Date Night Guide

This story was originally created for The Gottman Institute Blog and has been republished here with permission. When my kids were younger, one of our favorite summer activities was to have leaf races in the rushing streams near our North Carolina summer rental. We’d strategically drop our leaves in the wider section of the stream, where the water drifted sluggishly, and excitedly watch them pick up pace as the brook bed narrowed and our leaf boats rushed through a collection of rocks.

Every love story is different, and every  “I do” celebration different. Some couples prefer a major event inclusive of friends and family while others desire to go down a quieter, more intimate path with elopement. Las Vegas is, of course, known for its many little white wedding chapels, but that scene may not be ideal for all eloping lovebirds.

By Tasha Harrison Owner/Event Director, Everlasting Events If you’re like most working adults, a day at the spa with someone you love is fabulous but hard to come by. We lead busy lives most of the time, likely not giving enough time to rest, relax and rejuvenate. Even if you make the time, a day at the spa for two people will set you back hundreds of dollars…. or so you thought.

As the holiday season wraps and the New Year begins, about 50 percent of the U.S. population sets a New Year’s resolution. But by Valentine’s Day, the vast majority calls it quits on these promises. How can you succeed? Making New Year’s resolutions collectively with your partner can help you commit to both the resolution and, more importantly, each other. Here are eleven New Year’s resolutions for couples aimed to strengthen the relationship! Together, resolve to: 1.

There’s the family you’re born into and the family you choose. Close friends become our second family and, because of this special bond, we often want to celebrate the holidays together. And this type of celebration is legit! “Friendsgiving” is typically held on the Saturday before Thanksgiving but you could host a festive gathering anytime during the holiday season.

If you’re looking for ways to bond in the hours leading up to the ball drop, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite ways to make New Year’s Eve for two extra special. From cocktails to countdowns, resolutions to reservations and fondue to foreplay, we’ve got something for all couples. No matter how you spend your hours counting down to midnight, do it together and topped with a kiss! 1.

As Mark Twain once wrote, “Throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor, catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” For an unforgettable date outing, take the advice of Mr. Twain and step on deck of a sailboat to enjoy a few hours or days riding the waves with the breeze caressing your face. The beauty of marine life will give you a feeling of freedom, calm and adventure.

Phil and Sarah are two of our favorite people in the world. Marc and I love spending time with this couple. They’re funny and intelligent, they love food and are always open to exploring new things — just like us. They’re kind, interesting, engaging and endlessly curious. Plus, our kids are almost exactly the same age and we end up learning so much from each other. Honestly, it would be tempting to share every date night with them.

Spontaneity, especially for couples who have been together for a long time, is an elusive creature. But according to researchers at the State University of New York at Stony Brook, novelty is a quintessential quality of happy couples. As hard as it can be to take the time and cerebral effort to veer from our typical date night diversions, trying new things as a couple has huge pay-offs, both for our brains and our relationship.

People love surprises and even crave the unexpected. It’s actually a proven fact. According to scientists at Emory University and Baylor College of Medicine, the human reward pathways in the brain respond strongly to the unpredictable. This concept definitely translates to LOVE! For example, take the “grand romantic gesture.” The element of surprise amps up one’s reaction to a display of love.