There’s a considerable amount of work that goes into maintaining a relationship. However, that work can sometimes seem magnified when a couple has been in close quarters for months on end. When you and your partner are under one roof in the midst of a global pandemic, it can get very stressful. Thankfully, there are ways to keep the spark going in your relationship. One of the best ways to keep the flame alive is by getting creative with your date night experiences. If you’re used to going out to a restaurant or a movie theater, consider the following ideas you can do instead.
1. Drive-Thru Date
Think about all of the fast-food restaurants in your area that have a drive-thru section. Throughout the entire quarantine, fast food restaurants have remained open. Sure, you can’t dine in. However, you can still create an experience in your car. Drive to one that’s further than where you live. You can both opt to dress up in order to make it feel a little special. Dress to impress each other. Then, as you drive to your date, turn on some romantic music to set the mood. Once you all order your food, find a discreet place to park the car for an hour or two. Spread your food out in the car. Enjoy all the treats and conversation with one another. If there are any drive-in movies in your area, that’s another great way to have an awesome drive-in date.
2. Takeout and Board Games
If you miss restaurants, that’s totally normal and understandable. Thankfully, you don’t have to miss out completely. If your favorite restaurants are still open for curbside pick-up, order your favorite meals to enjoy at home. Instead of sitting in a restaurant, you can set up a picnic with your partner. Head to your backyard or create the ambiance in your living room with a blanket, a string of lights and more. Make it fun by including some of your favorite games. If you two love playing with cards, make it a night of card games. If you two love longer games like Taboo, Monopoly or Scrabble, enjoy those options.
3. Early Morning Walk
An early morning walk can be one of the most romantic ways to embrace the day with your partner. Before you take the morning walk, make your favorite beverage. Whether it’s a hot cup of coffee, an iced tea or a glass of water, pack it up in a to-go cup. As you step outside with your drinks, enjoy the fresh air. Though your neighborhood is a familiar sight, there’s nothing like being up before the rest of the world. Something about it is very refreshing. Enjoy the quiet nature of the world around you. Use this time to connect, talk about your daily horoscopes or encourage one another. During this time of quarantine, it’s very reassuring to have someone who’s on your team. That’s the main benefit of being in a relationship. When you can lean on each other in tough times, you’ll get to really see what you two are made of.
4. Cook-Off
Since you’re probably doing a lot more cooking than usual, use one of those cooking competition shows as your date night inspiration. If you have children, give them the chance to pick the items you use in order to make an entree. Once the meal is over, let them be the judges regarding who made the best meal. If you’d prefer to keep it between the two of you, you can judge each other’s finished product.
If you don’t love the idea of a competition, you can work together in order to create a delicious dessert or dish. Find a recipe that you both can agree upon. Whether it’s a beloved appetizer you two always order at a restaurant or an amazing gourmet pizza, be intentional with the process. Take lots of pictures, and remember that it’s all in fun.
Though there are many forecasters who predict a rise in divorce proceedings once the shelter-in-place orders are completely lifted, you and your partner don’t have to be in those numbers. Take it one day at a time. Find simple and unique ways to enjoy each other. Be intentional about implementing these date night ideas. As you prioritize each other, it’ll be easier to keep the flame going as you weather the pandemic together.
