just the magic of feeling excited and happy together; there's chemical magic that fun brings about in your body.
Science has shown that when you have fun and laugh, your body produces endorphins and other feel-good hormones like dopamine and serotonin.
The body naturally produces endorphins during pleasurable activities like exercise, sex, and laughing, boosting your mood and confidence.
Laughter also causes your body to produce oxytocin. Often called the "love hormone," oxytocin promotes trust, empathy, and bonding.
Get started
Now that you have these tips for a perfect date night, you can put them into practice.
Opinions differ on the ideal frequency for date nights because it's very personal and unique to your relationship.
However, research shows that couples who date at least once a month are 14% less likely to separate than couples who date less frequently.
You may want to have date nights weekly or bi-weekly. It's up to you.
If you're having trouble coming up with ideas, loosen up and brainstorm the craziest dates you can imagine.
The more ideas you generate, the better the chance you'll come up with the perfect date night activity.
Final thoughts
We hope our ideas and tips inspire you to plan a perfect date.
There are so many experiences in life, and nothing is more remarkable than having them with the person you love.
Whatever you decide to do, remember that the essential part of your date is to enjoy each other's company while having a good time.
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