Spice Up Your Relationship with a Surprise Date Night

So you've been together for a long time? That doesn't mean you have to sit at home with Blockbuster for company every Friday night. Here's an idea for bringing back that spark and adding a little more fun to your relationship.

Okay, so what is a surprise date night? It can be as simple or as complicated as you would like to make it. The gist is that once a month you and your partner do something you've never done before. It doesn't have to be expensive, it doesn't have to be far away, but it does have to be something you think you'd both enjoy. You alternate months so each partner has a chance to plan the date, which can be a good break for the one that usually serves as social coordinator.

The first step to planning your date is to decide when to do it. If you have a pretty tight schedule, it helps to do this planning before the start of your month so you're not trying to cram the date in on the 30th or 31st. So decide on a date and time for your date as far in advance as you can, and tell your partner when it is -- and then stick to it.

Next, you have to decide what to do. Perhaps you already have something in mind. But remember, it has to be something you BOTH will enjoy. So, guys, a golf outing's probably not gonna cut it. A couple good places to look for new activities are in the entertainment section of your local paper or a local lifestyle magazine. Another good place to find things to do you may not be familiar with is on your state's tourism calendar. This can usually be found online by typing in the name of your state and dot com.

Once you've settled on a plan, you need make arrangements without telling your partner. If you're going to be attending an event, be sure to call ahead and confirm the details and buy tickets if you have to. If it's a restaurant, make a reservation. This may seem like common sense, but there is nothing worse than arriving at your destination and finding that you can't get in due to poor planning. But make sure you don't leave the details sitting on the computer or have the confirmation sent to a shared email. Remember, it's supposed to be a secret.

Once you have your date plan, be coy with your partner until it approaches. Don't let him or her con you into telling what you're going to be doing, no matter how bad you want to or what you're bribed with in the interim. The fact that it's a secret is half the fun. When the day does arrive, treat it as you would a first date with someone you just met, as in try to impress him or her and be romantic. Flowers are always a nice touch.

For my next surprise date with my boyfriend, we'll be going on a behind the scenes shark tour at the local aquarium. But I think a picnic in our living room would be just as nice. Remember, it's the togetherness that counts, not the expense. Have fun!