Creative Date Ideas: Volunteering Together

Now that you've got some alone time with your partner (hallelujah!), here's a creative date idea: do a deed! Not the deed (you can save that one for later); pay it forward and volunteer together. All you need are some scrubby jeans, work gloves and a sense of goodwill.

There are tons of volunteer opportunities for couples, and whether you sign up for a Habitat for Humanity building project or lend a hand at a shelter, volunteering together will deepen your love and relationship. You'll bond over the shared experience of helping others. (Can we get an "AWW"?)

So, now that you're feeling all warm and fuzzy, here's how to choose a volunteer activity for your do-good, creative date:

• Identify your interests as a couple. Are you an outdoorsy bunch? Look for a garbage cleanup in your neighborhood. Animal lovers? Local animal shelters are always looking for volunteers and pet care supplies. (And who wouldn't want to spend an afternoon cuddling with cutesy animals?!) If you're not the most hands-on do-gooders, chat with the residents of a local nursing home—we bet they'd love a little conversation.
  
  
• Choose your project. There are entire websites dedicated to finding volunteer opportunities for couples—just do a simple search online for projects in your area. Or do it the old-fashioned way and check your local newspaper or community bulletin boards for projects.
  
  
• Pull on those scrubby jeans and get to work! No matter what activity you and your mate choose, you'll get some good karma, serious bonding time and maybe even a little exercise—can a date get much better?

Then, after a long day of volunteering, take some time to wind down together. Veg out on the couch and watch a movie, or take a hot bath-for-two to relax your muscles—after the kids are in bed, of course!