But unfortunately, life is not all about going out and having fun – and 2020-2021 taught us that the hard way, didn’t it?

Now while all that pep talk about spending some quality time together sounds pleasing to the ears, when you’ve known each other since forever like my husband and me, the quality gets chucked out of the window, and all you have is time that you need to spend in each other’s company without trying to kill the other person (okay, the last bit was a bit of an exaggeration).

Long story short, passing time at home with your partner can sometimes be boring. Very boring. Even if you have a lifetime Netflix subscription.

However, it does not have to be that way.

The below listed 50+ creative ideas can truly spice up your time together and make you fall in love with each other a bit more, if such a thing is possible!

1. Start Your Very Own DIY Best-Out-Of-Waste Campaign

We all have tons of stuff in our homes that has either been discarded, or we’re unlikely to use again. Why not put it to some good use by looking up some DIY Best-Out-Of-Waste ideas and turning it into something pretty and useful.

Your bonding over the exercise will be the proverbial cherry on the cake!

2. Don your Chef’s Hat

When it comes to getting creative, what better place to start than in the kitchen!

The next time you feel bored, just unleash your inner Gordon Ramsay and get creative with whatever is available in your pantry.

3. Learn How to Solve the Rubik’s Cube

Ok, this one is for couples who love solving puzzles together.

But a fun fact first: Did you know that less than 5.8% of the world’s population can actually claim to solve the Rubik’s Cube! 

Now if you and your partner fall in that elite club, GREAT! You can still challenge each other with who finishes first.

If not, trying to figure out how to solve the Cube can be a fun and exciting way to spend time together (talking from experience here).

4. How About a Photoshoot Together?

At the time I got married, pre-wedding photoshoots were not a thing. So whenever I come across photos of soon-to-be-hitched couples posing coyly for the camera, I feel a slight pang of jealously.

If you’re anything like me, you would absolutely LOVE the idea of enjoying a photoshoot with your partner, and creating frame-worthy memories in the process.

5. Tend to your Green Babies

Gardening is a great way to not just relax your mind, but also to bond with each other. That feeling of watching a life grow and blossom that you both planted and nurtured together cannot be put into words.

6. Make a List of all the Places You Want to Travel

We all love to travel, so why not make a bucket list of all the places that both of you want to visit! When the conversation steers towards places like Iceland or Tahiti, it is bound to get super interesting and fun.

Here is a list of some mind-blowingly gorgeous places that everyone MUST visit in their lifetime.

7. Plan for Your Next Dream Vacation

Now while you are at it, just zero in on a particular place that you both are dying to visit and start planning for it. You wouldn’t even notice the time fly by as you start talking about what local attractions you’d love to see, what is the right time to travel, what clothes you’d need, or how much money you’d need to set aside.

A word of caution: the last one has a way of putting a damper on your spirits.

8. Role-Playing is Super Fun

Is there a movie that both of you love? Then why not indulge in some role-playing? You both can choose the characters you want to play and then act out your favorite scenes from the movie. Trust me, this is super fun!

Pro Tip: Let your imagination run wild and improvise the dialogs a bit to put your partner in a spot. It would be extremely fun to see how they react to the change in dialog.

For some extra fun, you can also choose to dress up as the character you’re playing.

9. Indulge in a Luxurious Home Spa

Let’s admit this – most of us have neither the time nor the extra cash to indulge in salon spas every now and then. So it is a great idea to fake the whole thing – right in the comfort and privacy of your own bathroom.

Or better still, why not get a bit creative, and turn your safe haven into an Airbnb for a night?

Please note that planning for this special getaway will go a long way in making it a memorable experience for both of you. So don’t forget to stock up on some scented candles, massage oils, and bath bombs.

10. Bring That Outdoor Picnic Home

Who said that you have to head to the nearest park or the beach for a fun picnic? You can bring all that picnic fun right into your backyard – all you need is a blanket, some throw pillows, snacks and drinks, and your someone special.

To add a cozy touch to your backyard picnic, you can choose to decorate your backyard with soft lights.

11. Rearrange Your Cupboards Together

I know this one does not sound like much fun, but it can be a fantastic way to kill boredom.

Rearranging your cupboards together will not just help you get rid of the extra stuff that you no longer need (and give your cupboards some breathing space), it can also throw up wonderful surprises like a long-forgotten souvenir or a cute photograph that will take you guys down the memory lane.

