Someone once wisely said to me that date nights are less expensive than marriage counseling. When you have time to regularly connect with your spouse to have fun, you prevent the arctic chill from settling between you. You get to laugh together, hold hands, and look forward to being together. So if date nights are so great, why don’t we go on them more often? 

My husband James is a realtor and a pastor. I am a speaker and an author. We eat breakfast and dinner on most days together. We both spend many hours working from home, seeing each other throughout the day. Date nights don’t feel like a necessity. When I ask James at the end of the day, “How was work?” I kind of know the answer already. He’s heard my updates throughout the day too. Frankly, date night isn’t filed under urgent.  

But I know in my heart, date nights are important. Couples thrive when the calendar is filled with events that make you say “I can hardly wait!” It doesn’t have to be expensive in order to be memorable or meaningful. Here are 10 great dates under $25 to help you plan your next date. Choose one and write out an invitation. Leave it under your spouse’s pillow.

1. Our room is one of the most romantic places for us to be. Let’s order food to go and stay in our bedroom all night.

2. Let’s take a spin to our old apartment and reminisce about our newlywed days.

3. Scavenger Hunt: We’ll each think of 5 random things to be found at the park or shopping center. We have to take a picture of us with the item.

4. Let’s research massage techniques and try them out on each other.

5. A night in — let’s rent a movie — your choice. Guy flicks are fine. We’ll start early!

6. Let’s plan and prepare a romantic dinner for 2, and eat out on the patio.

7. Spring time date: Let’s go to Home Depot, choose some flowers to plant, and have a hotdog. Let’s create something beautiful together.

8. Let’s take a new hike in a new location.

9. Barnes & Noble Night!

10. Remember our Java days? Let’s find a coffeehouse we rarely frequent and talk about the past and the future.

Remember dating is cheaper than counseling, so don’t be afraid to spend a few bucks to connect with your spouse regularly. Whether it’s once a week or once a month, pick a date on the calendar and have a blast!     

 

Arlene Pellicane is author of 31 Days to Becoming a Happy Wife.  Find more resources at www.ArlenePellicane.com or contact her via Twitter (@arlenepellicane).