Date nights are vitally important for all couples, whether you’ve only recently got together, or you’ve been married for decades.
By taking time to nurture your relationship, you’ll help keep that spark alive and remind you of why you fell in love in the first place. In turn, this will help your relationship survive any tough times, allow you to disconnect from everyday life and reduce your overall stress levels.
As a sex and relationship therapist based in Ottawa, I’ve seen what can happen when you don’t invest in your relationship like this. That’s why I’ve gathered together a list of 10 exciting (pandemic-friendly) dating ideas to get you feeling inspired
1. Hang out at a drive-in theatre
Pretend it’s the old days and maximise that intimate feel by snuggling up close at your local drive-in theatre. Whether you’re a fan of movies, music, or theatre, you’ll find something to satisfy your unique tastes without needing to worry about social distancing. You can even take your own popcorn or sexy snack of choice. Check out places like The Drive in Experience and Port Elmsley for inspiration.
2. Explore a new cuisine
Spark the flames of excitement by trying new food on your next date night. By doing something slightly thrilling and ‘risky’, you’ll get those neurotransmitters flowing and bond more closely as a couple.
Why not look up a different restaurant than you’d usually go to, dress up and head to their patio space? Or if you’d prefer to stay at home, treat yourself to a unique takeout that will leave your tastebuds begging for more.
Support local and remember to tip whether you dine in or not!
3. Go for a hike
Hiking is an excellent way to get your heart pumping and to share new adventures with your partner. Even if you’re not an outdoorsy type, you can find beginner-friendly options that will get you stimulated and challenged.
4. Play tourist
Ever noticed how much sexier and more connected you feel to your partner when you’re on vacation? Turns out that you can get the same feeling without ever needing to catch an airplane. Pick up a copy of Lonely Planet or head to TripAdvisor and find which tourist attractions in your city visitors go crazy over. Then choose an afternoon or evening and explore. You’ll fall in love with your city and each other all over again!
5. Spice up your sex life
Just because you’ve been together for a while, that doesn’t mean you can’t feel that same sense of sexual anticipation or excitement. Why not spice things up a bit by switching locations, trying new positions, role play, or even keeping your clothes on despite the temperature going up? The only limit is your imagination.
6. Go fruit picking
If you find that everyday stress is taking its toll on your mood or your relationship, consider a fruit picking date. There’s nothing quite as romantic as strolling through orchards or fields of fruits, feeling a cool breeze on your skin, and nibbling on fresh produce plucked straight from the plant. Even if the seasons aren’t on your side, you can wrap up and go pumpkin picking in Ottawa instead.
7. Go skating
Love it or hate it, you can’t help but feel like you’re a teenager again when you strap on your roller skates or ice skates alongside your date and start to play.
In the summer months, you can head outside and explore the parks and streets or head to somewhere like the Ottawa Roller Derby. During the winter, there’s nowhere quite as romantic as ice skating on the Rideau Canal followed by warm and fragrant Beaver Tails.
8. Build a campfire
Reignite that lust and connection by having a campfire date night. You can cuddle up together, watch the stars and toast marshmallows as you disconnect from the ‘real’ world and share your hopes and dreams for the future. If the weather is too cold, you can recreate the same feeling by switching off your tech and building a roaring open fire inside instead. Can’t have a campfire on your property? Saunders Farm has you covered – they provide the fire, chairs, bathroom and even s’mores!
9. Take a wine tour
Indulge your adventurous side, get tipsy and prepare for some giggles by going for a couple’s wine tour date. Either head straight to a winery and start sipping or sign up for a wine tour with a group like Ottawa Tasting Tours. If you’d prefer to DIY it, why not buy a few bottles of varieties you’ve never tried and set up your own home wine tasting adventures.
10. Join a date club
To socialise with other like-minded people and take part in new fun activities such as axe throwing, salsa dancing and themed costume nights, why not join a date club such as We Are The Ducklings ? Meet ups are safe, friendly, and pressure-free and our members include singles and couples, straight, gay, and bi.
Summary
Why not spice up your relationship by trying one of these data ideas for couples today? Whether you choose to explore new cuisines, get active or join the dating club, you’ll be getting out of your comfort zone and giving your relationship the TLC it deserves.