12. A Cozy, Candle-Light Dinner is Always a Great Idea

Let me guess – some nights, both of you have your dinner (mostly take-away or reheated leftovers) plopped on the sofa or table in front of the television.

If my guess is correct, you are not alone – this is what a lot of us do!

But every once in a while, it feels great to break the monotony and create a fancy, restaurant-like experience right at home.

So just take out that table cloth, some scented candles, your fine chinaware, and get ready to woo your partner with a romantic, candle-light dinner with soft music playing in the background.

Oh, and don’t forget to dress appropriately for the occasion.

13. Create Videos of Special Memories

I’m sure all of us have pictures of special moments stored away somewhere. It is time to get those out!

There are tons of apps available both on Google and Apple Play Stores that allow you to create wonderful videos using your favorite pictures. You can edit each image, add text, insert some background music, and even add effects to the photos.

And you don’t even need any special skills to do all of this. VivaVideo and InShot are two awesome apps that you can use to make lovely videos of your special moments.

14. Fun Workouts are Great Way to Bond

There are studies that prove that working out with a partner is better and more beneficial. So when you have too much extra time on your hands, just grab your partner and get your bodies moving by trying out some fun, innovative workouts.

If you need some ideas, head here.

15. Enjoy an Intimate Massage Session

Bring out those essential oils and aromatic candles, and give each other a long, relaxing massage. This can be particularly fun on weekends when all you need to do is relax and unwind.

The only glitch with this idea is that if your partner is anything like my husband, there are high chances they will doze off while enjoying the massage, leaving you waiting endlessly for your turn. *eye roll*

16. Truth or Dare

Yes, both of you live under the same roof, sleep on the same bed, use the same bathroom – but when was the last time you really talked to each other? Like, some serious heart-to-heart stuff?

Struggling to remember?

Well, I seriously suggest you guys to play a game like Truth or Dare, or maybe Never Have I Ever. You’d be surprised at all the new things you’ll learn about each other, and the conversation might keep flowing all through the night! Just cater the questions to your tastes.

17. Get Creative with Your Dance Moves

It is said that when you’re feeling bored, dance like no one’s watching.

With apps like TikTok that bring some amazing viral dance routines to your smartphone, you can have loads of fun with your partner trying out some cool, funky moves – even if you have two left feet!

18. Have a Pillow Fight

Just like you did when you were kids (perhaps not with each other, but you get the idea, right?)

I can’t begin to describe how much fun it is when you raise your fluffy pillows high and charge at each other like warriors – only there are no war cries but shrieks of laughter that can ring so loud that your neighbors will wonder what you guys are up to!

19. Play Treasure Hunt

This is another fun game from your childhood that you can add some spice to in order to make it more fun for you and your partner.

You can personalize the clues by writing something like ‘Where we shared our first kiss’ instead of ‘On the living room couch’, and even consider leaving small gifts along with the clues.

20. Write a Love Letter for Your Partner

No amount of text messages, emails, or e-cards can replace the charm of a letter that has been handwritten with love by your partner, especially for you.

So it is a great idea to bring out that long-forgotten letter pad and get started. Let your partner know how much they mean to you; write down what it is that still makes you fall crazily in love with them.

You can even take this opportunity to say sorry for something that you did and never apologized for. And don’t blame me if one, or both of you, end up teary-eyed after reading each other’s heartfelt notes!

21. Create Your Personalized Playlist

Every couple has a few songs that remind them of some special moments that they’ve shared over the years. Music, as it is, is incredibly romantic. So when you get down to creating your very own personalized playlist, you’re sure to relive a lot of those memories and get all mushy and cuddly.

22. Online Relationship Tests can be Fun Too

There are tons of online relationship tests on the internet that tell you everything from what kind of couple you are to how well you know each other.

You can take those tests for some giggles and laughs – just don’t get too serious about the results!

23. Watch Some Stand-Up Comedy

Probably the best way to brighten up your day (or night) is to laugh heartily. And with so many classic, rib-ticklingly funny stand-up comedy acts on YouTube, HBO, Netflix, and Amazon Prime, you can enjoy your daily dose of laughter with your partner whenever you want.

24. Ring up Your Partner’s Family

Bonding with each other is fine, but bonding with each other’s family is also pretty cool.

Most of us don’t realize this, but when we make an effort to get along with our partner’s family, or people that they’re close to, it really makes our someone special feel even more special.

So the next time you feel you’ve run out of ideas of things to do together, just give each other’s family a call. Believe me, you’ll have a great time later on discussing all the things that you talked about over the phone.

