Make Date Night Interesting Again

Planning the perfect first date can be hard, but it can be just as difficult for couples that have been together a while to plan a great date night.

However, just because those couples know each other so well doesn't mean they can't go on fun, exciting and original dates. In fact, there are obvious advantages to trying something new on a date with someone you've been together with for years: there isn't the pressure of wondering if there will be a second date if this one fails, and you can laugh about it together for years to come. Even the worst date might be a great memory if shared with a spouse.

There are some guides suggesting ways long-term couples can spice up their date nights.

Improve on dinner and a movie:

Create a theme around the movie and either cook or order out dinner centered on that theme. Share some spaghetti if watching an Italian family drama, order Chinese if watching a kung-fu action movie or hit the local bistro if watching French film noir.

You could also take in a matinee rather than seeing a movie at night. Lunch at the usually expensive fancier restaurants is much cheaper than dinner.

Save money and the romance

Having a great time without spending a ton of money isn't as difficult as one might think.

Camping is an inexpensive way to spend lots of quality time together. There isn't a TV to distract anyone and sitting around a campfire inspires conversation topics. Even just sitting there close to each other and enjoying the quiet together can be a simple pleasure. Plus, the seemingly long nights invite going to bed early, snuggled up in a relatively small area.

On the other spectrum, try some wine together. Many specialty stores will offer wine tastings through the week as a promotional event. The date only becomes expensive if you buy. Also, zoos are using wine tastings as a way to attract visitors in the off season. My wife and I have attended two of these events offered at the Toledo (Ohio) Zoo and they're great fun.

Go see a fortune teller together, whether you believe they can see the future or not. You know you're meant to be together, but you can share a laugh if they are way off the mark about you two, or it's good to have it reinforced by someone else, even a stranger, that you are soul mates.

Quality time together

Even if you're just going to the local diner it can be fun if you both dress up in your finest attire. There's nothing that says you have to wait for a wedding or other special occasion to look your best for your spouse. Also, make a date seem as if it is your first. Guys, pick her up at the door with flowers in hand and open the doors for her. Ladies, invite him in for a nightcap at the end of the date.

Similar to camping, an unplanned blackout can inspire romanticism. Nurses in the birthing care services of hospitals often say they notice a spike in births nine months after a blackout. Why wait for the utility company to fail? Plan your own blackout by banning the use of any electronic device, including cell phones, close the curtains and light a few candles. Make shadow puppets on each other.

Date night with a spouse or long-time companion doesn't have to mean the same boring plan. With a little thought and creativity, or the right resource, dates can be as refreshing as they were the first time.

Sources:

www.webmd.com/sex-relationships/features/43-date-night-ideas

Redbook Magazine

"Love Stuff" b y Lorraine Bodger