It is not the big, grandiose displays of love and affection that keep a relationship strong. It is regular small, positive behaviors and habits that work most effectively. Researchers have discovered that five positive behaviors must replace every one negative behavior in a relationship. Often when couples struggle in a relationship, it is not necessarily that there are more negative behaviors, it is that they have lost the daily, thoughtful behaviors and routines that existed in the early part of their relationship. Just as regular “physical” exercise builds strong bodies, there are regular “relationship” exercises that build strong marriages and relationships.
Consider these creative date ideas for couples. (Without the kids.)
• Go window shopping. For an inexpensive date, try window shopping at a mall or store. Check out the latest electronic gadgets. Get ideas for decorating your home. Try on clothing that is out of the ordinary for you. Take goofy photos together in a photo booth. Treat yourself to lunch at a restaurant you’ve never tried before. Be sure to keep your eyes and ears open; this is the perfect opportunity to get gift ideas for your sweetheart for future occasions.
• Take a drive together. Go for a long drive, preferably to a rural area without traffic. Take snacks and drinks and spend time talking. Stop and enjoy sites or views that look interesting.
• Go for a long walk together and hold hands. Choose a route where you won’t run into people you know. This is a time for you to focus on each other while talking and listening.
• Have a progressive dinner for two. Go to several restaurants, enjoying a yummy appetizer at one, your favorite main course at another and the dessert you’ve been craving at the last.
• Go back to “the way we were.” Watch your wedding video or look at your photo album. You might notice something you missed before.
• Say cheese. Get an updated portrait of the two of you, or have your caricature drawn. Go with a traditional pose or something that demonstrates your individual personalities; i.e., sports fan apparel, hunting gear, western wear, period clothing, crazy hats, etc. Have fun and be creative.
• Have a surprise dinner with a view. Plan a picnic dinner ahead (can be as easy as a bucket of chicken). Run a few errands, then surprise your spouse by taking a detour to a beautiful lookout point. Pull out the dinner and enjoy the view.
• Plan a picnic with a twist. Get your spouse out of the house for a while, and when he or she returns, have a picnic set up on a blanket in the living room. As you enjoy your picnic, spend quality time visiting with each other.
• Try a culture night. Make a list of different cultures. Cut up the slips and draw from a hat. Your date will then be centered on this theme.
By: Margie Memmot - Nov. 22, 2011