25. Draw Each Other

It may look deceptively simple, but once you get down to drawing one another, you’ll probably understand how poor your artistic skills are!

But all the giggles and laughs that are sure to follow will make it worth the effort.

26. Explore Interesting Destinations Online

There are so many travel vlogs uploaded on YouTube for almost every worth visiting place on the planet. If both of you are travel enthusiasts, you’d have loads of fun exploring interesting locations – right from the picturesque beaches of the Maldives to the breathtakingly gorgeous Himalayas.

27. Bring Out Your Childhood Photo Albums

This one is going to be super fun! On days you’ve run out of ideas to keep yourselves entertained, just bring out your childhood photo albums. Those pictures have the power to make you go from ‘awww…’ to ‘What was I (or mom) thinking?’ in a matter of seconds!

When you share those sometimes-funny-sometimes-embarrassing memories with your partner, you’ll just double the fun.

28. Turn Interior Decorators

What better way to spend some quality time together than by deciding to jazz up the space that both of you call home! If the thought of redecorating the entire place seems too daunting, you can start with a single room that you’ve been thinking of redoing for a while.

For some amazing DIY room décor ideas, you can head here. You can also find loads of fun and budget-friendly room décor ideas on Pinterest.

29. Learn a New Language Virtually

In this highly globalized world, the more languages you know, the better it is. Learning a new language with your partner or spouse has its own perks – you both bond beautifully as you learn new things, make mistakes, and encourage one another along the way.

An added bonus: Both of you will learn a new way of saying I Love You, and also a secret way of saying stuff when other people are around (just make sure those other people don’t already know the language!).

30. Binge-watch Your Favorite Shows on Netflix

For all of those who’re going ‘But that is all that we do together, anyway!’ – this one is with a twist! A little bit of planning before you embark on your binge-watching spree goes a long way towards making the whole experience much more enjoyable.

So before you plop down on the couch and switch on the TV, get hold of some pop-corn and fizzy drinks, dim the lights, and grab some extra cushions for extra-comfort. Oh, and getting a bit cuddly and cozy is highly recommended too!

31. Karaoke Night

Singing can be a great stress reliever, especially after a long day at work. So if you’re both a little tired and don’t feel like putting in some extra effort, but are looking to have a little fun nevertheless, having a karaoke night at home is an awesome idea.

It is sure to lift up your spirits and maybe, just maybe, you’ll end up singing and dancing the night away!

32. Time for Some Relationship Questions

To break the monotony of everyday life, and to understand your partner at a much deeper level, it is a great idea to ask them some thoughtful questions about your love life.

This simple activity will not just strengthen your bond, but it will also bring back that spark into your lives.

33. Host a Virtual Zoom Party for Friends

While it may not compare to meeting your friends in person, hosting a virtual Zoom party can be super fun, nevertheless.

So avail this opportunity to showcase how innovative you and your partner are, and get ready to entertain your friends by making them play these fantastic fun games.

34. Video Call Your Partner (From a Different Room, of course!)

Okay, this one is a little pretend-game. You have to pretend that you and your boo are miles apart (although you might be sitting in adjacent rooms), and video call each other. You’d be surprised at how difficult it would be to suppress those coy smiles and giddy laughter, and how beautifully the conversation will flow.

As they say, distance makes the heart grow fonder…

35. Plan a Detox Day

Indulging in activities with your partner that promote mindfulness can be extremely relaxing and refreshing. You can plan a detox day wherein you guys practice meditation, perform yoga asanas, drink veggie smoothies/herbal teas, eat salads, and practice mindfulness exercises.

I can promise that you’ll feel completely rejuvenated and ready to take on the world the next day.

36. How About Some Stargazing?

Two people lying on their backs in their backyard, lovingly holding hands, gazing up at the star studded sky, a faint smile gracing their lips – sounds super romantic, does it not?

All you need is a plush mattress, comforters, and some pillows (or simply a sleeping bag or blanket), and both of you can enjoy a romantic stargazing session right in your backyard. Falling asleep under the stars with your significant other is a beautiful experience that you’re sure to cherish for years to come.

37. Play Charades

Whenever you’re having a dull time, just go for a game of Charades. This is a classic game that NEVER fails to entertain, whether you’re having a party at home, or whether it is just the two of you.

It is also an excellent way to ascertain how great an actor you are (or not).

