Looking for ways to date your spouse? You’re in the right place.
Who Doesn’t Love A Good Romance?
I call myself “Intricate” to avoid labeling myself as “complicated”.. LOL. But something I probably have in common with soooo many women out there is my love for a good romance.
I have always been drawn to romance. Not just any romance, but the heartstring pulling, gut-wrenching, just… EPIC romances!
Where you just FEEL that man’s love for his woman through whatever medium you’re viewing it through… ahh, It’s just the best.
I can just eat that kind of romance up!
From a very young age, I was so passionate that I’d have an epic love story someday! I could tell you so many examples of what this “passionate/epic romance” looked like, and was consistently told that it didn’t actually exist, but I never lost hope that I’d be in one of those relationships everyone was totally jealous of someday!
It’s kind of funny to me now that my idea of an epic romance (at the time) was typically the ones where the bad guy got the girl.
My all time favorite, and probably first taste of a classic love story is “The Phantom Of The Opera”, and spoiler alert: I rooted for the phantom!
Typical is life, it threw me through some major loops before I met my husband and found my own beautiful romance.
Before meeting him, I had a few little “flings” that definitely created some butterflies, only to end in disappointment…
I then thought I found this so-called EPIC romance I desired with someone else, only to have my heart utterly broken.
I realized a little late that I was totally drawn to the “not-so-good” guys. *Shocker!* And that maybe my idea of an epic romance, especially involving a loser, wasn’t really ideal.
A “Real” Romance Is Just As Good
I found I am definitely more happy with the slow-but-lasting-burn romance vs. the epic whirlwind that I thought I wanted. I learned this after meeting Taison.
It wasn’t too long after my “heartbreak” that my sweet (future) husband came into my life.
Instead of being swept off my feet, or basically lusted after or chased until I caved, he proved my unhealthy perception of what a guy should be wrong. He showed up for me in all the best ways. He even had some bad-boy traits, but wasn’t an actual villain (bonus!!).
Most importantly: He was ALWAYS (and still is!) good to me.
Even though I can say I married my perfect man, I was a shocked that having kids would put us into the position where we needed something to “rekindle” our spark.
The “Honeymoon Phase” Doesn’t Last Forever, But That May Not Mean What You Think!
The honeymoon phase doesn’t last forever. But I don’t think it has to be a one time thing that you get the privilege of experiencing ONLY in the beginning of your relationship.
It ebbs and flows.
A relationship, and more importantly a marriage, requires constant work. You want that spark to stay alive? Then you gotta both work for it!
Related: Self-Worth And What It Means To Me | My Story.
In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it can be easy for romance (butterflies, that “spark”, the need to be touching all the time…) to fade in a marriage.
Note that this does not have to be a guarantee!!***
It is SO important to nurture your relationship, always.
Put each other first. And always strive to continue “dating” your partner. Never think that just because you are married, that you “got em’” and that all the work you put in at the beginning of the relationship, is now no longer required.
Date Your Spouse Like You’re Still Trying To Marry Them Someday!
So, what better way to keep “dating” your spouse than through regular date nights?
Scheduling regular date nights can totally reignite that spark and deepen your connection with your spouse. But sometimes, especially after having kids, it can be hard to think about what in the world you can do as a date in the first place!
So allow me to take the thinking part out of it for you with this compiled list of dates you and your spouse can look through. Go ahead! just, “pick one”.
30 Creative Ways To Date Your Partner
In this compiled list, we’ll explore 30 creative ways to date your spouse and infuse your marriage with love, laughter, and excitement.
1. Classic Dinner Date
Start with a classic dinner date at your favorite restaurant or try a new cuisine together. Dress up, indulge in your favorite foods, and enjoy uninterrupted conversation with your spouse. **Treat this as you would in the beginning, which means: No phones, no distractions! Focus on “getting to know” your date, and actually listen to what they have to say!
2. Picnic in the Park
Pack a picnic basket with your favorite snacks, sandwiches, and drinks, and head to a nearby park for a romantic picnic. Spread out a blanket, bask in the sunshine, and enjoy each other’s company amidst nature.
3. Movie Marathon (Not Just Any Movie Night)
Plan a movie marathon night at home, complete with popcorn, cozy blankets, and your favorite films. Create a lineup of movies you both love or explore new genres together. ***Bonus! You can technically do this one when your kids have gone to bed if needed!
4. Cooking Class
Take a cooking class together and learn to prepare a new dish or cuisine. Cooking together can be a fun and interactive way to bond and create lasting memories in the kitchen.
5. Outdoor Adventure
Schedule on an outdoor adventure together, such as hiking, biking, or kayaking. Explore scenic trails, soak in breathtaking views, and enjoy the thrill of adventure with your spouse by your side.
6. Wine Tasting
Visit a local winery or attend a wine tasting event and sample a variety of wines together. Learn about different wine varieties, flavors, and pairings while savoring each other’s company.
7. Art Gallery or Museum Visit
Spend a day exploring an art gallery or museum together and immerse yourselves in culture and creativity. Discuss your favorite artworks, share interpretations, and gain new insights into each other’s tastes and interests.
8. Couples Spa Day
Treat yourselves to a couples spa day and indulge in massages, facials, and other pampering treatments. Relax, unwind, and rejuvenate together in a serene and tranquil environment. Chances are one of you may fall asleep and provide some entertainment with your snoring 😉 😉
9. DIY Wine and Paint Night
Host a DIY wine and paint night at home, complete with canvases, paintbrushes, and your favorite bottle of wine. Get creative, unleash your artistic talents, and enjoy a fun and lighthearted evening of painting with your spouse.
10. Star-Gazing
Find a secluded spot away from city lights and spend an evening star-gazing together. Bring along a telescope (if you have one) or simply lay out a blanket and marvel at the beauty of the night sky while sharing stories and dreams with your spouse.
