Why Not Date In? Creative and Affordable Ideas for a Cozy Night In
- Michael Carbaugh
- Feb 3
- 2 min read
You have probably guessed this by now, but just in case, All healthy marriages require work.
Despite what we see in the movies, “happily ever after” does not just occur. That scene from your favorite movie took hours of writing, re-writing, memorizing, rehearsing, filming, and editing before you even watched.
You may say, who has the time for all that, but I want you to know there is a way. And it may be easier than you think.
Dating is a perfect way to stay connected. Think of your dates as small intentional investments into the health of your marriage.
Many couples find it challenging to balance schedules to allow for dating. We did! When my husband and I were raising our children, we found we had little time for ourselves. We had three children under five and two full-time jobs.
Who has time for dating?
But dating does not have to be a $200 dinner and dancing until midnight. The essence of dating is spending quality time together.
Here is a unique solution… “Date in”. A Date-in is simply planning an activity together at home. Here are some thoughts to keep in mind for your “date-in.”
Schedule your “Date-in”
Set aside two hours per week for a “date in”. Choose a usually quiet time.
After the kids go to bed
After the kids go to school
At a daycare provided by a store
While the kids watch a movie
Determine your activity
Here are some ideas we have tried for a Date-in.
Learning to cook a new meal
Have a Picnic on the living room floor
Game night for two
Learn to do couples message
Escape room at home
Smoothies on the back patio/deck
Hot Chocolate by the fireplace
Dancing in the living room.
Many activities can be transformed into meaning marriage enhancers right from your own home. You can make them special by adding just a few small elements. The goal here is just to enjoy one another.
What “date-in” ideas interest you the most? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
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