How to Bring Back Date Night
Marriage is one of the most important relationships in life. Our husband or wife is the person who we walk with through good times and bad, the person we raise our children with and the one who will be there after they leave the nest.
“What melody does God like most?” Father Moon asks, “It is the sound of the laughter of an eternal married couple that like each other and rejoice” (Cheon Seon Gyeong, 483).
Sounds great doesn’t it? If only it were that simple! Take it from John and Ann, a charming couple married 81 years!
“Marriage isn’t a lovey-dovey thing for 80 years,” says Ann. Acceptance and appreciation is key:
We all desire to have this kind of relationship, but it doesn’t just happen. It takes love, connection and commitment through the rough times.
On Valentine’s Day, the most important gift you can give just might be some quality time with your other half. Maybe it’s been a while since you and your sweetheart had a real date night, or maybe you are getting bored of the same old thing. Wherever you are in your relationship, take some of these fresh ideas and set aside some time to connect!
Bring Back the Fun!
Many relationships start to feel routine after a while. We may see each other every day but never really connect. With work, school and other everyday responsibilities, date night might not be high on your priority list. Make a commitment to bring it back! When the two of you are connected, you’ll be amazed at how everything else seems to fall into place.
Take it a step further and help take your mind off the stresses of every day by doing something for the sheer fun of it. No “dinner and a movie” allowed! Try something that makes you feel like a kid again, like a trip to an amusement park. If you’re the competitive type, a game of lazer tag or paintball will get your blood pumping, and remind you that your best days are still ahead of you!
What Do THEY Want to Do?
Father Moon also says that “an ideal husband and wife appear when they serve each other, rather than their own selves, and when such hearts converge into one” (Cheon Seong Gyeong, 481).
In other words, love is about what you can give, not just what you get. Put your partner’s needs above your own and plan a date you know your partner will love, even if it’s something you wouldn’t choose yourself. Maybe you’re not the outdoorsy type, but your partner loves camping. Put your own doubts aside and plan a weekend trip, a hike, or even a camp-out in the backyard. Even if it’s not your thing, seeing your partner excited and happy will make up for it. They may even be inspired to plan an extra fun date for YOU the next time (but remember, this is about practicing unconditional love, so don’t expect anything in return apart from the joy of being together!)
Get Creative
Art is a great way to try something new and get in touch with your partner at the same time. It’s not just about visiting art galleries anymore. Many places offer hands-on experiences where couples can participate in creating their own paintings, make pottery, or even do portraits of each other. Talent and skill doesn’t matter; it’s about experiencing something new together and seeing where the creative spirit takes you. Plus, you’ll have a nice (or at least memorable) souvenir of your date!
Whatever you do, remember that it’s not always about what you do, but that you do it together. Add to our list of out-of-the box date ideas in the comments!