38. Water Balloon Fights are SO MUCH FUN!

People keep telling you to keep your inner child alive – and this fun activity with your partner will help you do just that.

The next weekend you two have way too much time on your hands and no idea what to do, go for a water balloon fight in your backyard. With all that running, shouting, and hysterical laughing, you’re sure to have a whale of a time!

Just look for environmentally friendly water balloons (or alternatives) and dispose of them properly afterwards.

39. Create a Scrapbook of Your Memories

All of us love to enjoy beautiful experiences with our loved ones, but when it comes to documenting those memories, we often get too lazy to give it much thought.

Creating a scrapbook for all those lovely moments – whether they are cute pictures of your last vacation, airplane tickets from your honeymoon, or some small souvenirs that you’ve collected over time – is a fantastic idea to take a trip down the memory lane and relive those memories.

Here are some wonderful ideas that can help you create a magnificent scrapbook.

40. Enjoy a Dessert Night

I have huge sweet tooth, and so does my hubby dearest, so this is something that we do way too often for our own good. We order an assortment of desserts from our favorite hangouts, and then just give in to our sweet cravings.

Just to make things a little more spicy, I blindfold my husband and then ask him to guess what dessert I’m feeding him. The right answer earns him a kiss, and a wrong one…well, another kiss (it’s a dessert night, after all)!

41. Play Board Games

Bring out your competitive side and play some fun two-player board games with your sweetheart. For a more relaxed environment (in case you two get a tad too competitive), you can get some snacks to binge on while playing.

Also, it is advisable to keep your phones away for minimal distraction.

42. Understand Your Sun Signs

Yes, you both know almost everything about each other. Still, doing each other’s birth charts and looking up on the Internet what exactly your sun, moon and rising signs mean can be a lot of fun.

This interesting activity might also reveal how compatible both of you are, though how seriously you want to take it depends only on you!

43. Co-blogging is Fun Too

Creating a blog is super easy these days with platforms like WordPress that are extremely user-friendly. Just think of a topic that both of you are passionate about and blog away!

You’ll soon discover that when you both work as a team, the outcome can be pretty mindblowing.

44. Do Each Other’s Make-Up

This might sound a bit crazy, but it is sure to trigger a laugh riot. The partner whose make-up is getting done is only allowed to see the mirror once they are fully ready.

A word of caution though: If you’re not too sure of your partner’s mascara-applying skills, it is best to avoid using that thing. I learned this the hard way.

45. Paint Away

Painting can be deeply cathartic and relaxing, and is a perfect way to spend time together. Just order in the supplies that you’ll need, and pick a room that can do with a fresh paint on the walls. Once everything is set, bring out your inner artist and get as creative as you want.

Pinterest has some great ideas when it comes to giving your room a makeover with fresh paint.

46. Turn to the Books

Books are my refuge whenever I wish to run from reality, and immerse myself in a world of fantasy where there are no deadlines to be met, no angry boss breathing down my neck, and no worries about what to cook for dinner.

My husband, however, is not as passionate about reading – but we still do plan book dates where we end up listening to audiobooks on relationships, travel, food, and occasionally fiction too.

The riveting discussions that follow these reading, or rather listening, sessions help us connect with each other on a much deeper level.

47. Give Each Other a YouTube Challenge

YouTube challenges are all the rage these days, so why should you guys be left behind?

These challenges can range from pretty cool and fun to downright bizarre, so it is best to choose them wisely – unless of course, the thought of ingesting Ghost Pepper excites you (yes, there is a challenge that requires challengers to chow down one of the hottest peppers on the planet!).

48. Fix Broken Stuff

Let’s admit this – every home has some stuff that needs fixing, but either you are too busy or too lazy to do them.

I know it does not sound like too much fun, but when both of you get together to fix all that broken stuff in your home, you’ll not even realize how quickly the time will pass. And the sense of accomplishment that you’ll get later on will be incredible.

49. Take Turns at Giving Friends Prank Calls

Sometimes, it is okay to rewind time and get back to being teenagers! You can take turns at giving prank calls to your mutual friends, and if they guess who you are, you lose.

It is advisable to keep it fun and light though – you don’t want your friends to call the police because they actually believe that their neighbor’s got kidnapped!

50. Help Those in Need

Last, but definitely not the least, you can choose to take some time out to help those who are less fortunate than you.

It is a good idea to look up charities on the Internet that are working for a cause that is close to your hearts. You can offer them your support, either through volunteering or financial help, and do your bit to make this world a better place to live in.