11. Couples Yoga
Attend a couples yoga class together and strengthen your bond through shared mindfulness and physical activity. Connect on a deeper level as you practice breathing exercises, partner poses, and guided meditation.
12. Volunteer Together
Give back to your community by volunteering together at a local charity or organization. Whether it’s serving meals at a soup kitchen, participating in a public park clean-up, or volunteering at an animal shelter, working together for a common cause can strengthen your connection and deepen your sense of purpose as a couple.
13. Road Trip
Go on a spontaneous road trip and explore new destinations together. Hit the open road, crank up your favorite tunes, and enjoy the adventure of discovering hidden gems and roadside attractions along the way. ***I Love This One!
14. Couples Game Night
Host a couples game night at home and challenge each other to board games, card games, or trivia. Laugh, compete, and bond over friendly competition and shared fun with your spouse and other couple friends. ***We love the games 3 to 13, NERTS, and Sequence!
15. Dance Class
Sign up for a dance class together and learn to salsa, tango, or swing dance. Dancing is a romantic and intimate way to connect with your spouse and ignite passion and chemistry on the dance floor.
16. Memory Lane
Take a trip down memory lane by revisiting significant places from your relationship, such as where you first met, had your first date, or got engaged. Reminisce about cherished memories and reflect on how far you’ve come as a couple.
17. Sunset Cruise
Book a sunset cruise or boat tour and enjoy a romantic evening on the water. Watch the sunset together, sip on your favorite beverage, and revel in the serenity and beauty of the ocean or lake.
18. Karaoke Night
Channel your inner rockstar and hit the karaoke bar together for a night of musical entertainment and laughter. Belt out your favorite tunes, duet with your spouse, and let loose on the dance floor.
19. Cultural Experience
Immerse yourselves in a cultural experience, such as attending a live theater performance, ballet, or opera. Explore different artistic expressions and gain new perspectives while enjoying a sophisticated and memorable date night.
20. Couples Retreat
Escape to a romantic couples retreat for a weekend getaway focused on relaxation, connection, and intimacy. Disconnect from technology, reconnect with each other, and renew your commitment to love and partnership in a tranquil and romantic setting.
21. Bookstore Date
Spend an afternoon browsing a local bookstore together and discovering new reads. Pick out books for each other, share recommendations, and enjoy quiet moments of reading together in a cozy corner.
22. Outdoor Concert
Attend an outdoor concert or music festival and groove to the beats of your favorite bands and artists. Dance under the stars, sing along to your favorite songs, and create lasting memories of shared musical experiences with your spouse.
23. Home Movie Night
Transform your living room into a cozy home theater and host a movie night at home. Choose a theme, prepare themed snacks and decorations, and enjoy a cinematic experience without leaving the comfort of your own home.
24. Dessert Date
Indulge your sweet tooth with a dessert date at a local bakery or dessert cafe. Sample a variety of decadent treats, from cakes and pastries to ice cream and chocolates, and satisfy your cravings with your spouse by your side.
25. Outdoor Dining
Dine al fresco at a charming outdoor cafe or restaurant and enjoy a romantic meal under the stars. Savor delicious food, sip fine wine, and bask in the ambiance of a warm summer evening with your spouse.
26. DIY Project
Embark on a DIY project together and unleash your creativity and teamwork skills. Whether it’s building furniture, redecorating a room, or tackling a home improvement project, working together towards a shared goal strengthens your bond and fosters a sense of accomplishment.
27. Couples Photography Session
Book a couples photography session and capture precious moments together in stunning photographs. Choose a scenic location, dress up in your favorite outfits, and let a professional photographer immortalize your love and connection in timeless images.
28. Outdoor Adventure
Embark on an outdoor adventure together, such as camping, zip-lining, or rock climbing. Challenge yourselves, conquer fears, and create unforgettable memories of shared excitement and adrenaline with your spouse.
29. Spa Day at Home
Transform your home into a luxurious spa retreat and pamper yourselves with a spa day at home. Set the mood with scented candles, soothing music, and plush towels, and indulge in massages, facials, and other spa treatments for a relaxing and rejuvenating experience.
30. Dream Date
Plan your dream date together and make it a reality. Whether it’s a romantic getaway to a tropical paradise, a hot air balloon ride at sunrise, or a candlelit dinner under the Eiffel Tower, let your imagination run wild and create a once-in-a-lifetime experience that celebrates your love and commitment to each other.
There’s so many more options than what I listed above (go to the fair and win a teddy bear for your spouse, etc.)
I also find it extremely important to make sure you make-out! Kissing your partner really has a scientific way of bonding you together, so don’t discount it!
In Conclusion:
Dating your spouse is not just about spending quality time together
Dating is about nurturing your relationship, strengthening your bond, and keeping the flame of romance alive.
I got my epic romance, though I love the fact that it ended up being more of a soft burn that continues to this day vs what I initially thought I wanted.
I was pretty naive so I was a little surprised to find out how much work it entails! But that’s actually become such a beautiful thing to me. That’s a marriage!
The honeymoon phase may not ALWAYS be present, but when you’re lucky love is always there. But let’s be real. The romance part is pretty great! So it’s definitely a necessity for me to keep it present as consistently as I can! Thankfully for me, my husband is on board with this too.
By exploring these 30 creative date ideas, you may find they’re great ways to reignite the spark in your marriage, create lasting memories, and deepen your connection with your spouse.
Remember that the most meaningful dates are not about what you do or where you go but about the love, laughter, and joy you share with each other along the way.
Above all: Choose each other.
Every day.
Always.
I’d love to hear what methods you’ve tried to rekindle the spark in your marriage or relationships! Comment below!
