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- 27 Date Ideas To Save The Relationship (That We Can Do In Any City)
We're leaning towards the hopeless romantic category.
Relationships are tough.
There is little that can prepare us for the complexity you can feel trying to fuse your life with another human being. Despite romantic comedies repeating the same predictable arc that is always overcome within the 90-minute plot-line, it doesn't mirror the ups and downs of our real love lives.
Sometimes it's a joy! You're learning new things, feeling invigorated by the presence of another person and their life views, and excited about the adventures that lie ahead. While other times, it can feel suffocating when your plans don't match or stagnating when you're stuck on a loop in the same old pattern/rut. Sometimes it's just plain frustrating when you almost 'fall in' because your partner has left the toilet seat up again.
Here at The Travel, we lean towards the hopeless romantic category. We believe that before you throw in the towel, you should try a few simple ideas to pump up the romance and your connection. Frequently it's not that our relationship is doomed; it's our perspective that can be colored by life stress that makes it seem like a drag. We're fairly confident that sparks will fly if you can take a few moments each week to make time for the activities listed below. So, whether it's while you're visiting family over the holidays, on vacation, or just kicking around at home, you'll start to remember why you chose each other in the first place.
UPDATE: 2022/12/19 10:59 EST BY SERA PARRIS
27 Date Ideas To Save The Relationship (That We Can Do In Any City)
Relationships have their ups and downs. But, there are things one can do to make the magic last or rekindle the spark. So for readers looking for some great date ideas to ensure there are fewer downs than ups in their relationships, the article was expanded so that love can always win.
27 Go For A Swing
There are the dirty dishes in the sink, the dog needs walking, and the bills are piling up - you're working late again tonight?! It's SO easy to get bogged down by daily stress and become inundated by 'adulting' that you forget what it was like to be childlike and carefree. The more that you can try to revisit that place of innocence, the easier it is to let the daily tasks roll off your shoulders a bit more.
What could be a more perfect metaphor for breaking away from domestic duties than swinging up high into the treetops?! Almost every city has a park with swings, so all you have to do is find one and plant yourselves on the swings, and away you go. Not only will you feel a sense of ease wash over you, but you'll remember that fun is a key quotient to enjoying your day-to-day together.
26 Send Your Partner A Just Because Gift
Is there any better feeling than seeing someone you love receive a thoughtful gift and being able to watch a big smile creep over their face? We don't think so. This is an excellent idea because it doesn't even have to be store-bought! If you do it with the right intention, that's all that matters. This can be particularly crucial after a rocky period, a fight, or a stressful period. It shows your partner that you care and, more importantly, that you are paying attention.
Some ideas could include a scrapbook of your best memories, a batch of homemade cookies, or a framed list of all their best qualities or favorite candies. Add hearts, pop it in the mail, and feel good knowing that you've just made their day.
25 Plan A Surprise Scavenger Hunt
This is the ultimate move if you want to immerse your partner in a thoughtful experience filled with excitement, mystery, and fun! It takes a bit more planning on your behalf, but you'll feel so warm and wonderful during the many stages that it's totally worth it.
The first step is determining how long you want your hunt to last and the radius of the search area. From there, you will write out a few clues that lean on the side of obvious and encapsulate your memories. For example, the restaurant where you had your first date, the park bench where you split your pants that time, or your favorite shop to dig for records are all great places to start. Then you work on the logistics of clue planting and get some collaborators in on it with you to protect the clues. They can be strangers, friends, or family-when you share the purpose of your hunt, everyone will be radiating with positivity and happy to help you.
24 Make It A Spa Day
Taking time for a bit of self-love and pampering can take your love vibes up from a four to a nine real quick. The best part of a DIY spa is that it doesn't cost very much since many of the items you already possess or can find at neighborhood shops, so it's no fuss.
You can make a nice hot bath and add some homemade bath salts. Just take some sea salt and add a few drops of lavender or rosemary oil and baking soda, and you're good to go! Light a few tea lights around the house to create a low-key atmosphere all day. Have your kettle on and brew some nice herbal teas like chamomile, Chai, or whatever makes you feel coziest. Bust out your bathrobes and slippers and lounge in them with your book in hand. A nice added touch could also include a relaxing playlist conjured up on Spotify softly playing in the background.