To Sum Up…

So you see, there are tons of exciting things you can do with your someone special without having to step outdoors at all.

These unique ideas will not just bring back that spark into your relationship, they might also a reveal a new side to your partner that you probably weren’t aware of before (and I mean this in a good way!).

So what are you waiting for? Try out some of these idea with your boo, and let us know in the comments below how the entire experience was! Also, what’s your favorite thing to do when bored at home?

And when you are ready to go on a date out of the house, check out all of our date ideas.

If you enjoyed this article, please share on social media using the buttons below and sign-up for our newsletter to receive advice straight in your inbox.

Being a part of a relationship that is steadily growing and being tended to is one of the most satisfying human experiences. By living mindfully and putting in the intentional time, thought, practice, and energy into building relationships, we can achieve that satisfaction. There are endless things to do to strengthen your marriage or relationship. Choosing approaches that best fit your relationship goals will ensure the growth your partner and you are seeking and working towards.

Why Reading Together Brings You Closer

Reading together as a couple can be an extremely positive relationship-building tool. We’re going to examine three unexpected reasons reading together can be your new relationship obsession and how you can get the most from your experiences reading together.

For the purpose of what we’re discussing today, what you’re reading together is up to you! This is not intended to be geared towards reading relationship or self-help books. These tips are geared towards reading whatever you choose as a couple. This could be novels, biographies, non-fiction, magazines, newspapers, scriptures – whatever works for YOUR relationship!

Reason One: Reading Together Creates Topics for Conversation

While silence can be golden at times, other times you may find a lull in your conversations with your partner even though you’d like the engagement. Choosing a book or article to read together creates a natural variety of topics to discuss as a partnership. Nothing is off-limits or “wrong” here. Maybe reading created a new train of thought completely unrelated to the book. That train of thought is still worth discussing with your partner.

Let’s examine what some conversation topics based on your reading can be. For this example, we’ll say that you’ve chosen to read a novel together. Here are some topics of conversation you can have as a couple based on what you’re reading.

1. Plotline – Starting your conversation by discussing the plotline will most likely end up with multiple branches of conversation flowing naturally.
2. Characters – What do you like and dislike about the characters? What qualities do you admire in some of them? Are there any similarities between any of the characters and your partner or you?
3. Lessons learned – What are your takeaways from the experiences in the story? How do they apply to your life? Do you agree or disagree with what the story may be teaching?

Reason Two: Reading Together Can Help You Connect in An Intellectual Way

In relationships, we often fall into patterns, we create habits, and we repeat cycles. This isn’t intended to be a negative observation. People are drawn to consistency for many reasons, but when we want to experience a surge of growth in our relationships, a unique experience needs to occur to initiate that surge. Reading together can be that spark.

When we choose to commit to our partner, it’s not because we know EVERYTHING there is to know about them. It’s more because we are intrigued by learning more about what makes them, well, them. Connecting on an intellectual level is one way to explore and experience our partner in new ways. Reading together can pull out our partner’s intellectual characteristics while simultaneously pulling out our own.

When we read, we are stimulating our thoughts. When we observe and discuss our thoughts, we are stimulating our minds even more. Doing this together can be a very connecting experience. Engaging in conversations beyond the plot of a story can open critical thinking pathways that you usually don’t explore together.

Gaining an understanding of how your partner gets from point A, to point B, to point C, and so-on in a thought process can help you understand your partner more profoundly. Regularly engaging in these conversations can help you establish patterns in the way your partner thinks and perceives the world; therefore, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of your partner.

You don’t have to agree on your thoughts and observations about what you’re reading. In fact, disagreements over opinions can spur great intellectual conversations that can also lead to a sense of closeness. After all, part of relationships is learning how to disagree effectively.

According to Psychology Today, there is even scientific research behind being attracted to intellectual experiences. So when your husband is analytically conversing with you about his thoughts on what you’re reading, you may find that really sexy. Or when your girlfriend is explaining how something she read has enlightened her in a new way, she may be especially hot to you during that moment. It’s normal. And it’s another benefit of reading together

Reason Three: Reading Together Creates an Interpersonal Experience

When you read together, you’re sharing something that’s just “yours.” Chances of your friends or family reading the exact same media at the same time as you are pretty low. Having an experience that is personal to the two of you creates a bond. It’s almost like a “secret” between the two of you, even though it’s something that does not require being secretive. It feels special to engage in an activity that the two of you have decided to participate in together.

