Date nights allow couples to reconnect and strengthen their bond outside of married life's daily routines and responsibilities. This post will share three date night ideas for a happier marriage.
Pickleball
Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It is played on a smaller court with a solid paddle and a perforated plastic ball. The game’s easy-to-learn rules and adaptable gameplay, lends itself to a social and active experience, fostering community and friendly competition.
Full disclaimer: I am a pickleball fanatic. I play 6-10 hours a week. If you're just getting into it, I highly encourage you to invest in a high quality paddle. They are worth the money.
If you have yet to do so, consider reading our post Why to Include Other Couples on Date Nights. Happier people have strong social connections, and couples activities may just make us happiest of all.
Pickleball is experiencing a surge in popularity and is a great couple's activity. Join over 36 million people currently playing by finding a place to play near you: place2play.org.
Themed Dinner Night
A creative dinner date idea for married couples could be to have a themed dinner night at home. Here's a step-by-step guide to make it memorable:
Choose a theme
Select a theme that both you and your spouse would enjoy. It could be anything from a specific cuisine (Italian, Mexican, Japanese) to a movie-inspired theme (Harry Potter, Casablanca) or even a decade-themed dinner (1950s, 1980s).
Plan the menu
Create a menu that aligns with your chosen theme. Look up recipes online or in cookbooks to find dishes that fit the theme. Try to include appetizers, main courses, sides, and a dessert. You can even come up with creative names for each dish related to your theme.
Set the ambiance
Transform your dining area to match the theme. Decorate the table with appropriate tablecloths, centerpieces, and themed decorations. Play music that complements the atmosphere, such as traditional music from the chosen cuisine or soundtracks from the movie you selected.
Dress up
Encourage yourselves to dress up according to the theme. It adds to the fun and creates a more immersive experience. You can wear costumes, attire inspired by the chosen decade, or simply dress elegantly for a romantic evening.
Cook together
Get involved in the cooking process together. Prepare the meal as a team, taking turns and enjoying the process. It can be a great opportunity to bond and create lasting memories.
Enjoy the dinner
Sit down together, dim the lights, and savor the delicious meal you prepared. Engage in conversation, reminisce about the theme-related elements, and enjoy each other's company.
Optional extras
To make the evening even more special, you can add additional elements like playing games related to the theme, watching a movie afterwards, or even dancing to music from the chosen era.
Themed dinners can feel like a romantic excursion, or could be a fun way to get together with other couples and enjoy a festive dinner together.
Kayaking
A unique outdoor activity for an active middle-aged married couple could be embarking on a kayaking adventure. Find a nearby river, lake, or coastline to rent kayaks or bring your own. Spend the day paddling with other couples, exploring the waterways, and taking in the scenic views.
Click for an Interactive Kayak Map
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