23 Cozy Up To A Story
In an era where Netflix dominates as the prescribed way to spend an evening with your boo, reading out loud to each other may seem a bit strange. That said, after trying it, you'll soon wonder how you didn't think of this incredible bonding experience sooner. Listening to another person's voice for a prolonged period of time creates an atmosphere of safety and calm. Right before bed, when we're winding down and preparing for our dream state, there can be a soothing quality to hearing the person you love softly sharing a story. After long, you'll be bringing your books everywhere, eager to share with one another.
22 Put Together A Picnic
Simple, elegant, serene-picnics are great because they are totally customizable. A picnic can be as simple as a big blanket, a pack of cards, some fruit, a baguette, and cheese. Add bubbles, a Charcuterie board, sweet preserves, and other bits and bobs for a more elaborate spread. Your picnic for two can also be more activity focused with a round of Frisbee golf, your furry babies, a long walk on the beach, and some fabulous deli eats— you get the picture. Essentially it's an easy way to cater to your mood and enjoy some quality time together. Away from the hustle and bustle, you can get down to basics and follow your bliss in the way that many have for decades.
21 Make A Playlist For Their Daily Commute
Only a few loving gestures show greater detail of thought and have an overwhelmingly positive impact on one's mood, like a well-curated playlist can. Yes, we know, a playlist isn't as romantic as the old-fashioned mixtape. But it doesn't hurt to keep up with the times, lover. So, why not send your boo a link to a playlist? You can even name it after them for a more personalized touch. Regardless of what you decide to do here, remember it really isn't the medium that matters most—it's the music. Whether it's a walk down memory lane, a collection of their favorite songs, or just some tunes that you know will brighten your partner's day; it's a nice way to let your significant other know you care.
20 Cook Up A New Recipe Together
Cooking is as tasty as creativity can get! Rather than putting pressure on one partner to make a romantic dinner, this is much more of a collaborative team effort. You can delegate the roles depending on who selected the recipe or have one person whip up the main course while the other focuses on dessert and selecting the right wine. In this instance, creating a role for each person encourages that person to take ownership and feel a sense of pride in their contribution. The best part is when all the work is done, you can enjoy it together!
19 Work Out
Working out in tandem is a fantastic way to let off steam, get your endorphins and blood pumping, and take control of your energy levels. It's also a nice way to catch up with each other's day rather than being plopped down on the couch staring at your screens. You become in tune with one another and are each other's motivator, increasing your emotional bond. With a routine in place, you become practiced in being accountable to one another for your wellness. When you start to look and feel better, it can also ramp up other areas of the relationship, which is an excellent byproduct for any couple in a rut.
18 Get Outdoorsy Together
Sometimes, we all need some fresh air. So spending some time outdoors together can be just what your relationship needs to stay afloat. Whether it is kayaking, birdwatching, cycling, camping, rock climbing (sans the trust falls), hiking, or any other recreational activity you two can reconnect over, there is likely hope for you kids just yet. The great outdoors has a way of resetting things, if you will. So, this is also a great way to make new, hopefully pleasant, memories that may just remind you both about why your partner is the best.
17 Complete A DIY project
Rather than nagging at one another to complete tasks around the house, it can be far more fun and meaningful to think of creative DIY solutions for everyday fixes. No one is saying you should experiment with a DIY fix for a burst pipe, but if you need a new shelf built or are sick of lugging out your plastic Christmas tree each year, it can be fun to brainstorm innovative ways to spruce (ha) up the house.
Creating something together creates a sense of satisfaction that can benefit almost any couple. An added bonus here is you'll both be reminded of that satisfaction every time you walk past your creation too.
16 Karaoke
Karaoke is a fantastic way to let off some steam! In general, singing stimulates your brain, releases endorphins that relieve stress, helps communicate emotions, builds confidence, and is just fun. If you're not into the idea of the full-out karaoke bar scene, you can book a private room or even get a rock band for your living room. Even if you sing terribly, these physical benefits are all still part and parcel of singing, so if you can sacrifice a little pride - it can be a really healthy and liberating exercise for you as a couple.