My Experience

I had a desire to write on this topic because of the many positive experiences I’ve had reading with my partner. At the beginning of our relationship, we read The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. For us, we read independently and then discuss what we read together. Some couples may choose to read aloud to each other, and that would work great too!

Reading this particular book was a very personal experience for us. The main theme and lessons we learned from this book are based on the concept of what love is. At least that’s what we pulled from the pages when we read it! I say it was about love because that’s what we wanted it to be about, but I’m positive there are other amazing themes in there as well. In fact, I’ve been itching to read it again to see what I missed the first time.

When we discussed our reading almost daily, our conversation centered on the author’s perceptions of love and how we related them to our relationship. The characteristics of how the author viewed loved were very similar to our own views. It felt reassuring to feel love in our relationship as described in the book, and it felt encouraging to continue on our path to understanding love more deeply.

Reading that particular book together created an intimate experience that I still treasure. We talk fondly of our conversations about the first book we read together. I am absolutely sure of the deeper connection I felt with my partner after completing the book and our conversations on it that have never ended. Thoughts still arise over a year later that are centered on what we learned from those pages.

Have you read together as a couple? What have been your most favorite reads? Leave a comment below and share your tips with our community! If you enjoyed this article, please share on social media using the buttons below and sign-up for our newsletter to receive advice straight in your inbox.

Often, especially as parents with young kids, it’s easy to feel disconnected from or a little “off” with your partner. Maybe you’ve had a long and stressful work week. Maybe the kids have been extra clingy, and you’ve failed to have alone time together for a while. Maybe one of you has been sick. Whatever the reason, you’re feeling that deep NEED to spend some one-on-one intentional quality time with your partner. And if you can’t find a sitter or paying for one is not in the budget for those little precious loves of yours (AKA: the kids), don’t let that stop you from dating your partner!

Your Date At Home

When your mind, body, and heart are telling you that you need some attention and TLC with your companion, don’t let anything get in the way of making it happen. Let’s chat today about how to date at home when getting out of the house just isn’t in the cards.

The Setup

As with any date, planning is essential in making this particular date successful. We all know that busy parents rarely get to the “Optional” part of their “To-Do List.” First and foremost, make your date at home the priority. Pick a night that you’re going to have your date. Try and choose a night that is not preceded by a packed full day on the calendar. Make the commitment to each other to make it happen.

You can even get the kids involved by talking about your date with them through the week. “Mommy and Daddy can’t wait for Friday night. We have a special night planned for everyone!” Or “Daddy and Papa are looking forward to Saturday. We’re going to have a date right here at home! And we’re probably going to kiss!” When we’re playful with our kids, and they feel more involved in the planning, they’re more prepared to go along with the night!

What To Do With the Kids During Your Date at Home

Since we’re on the subject, let’s talk about what the kids will be doing during your date! You have a couple of options, and either will work. The first is to plan your date during bedtime. If your kids are on a great schedule and you know that they will be in bed at 8 pm, then plan your date for after bedtime.

The second option is to plan a special night for the kids so they are entertained during your date. The easiest and most dependable option here is to plan a movie night. If you do it right, you’ll get close to two hours for your date! Once again, get the kids involved in the planning.

The more involved they are planning their night, the more invested they will be in enjoying it. Pick a movie earlier in the week. Talk about it daily. Build it up! Pick up some of their favorite movie candy at the store. Set up a comfy area to enjoy the movie from. Maybe even let them have popcorn, even if you usually have a “no food on the couch” rule. Helping them feel like it’s an extra special experience will help keep them invested in their experience.

Date at Home Ideas

1. Charcuterie board and game night – This is about trying new foods, using your creativity to create an easy to enjoy and visually pleasing meal, and experiencing the competition or laughter of a game. Some quick, easy, and great games to play as a couple are Sequence, MasterMind, Ticket to Ride, Chess, or Qwirkle.
2. Go to the game! – Plan your date around a sports event you want to watch together. Try to match your experience with what you would do if you were in the arena or ball-field. Enjoy hotdogs, popcorn, soda or your favorite draft beer, icecream, etc. Don’t forget to wear your jerseys to support your favorite team!
3. Back yard date – Set up your yard for an evening of fun. Grill together. Play cornhole or frisbee while the food cooks. Start a fire and cozy up together with a glass of wine or sparkling grape juice. Use what you have available in your yard to set up your own personal and unique date.
4. Pamper each other – Plan to give each other massages. Pick up a new body oil or lotion to use to make it feel a little more special. Put on some music and light a few candles to really create a relaxing environment. The massage could be a foot rub, a full-body massage, a shoulders and neck massage – whatever you’re needing and wanting from this date! Ask your partner in advance and make a plan so you both have something to look forward to as well.

