Many millennials want nothing more than to be in bed by 9 p.m. No one with a full-time job, chronic body pain, and a laundry list of household chores wants to skip sleep. So, where does that leave the couples who yearn for a special evening? Are they doomed to stick with boring date night ideas if they want to be in bed at a godly hour?
Of course not! Every couple deserves exciting, fun-filled date nights to energise their relationship. You don’t have to choose between rest and romance – you can have both. This list proves it, with options for introverted homebodies and energetic extroverts alike!
Date Night Ideas for Homebodies
Try these at-home date night ideas to ensure you won’t stay up past your bedtime.
1. Stream the latest episode of your favourite TV show.
Binge-watching may be the norm for TV lovers, but there’s something magical about weekly viewings of your favourite show. Make it a standing date with your partner! Dedicate an hour or two every week to bonding over crazy plot twists and sharing theories about the next episode.
Treat it like a movie night at the cinema, but you get to enjoy yourselves in pyjamas. Pop the popcorn, indulge in sweet treats, and cosy up on the couch (or bed – whichever’s comfier). Maybe it’s time to uncork the good wine, too. You might need it if you’re tuning in to a nail-biter.
2. Bring out the board games and cheeseboard.
Tabletop gaming isn’t limited to big groups! Two-player games exist to stoke healthy competition in couples. The world of modern analogue games is expansive, so you’re bound to find something fun that you’ll both enjoy. The best part is you get to take a break from screens – a welcome change if you work on the computer all day.
Don’t forget the snacks. Prepare a simple cheeseboard with cheeses, crackers, fruit, and other mess-free finger food. Have toothpicks or forks ready so you and your partner can dig in without getting your hands dirty. No one wants greasy fingers while handling playing cards!
3. Cook a gourmet meal together.
Some prefer to share their daily cooking responsibilities, while others like taking them on alone. They work their magic on the hob while their partner helps with clean-up. Whichever camp you’re in, putting a meal together can be an opportunity for romance and collaboration.
Head to the shops, splurge on premium ingredients just for the occasion, and get to cooking. If you’re the designated culinarian in your relationship, let your S.O. take the reins this time – they might surprise you! Otherwise, here’s your chance to brush up on your skills and learn how your partner makes such delicious food.
Date Night Ideas for Social Butterflies
Do you like being out and about but don’t want to overdo it? Keep it low-key with these ideas!
1. Sign up for a fun yet challenging class.
Are you curious about ceramic wheel throwing? Or maybe you’ve always wanted to try woodworking. Is there a language you want to master? Whatever it is, there’s bound to be a class for it. You and your partner should take it together to double the fun.
You can go online to search for instructors, but there are also perks to in-person classes. For example, if you’re studying a craft, it helps to have someone guiding your hands. Most packages also provide the materials, so you won’t need to source your own. That’s a major perk if you’re unsure about committing to a hobby yet. Once you and your S.O. become invested, you can keep practising at home. Now you have even more in common!
2. Take advantage of happy hour.
Who says date night dinners can only start when the sun’s down? Embrace day drinking and maximise the happy hour discounts at your go-to pub. Many establishments are empty between 4-6 p.m., so they try to draw patrons with unmissable deals on top-shelf items.
Plus, fewer customers around means feeling like you have the place to yourselves. Find a quiet corner and order a round of house specialities. Fill up on greasy appetisers and other pub food favourites while catching up on each other’s lives. Just remember to drink responsibly!
3. Go on a double date with your best friends.
Maybe you and your S.O. are in a social mood but not quite extroverted enough for a big, boisterous party. What’s the happy medium? A double date with your closest friends, of course! That way, you can enjoy other people’s company without draining your social batteries.
Don’t settle for a traditional sit-down meal! You can be more creative than that. If your group loves the outdoors, you can picnic in a public park or go on a scenic nature walk. Are you into sports? Tennis, badminton, and bowling are all great for groups of four. And for an indoor activity that tests your detective skills (and your friendships), head to an escape room!
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