One of the things I’ve missed most during quarantine is the ability to go out on dates with my spouse. Movies, plays, museums, concerts, art openings, restaurants, bars, sporting events … my husband and I have always prioritized doing things together. Yes, we have found some fun outdoor activities to do this year, but there’s something about being inside a nicely decorated room with outstanding food that I miss dearly. It can be challenging to reinvent date night in quarantine month after month!
As we approach Valentine’s Day, I’ve got a few ideas to help you kick your quarantine date nights up a notch. They’re organized around the five love languages so you can find one that will really make your partner feel the warm-and-fuzzies. Not sure what your or your partner’s love language is? Take this quiz!
Words of Affirmation: People with this love language want to hear they are loved. Use words to highlight what you appreciate about them — the more specific the better. Not a words person? Don’t give up just yet. Use these ideas to help you express your love in a way your partner will be most likely to hear and receive it:
Grab two stacks of post-it notes (each of you gets a different color) and take the time to write out twenty specific things you love about each other. Number the post-its then hide them all over the house. You can each take different rooms so there’s no peeking. Then search for the other person’s notes until you find them all. Finally, take time to read through the notes together one by one.
Think of five important places for your relationship (like the place you first met, your first date location, or your wedding venue). If you can, map out a route to visit them. When you get to a place, walk through your memories of that place together. Be sure to tell your partner something specific you remember from that time together that made you fall in love with them. Extra credit: Bring a picnic or your favorite snacks to enjoy along the way.
Quality Time: People with this love language are looking for your undivided attention. Being in the same room doing different activities or zoning out watching TV doesn't count; it needs to be focused time doing something together.
Go to a local state park for a winter hike. If there’s snow in your area, try out a new winter sport like snowshoeing, skiing, or cross-country skiing. Whether it’s learning a new skill or heading out on a relaxing walk, this time spent in nature is sure to bring you closer together.
Some restaurants are now offering kits that help you cook their specialties at home. You might even get to jump on Zoom with the chef live to walk you through the process. Make your evening extra special by gussying up your dining table with a tablecloth, nice napkins, and candles. Grab your favorite beverage, put on some relaxing music, and savor the fruits of your labor together. Once you finish eating, put on some high-energy music for a dance party as you do the dishes.
Acts of Service: For people with this love language, actions speak louder than words. Doing something that makes their life easier (especially without being asked!) goes a long way with this group.
Surprise your partner by cleaning the house (or getting any of their chores out of the way). Enjoy that new-found free time by setting off on a mini road trip to find the perfect place to watch the sunset. Bring their favorite dessert to savor together as you watch.
Take a day off work so you can spend a long weekend together finishing that DIY project they always want to work on but never seem to be able to get to. Celebrate finishing the project by making your partner dinner and doing the dishes.
Receiving Gifts: While often seen as materialistic, people with this love language are often focused less on the cost of the gift and more on the intention and thought behind it.
Make the most out of a lesser known holiday by surprising your spouse with a special, holiday-themed gift. Even better if your spouse wasn’t even aware of the holiday ... it’s a reminder that you are always thinking of them.
Spend time working on an art project to house some of your precious memories. You might make a collage out of your old movie ticket stubs or playbills, frame some of your wedding photos, or put together a scrapbook of special momentos. Make something together and share some of your favorite memories as you work on the project.
Physical Touch: I know what you’re thinking — but physical touch is about a whole lot more than sexual intimacy. It’s about making a tactile connection. Physical contact makes your partner feel safe and loved.
Spend some time researching together how to give each other a good and safe body massage. Maybe even invest in some massage oil and/or lotion. Then dim the lights, light some candles, put on some music, and put that research to work.
Bundle up and go to an outdoor ice skating rink. Hold each other close to help you keep your balance. Not living in a cold climate? Try rollerblading instead.
Have a favorite date night idea to share? Put it in the comments and help spread the love!