Your Date at Home

Once you have the kids settled, it’s time for your date! The more you have prepared in advance of the date, the easier it will be to take advantage of the time you have sans kids. If you’re going to eat, cook dinner before so you can sit down and get into your date right away. If you’re going to have a more romantic night, set out the candles and anything else you need. Take the time to get yourself dressed and “done up” before your date starts. Doing everything you normally do before a date out will help assist in making this experience a fantastic date, too!

We know it’s not easy to “turn off” parent-mode, especially when the kids are in the next room over, but just try it out for this date! Interruptions may happen, but if you’re committed to taking advantage of any time you’ve made together, you’re going to feel some positive outcomes in your relationship!

Whatever you’ve chosen to do for your date, there is always one goal to keep in mind. The purpose of dating is to grow your relationship. You’re nurturing it, tending to it, and helping it flourish. One of the best ways to grow your relationship is to be intentional during your time together. What this really means is no matter what your date is, your focus is on being present. Soak in each moment. Notice what you’re thinking and feeling. Be aware of how you’re choosing to share your love with your partner. Acknowledge how your partner is choosing to share their love with you. Take advantage of every second together.

Being intentional has the intense ability to heighten your experiences during your date so much! Being intentional also takes so much practice. As you’re on your date, make a conscious effort to notice your patterns of thoughts and actions. Always remember, it’s a gift to yourself to be able to share your love with your partner. And it’s your partner’s gift to share their love with you.

How did your date at home go? What worked well for you? What would you do differently next time? Leave a comment and share with our community! And sign-up for our newsletter to receive advice straight in your inbox.

A Perfect Movie Date Night at Home and Ideas to Keep the Date Going

When it’s cold outside, there’s nothing quite like the coziness of snuggling under a blanket with someone who inspires warmer feelings. Add hot chocolate, and you’ve got almost all the makings for the perfect evening in.

Let your television take you on a time-traveling journey this winter. These movies—one for each decade since Hollywood began—will fill your season with love and laughter. Whether you’re celebrating yet another anniversary as a couple or just getting to know one another, plan an evening around one of these romantic comedies, several of which make the American Film Institute’s list of top ten rom coms.

You can sit back and relax or use the films as jumping-off points for the creative winter dates listed below. Either way, you may find that it’s not just the on-screen romance that blooms…

All of these movies are available to rent or buy on iTunes and Amazon Prime, and most of them are also available through other on-demand platforms. You can also watch some through subscription streaming services, which are noted below.

1920s

Safety Last (1923)

HBO Max

One of the first romantic comedies on film, Safety Last is a silent movie that follows the antics of Harold Lloyd. Lloyd plays the male lead as he heads off to the big city, leaving his hometown and girlfriend behind. He wants to be able to support a family before he has his girlfriend join him.

Lloyd’s determination to “make good” leads to one of the iconic images of early cinema: Lloyd holding on to a clock hand and dangling from the top of a tall building.

Date Idea:

Take a cue (card) from the silent film. Try making a meal together, collaborating without making a single sound. It’s harder than you think!

1930s

It Happened One Night (1934)

If you like road trips or odd couples, this one’s for you! Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert star in this vintage romantic comedy about a runaway heiress and a reporter.

You’ll never think about the walls of Jericho the same way again…assuming, of course, that you ever thought about the walls of Jericho to begin with.

Date Idea:

The film’s most iconic image involves a hotel room split down the center by a blanket, which raises the question: are you ever really too old for a blanket fort? Camp out in your living room…literally. Make a fort, grab your sleeping bag, or build the perfect nest on your couch.

1940s

Adam’s Rib (1946)

For a chemistry-driven romantic comedy, look no further than Adam’s Rib, which pairs Spencer Tracy with Katharine Hepburn. The two play married lawyers who oppose one another in court. The screen crackles with the energy between this real-life couple.

Date Idea:

Make it a Tracy-Hepburn double feature. Pair it with one of their other films. Woman of the Year, their first together, is always a good choice. You can watch the actors fall in love alongside their fictional counterparts.

