5 Romantic Date Ideas to Maximize Your Quality Time

By February 15, 2017February 22nd, 2018Communication, Time

Valentine’s Day may have come and gone (and we hope it was fantastic!), but we’re big fans of celebrating love year-round. One of the best ways to express our love is by reserving some of our good energy for one another.

When it comes to time, it’s very easy for couples to give each other their leftovers. Our lives are so busy these days, and jobs, kids, activities, and other obligations can quickly sap our energy before we’re able to give our best to one another. In fact, by the time most couples come together at the end of the day, they’re giving one another the most tired, depleted parts of their spirit.

Your leisure time together should he spent when you’re at your best–not your worst–so what that looks like will vary from one couple to the next. For some couples, a scheduled evening date is stressful because you return from work frazzled, and then you’re stressed about the date you have to keep. Sit down together and find out what works best for you, then create a game plan for spending the time together you both crave.

Setting aside special time to be together, whether that’s for a date night, a relaxed breakfast, or a movie on the couch, is vital to the health of your marriage. Here are five simple, romantic date ideas to enhance your quality time together.

Breakfast Before Work

You and your spouse might find that you enjoy sharing breakfast together before you start your day. If you have small children, an early-morning breakfast at home (maybe in bed!) before they wake up could be a great way to get a little bonding time in. Or you might want to meet at your favorite bakery or coffee shop to share a meal before work.

Spending time together in the morning is a great time to give some of your best energy to your spouse. Take the time to motivate one another before you go your separate ways. Exchanging encouragement and support will give you both an extra shot of positive energy that you can pour back into your relationship.

Picnic Lunch in the Park

If the two of you find that you enjoy taking a break from work midday to enjoy some together time, then a picnic lunch near your workplace (or your spouse’s) may be perfect for you. Arrange to meet at the park midday for lunch and a walk in the park. You can take a quilt to sit on in the grass, or find a cozy bench along the walkway to eat and talk.

For some downtime before returning to work, you can clear that blanket and lie down on it under the trees. There’s something sacred about taking quiet time together; it’s a great opportunity to recharge and find comfort in each other’s presence.

Window Shopping and Ice Cream

Whether you choose to take a walk at the mall, a shopping center, or even your favorite bookstore, window shopping can be a fun way to spend some time together (and a great time to come up with gift ideas for later). Share a cup of ice cream or some other treat the two of you enjoy, and stroll past the shops together.

You don’t have to buy anything; window shopping can be a fun way to dream a little together. It’s a great time to connect, hold hands, and enjoy spending time together outside of your everyday demands.

Weekend Coffee Date

On a Saturday or Sunday morning (or evening!), head to your favorite coffee shop with your spouse to grab a drink and enjoy some downtime. Many coffee shops are relaxing and aesthetically pleasing, and they make a great spot for a romantic date at any time of day.

Take a little time to chat and reconnect after a long week, and focus on positive, upbeat things to talk about together. After years of doing life together, it can be easy to fall into patterns of complaining about work or discussing serious issues about kids, finances, or similar subjects. Set those topics aside during your date, and talk about things that make you happy.

Movie Night In

On any evening of the week when you find yourselves with a little time to spare, pick a movie or show to watch together at home. This could be an old favorite that brings back great memories from your dating days, or something new you’ve never seen before. Pop some popcorn, order a pizza, and kick back together with a cozy blanket.

Sometimes, we just need a little time to unwind together, no conversation necessary. Movie nights are a great, no-pressure time to cuddle up and just be with each other. And in the process, you can connect over a movie that tugs at your heartstrings, or laugh together until you cry.

Need More Guidance?

If you and your spouse need a little extra help finding time and good energy to give to one another, we’ve written a book called Your Time-Starved Marriage that will help you do that. We’ll walk you through ways to better manage your time together, and how to maximize the time you have together.

How do you and your spouse give your best energy to one another? What are your favorite ways to spend that time together? Leave a comment below and let us know!

11 Comments

  • Louella F Prutsman says:

    Our situation goes much deeper and I truly would like some help and guidance. Our situation is sexual in nature. In 2006 my husband had prostrate cancer and a prostectomy. Since then, for 11 years there has
    been no physical contact other than a hug or holding hands. I’ve talked about being rejected, but it doesn’t seem to register. We are attending your workshop this Saturday, but I don’t imagine you are going to address any issues like mine. Please tell me how to address getting help for a sexless marriage.

  • Scott says:

    Believe it or not, I knew a man who was in his 80’s who had a penile implant. They had a great sex life.

  • Gregg Hallbauer says:

    I’m a family doctor — and I have 5 guys now with penile implants after their prostate surgeries. They are so happy and are doing great. It radically improved their intimacy with their spouses. Remember that God still works miracles through modern medicine — and they can even involve technology. I’d talk to his doctor or a urologist at a medical referral center / medical school. Blessings!

  • Hartshorn Robert says:

    My first marriage of 56 years was somewhat similar to these. We were in love with each other and enjoyed our children and their families a lot. God has blessed me and my New wife beyond what we knew He had done by bringing us together. We now share similarly like this says. We are in love and have a strong relationship with the Lord. We did an intensive study in the “Symbis” book and thank Les and Leslie for it

  • Adrienne Thomas says:

    This issue between you and your husband seems to be about more than his physical limitations. If the two of you haven’t had some significant conversations about the lack of physical intimacy, then communication issues must be addressed. Intimacy is not only physical, but emotional and mental, even spiritual. If he is not talking about it, this won’t be solved just by having a penile implant placed. It seems unlikely that your husband would have the implant if some serious discussion isn’t carried out. After you attend the workshop, perhaps you will learn some ways to approach this subject together. If not, it’s advisable that you seek counselling for improvement in your .communication. God bless you and your marriage.

  • W. B. says:

    Well, not to be too “sexual” here, but there are so many more ways to satisfy your wife than with a penis. We have always enjoyed a very active oral sex life (both giving & receiving). I had a serious back operation last year and could not perform for several months, but that did not stop us from enjoying each other. I get just as much satisfaction just knowing that I have satisfied her as I would if I was having intercourse to satisfy me. Toys are also a real asset, and nothing to be ashamed of. After that first operation, I had a hydrocelectomy. That did not solve the problem of swollen testes, so they performed an orchiectomy on me-which was successful (they removed 1 testicle). My recovery time was about 2 weeks, and we are very active again: Not 5-6 times a week like it used to be, but at least 1 to 2 times per week. Many times (for a guy), it is mental and/or embarrassment. Best wishes in finding a solution to your needs & desires.
    PS I am 72 and my wife is 63, and we have marvelous, very fulfilling sex without any medication.

  • Jenn says:

    Praying for you, Sister Louella! Good advice already offered.

    My husband and I work full time and then come home to take care of his dad, who is disabled, and the family farm- cows, electric fence, chickens, wood stove, etc. So by the time we are eating supper, it’s late and neither of us have a lot of energy to give each other.
    I was so pleased to see this list and realize that we do quite a few of the ideas on a regular basis! Eat breakfast together, after doing the morning chores. Take walks- often around the electric fence in the woods, to check it, but still romantic! And frequent escapes to go to a movie and have a meal, away from the farm/responsibilities. And I take him lunch every Friday, which we eat together in the parking lot across from his workplace!

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  • My first marriage of 56 years was somewhat similar to these. We were in love with each other and enjoyed our children and their families a lot. God has blessed me and my New wife beyond what we knew He had done by bringing us together.

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