Forget about romantic weekends at a bed & breakfast or island cruises. Those are wonderful ways to rejuvenate your relationship, but recessionary times calls for tighter budgets.
Besides, simply spending time together (even in a relaxing, romantic setting) might not be enough to keep the flames burning. According to a study detailed in the New York Times, couples who try new activities together will get that extra brain chemistry akin to those-newly-in-love.
Rather than visiting the same familiar haunts and dining with the same old friends, couples need to tailor their date nights around new and different activities that they both enjoy, says Arthur Aron, a professor of social psychology at the State University of New York at Stony Brook. The goal is to find ways to keep injecting novelty into the relationship. The activity can be as simple as trying a new restaurant or something a little more unusual or thrilling — like taking an art class or going to an amusement park.
With that criteria in mind (who am I to question science?), here are some cheap and scientific ways to make your relationship sparkle like a vampire (please forgive the Twilight reference):
1. Ballroom or Latin dance class. Even if you have two left feet, try it out. It’s a fun, social activity where close embrace is encouraged, the man gets to be the leader and the woman is treated as a lady. If you have rhythm, Argentine tango is a good dance to try. After all, it’s a dance described as the vertical expression of horizontal desire. Classes are affordable at $10-$15 per session.
2. Kayaking. Rent a kayak for $20 to $30 an hour and you’ve got a exciting trip out into the big blue ocean. Take turns paddling or try to keep time together. But you don’t need to achieve perfect synchronization for brain chemistry to turn on.
3. Amusement parks. What better way to act like giddy teenagers than to scream your head off on the top of a rollercoaster, munch on calorie-laden treats, and hold hands as you stroll through Cinderella’s Castle? For 2009, Disneyland and Disney World are offering free admissions on your birthday. Split the remaining ticket’s difference and enjoy Disney-brand happiness for less. Or, visit a lesser-known amusement park – they often offer specials that makes a day affordable. $15-$35 per person.
*By the way, all the methods above are tested by yours truly. They work.
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Great ideas! I will definitely add them to our date night list!
I love the amusement park idea!!
Great ideas. Now to find a boy I like.
BF and I have really been enjoying riding our bikes and walking together (pretty new for us). What we’ll do when the winter hits, I’m not sure.
I’ve been wanting to go kayaking all summer! Great post and ideas!
Amusement parks – what better way to discover you are no longer giddy teenagers! We went to Magic Mtn last year, we were both nauseous for a week afterwards. I’m not going there again any time soon, obviously my body can’t handle the “thrill” anymore.
Did the kayak tour with the GF a month ago today. It was awesome and a lot of fun. A good change of pace from the typical dinner and a movie.
Another “new” experience is to consider volunteering together. And, speaking of Disney, I understand that they will have a new promotion for 2010. I’ve been promised to secrecy, but keep your eyes out in September for their 2010 promotion.
@Miss M
I can’t really do Six Flags either. But Disneyland – I’m still good.
@Emma
Volunteering together is an excellent idea. And I’m intrigued by the Disney promotion… can’t wait to see what it is.
good tips !
Great ideas~ we have no good amusement parks in Sydney but we do have a big zoo near where we live and we try and go every few months. We love it! It’s a great day out. We must go soon as they just had a baby elephant and a baby hippo born in the last few months.
Great Ideas! He calls our walks ‘death marches’, however, and says I’m trying to kill him. He doesn’t like picnics…maybe I’ll try the amusement park thing!
Great ideas! I also enjoy pretty much anything outdoors, like hiking or going on a picnic or fishing or swimming in pool/lake/ocean. Another idea is wine tasting at a vineyard.
I have thought about dance classes with my partner in the past…. could rally be fun. Not so many affordable classes like that here in Cairo though