1950s

Some Like It Hot (1959)

Tubi and Pluto TV

Admittedly more comedy than romance, Some Like It Hot consistently appears on critics’ lists of favorites for a reason. And that reason is Jack Lemmon. (Okay, fine. Tony Curtis and Marilyn Monroe are good, too.) He and Curtis play musicians who disguise themselves in order to hide in an all-girls band after they witness a mob hit.

One warning: if your partner fails to crack a smile, they may be missing a sense of humor. But then, as the movie’s final line states, “nobody’s perfect.”

Date Idea:

No one does glamor like Marilyn did. You may be watching the movie at home, but glam up the experience with fancy clothes and champagne (or sparkling cider).

1960s

How to Steal a Million (1966)

Audrey Hepburn and Peter O’Toole are enchanting in this caper film that revolves around art thieves who fall in love. Misunderstandings and mistaken identities abound as Hepburn convinces O’Toole to help her steal a small statue from a museum.

Date Idea:

You don’t need to commit a felony to take on a challenge together. After the movie, work together on anything from a jigsaw to a scavenger hunt to an online escape room.

1970s

Grease (1978)

This list needed at least one musical, and Grease is the word. (“It’s got groove, it’s got meaning.”) Go back to high school with Sandy and Danny and just try not to sing along with all your favorite songs.

Date Idea:

Try setting up your own home drive-in movie theater just like the one you’ll see in the movie. You can wait until summer, or cuddle up under some blankets and watch from the warmth of your car.

1980s

When Harry Met Sally (1989)

HBO Max

This rom com has more to offer than its most famous scene (the one where Meg Ryan fakes an orgasm in a café). The ultimate best-friends-to-lovers movie, When Harry Met Sally is a story of people falling in love while living in denial.

Date Idea:

It’s the perfect movie for a double date or just a group of friends. And after it’s over, play some Pictionary. Let’s hope you do better than Sally…although the hilarity of “Baby Fish-Mouth” might be worth the loss.

1990s

As Good as It Gets (1997)

Amazon Prime

Jack Nicholson and Helen Hunt face plenty of challenges in this romantic comedy, which tackles subjects like homophobia, chronic illness, and obsessive-compulsive disorder with heart and humor. Ultimately uplifting, the movie proves that if this is “as good as it gets,” it gets pretty darn good.

Date Idea:

Get real with each other. Use the movie as a vehicle to lead into a conversation about tough choices and situations you’ve handled in your own lives, independently or together.

2000s

Love and Basketball (2000)

Hulu

Writer-director Gina Prince-Blythewood set out to write When Harry Met Sally but with a more diverse cast. The result: a cult-favorite romance that tells the story of best friends, lovers, and athletes…and treats the women’s pro-sports dreams every bit as seriously as the men’s.

It’s a movie that expertly balances personal empowerment with love and partnership. You don’t have to like basketball to love this movie or to be inspired by its main characters.

Date Idea:

Play a little one-on-one like they do in the film. It doesn’t have to be hoops. Pick a game you both enjoy, and indulge in some healthy competition.

2010s

Love, Simon (2018)

Hulu and Sling

A queer coming-of-age romance that chooses comedy over angst and treats its protagonist’s journey as fundamentally normal. It’s Sixteen Candles for a new era (and without the racism that mars the John Hughes film). Simon falls in love as he and a mysterious stranger write to one another online.

Love is love, teenagers are teenagers, and high school can be heaven or hell. And Love, Simon is a sheer delight.

Date Idea:

Write one another letters to be opened after the date. These should be getting-to-know-you letters—even if you already know one another well. Tell stories, express opinions, or ask questions that you think will help the two of you know one another (even) better.

2020s

Emma (2020)

HBO Max, Hulu, and Amazon Prime

What’s old is new again! A movie that enchants even the most critical Austen fan, Emma never glosses over its heroine’s faults. The spoiled heiress has to learn humility and kindness—not before being loved but before accepting it.

It’s the best Jane Austen movie since, well, Clueless, the nineties adaptation that put Emma in high school and called her Cher (which is also worth watching).

Date Idea:

Forget popcorn. When you’re watching an Austen adaptation, you need to elevate your fare. Have a little English tea with your movie. Don’t forget the scones (or cucumber sandwiches or other teatime treats)!

With one hundred years of romantic comedy at your disposal, you’ll find the long, dark nights a blessing in disguise. You may even find time to revisit old favorites. So comment below and tell us: what’s your favorite rom com?