15 Take A Class
We know what you're thinking - it's impossible to find a skill you both want to dedicate yourselves to, but if you take some time to peruse the options, you will be surprised at how many interesting classes exist. When you learn something together, especially on a regular basis, it gives you a break from the mundane routine of your 9-5 and the general boredom that can strike in long-term partnerships. It allows you to be light and enjoy an activity while providing a new avenue for bonding. Some ideas include a cooking class or learning to play tennis.
14 Play A Game
Pick any game! It could be a card game, a puzzle, or a homemade game that you create together—play is an essential part of life—and it's not just for kids. There is a reason why board game cafés exist! It's a great way for people to catch up and enjoy time together. You can even make it a couple's night and invite your friends over for a friendly match. Trivia games like Taboo can also provide a catalyst for knowing more about your partner's thoughts and feelings about situations. It's fun, educational, and all centered around a stronger bond for you both, so game on!
13 Go Dancing
Some of the greatest love stories started with some good old-fashioned dancing! Think Dirty Dancing and Silver Linings Playbook. But no one is saying you have to strap on flamenco outfits and start twirling each other in the air. You can keep it casual and simply enjoy a pre-dinner dance party in the kitchen. Allowing yourself to lose control and not care about how silly you look but rather enjoying some loud music that you love is a great way to shake off any existing tensions. But that's not all; letting yourself be seen in a vulnerable light like this is also good for your relationship and is something that each partner should work towards.
12 Build A Snow/Blanket Fort
Remember how good it felt to build that DIY spice rack out of repurposed wood? Well, this has all the same satisfaction, but it's so much easier! You don't need any tools or special know-how, just some snow or blankets and chairs and the will to succeed. If you're building a snow fort, you can take intermissions to make snow angels, build a snowman, and sip hot cocoa. If you're going the blanket fort route, you'll be able to keep it up all weekend and can even screen movies from inside (provided you have built a sufficiently pillowy base). The sky is really the limit when you double up on your creativity.
11 People Watch Over Brunch
There's just something special about admiring the quirks and eccentricities of complete strangers as you take in a sumptuous breakfast with your whole weekend ahead of you. In the warmer months, this can be done from a patio or the local farmer's market. You can almost picture it—the sun shining down on you as you admire the giddy early morning shoppers whirling by with your coffee and croissant in hand.
In the cooler seasons, you can still find plenty of amusement within the bustling brunch hours of your favorite restaurant. Make up backstories for the people at other tables—the more ludicrous, the better, and relish in your hilarious fantasies. For all you know, they might even be doing the very same thing when it comes to you!
10 Take A Staycation
As you may have guessed, we are all for fabulous vacations and awesome experiences in other parts of the world. But sometimes, a couple's getaway can add a lot of stress and pressure to an already fragile time in your relationship. The desire for escapism can sometimes overshadow the fact that we can have a pretty dandy time just hanging around in our own homes or city. Even if you are just hanging around in your backyard beneath blankets with a bottle of wine or enjoying some first-rate local pampering together—a staycation can have the same effect as a vacation abroad but with less stress.
9 Book A Fun Couple Activity Or Tour
While enjoying your staycation, don't just sit in the house or the local 5-star hotel, avoiding each other. Get out there and treat your city like it's a new place. Go wine tasting, take a walking tour, head to the museum, or check out a local ghost tour (practically every town has a mysterious past). Booking a fun couple of activities will allow you and your partner to spend some quality time together. Plus, if you happen to end up on one of those big group tours where everyone has to introduce themselves, there's definitely an opportunity for some fun role-playing.
8 Paint Something
Some couples will benefit from taking a time out to do something totally abstract, like painting. Unlike a focused DIY project, this can be a way to explore some quiet contemplation and explore some color therapy. Sure, by the end, you could have created a masterpiece! But even if it's just for the simple purpose of stilling your mind, painting can be a powerful relaxant.
Dollar stores often carry canvases of all sizes and acrylic paints in most basic colors for no more than a couple of bucks. If you fancy something more social, there are also organized group wine and paint nights in almost every city where you can meet new couples and friends! In either case, there's no need to be self-conscious or aim for perfection as it is most definitely the journey, not the destination, that will benefit you the most.