Good Date Ideas: Dinner and a Movie Alternatives

First, it's good that you and your spouse are making an effort to find time alone together—it's always a good idea to commit to spending time on your relationships. But the sometimes-exhausting complexities of life with kids, work and other commitments can stifle creativity in your dating life.

When you do "dinner and a movie," you tend to rush through dinner to make it to the movie, and then you sit separately watching the film. It seems that you may be looking for time alone that allows for greater intimacy and interaction. It's about choices. Perhaps it would be a good idea—and more meaningful—if you simply eliminated the movie. Choose a restaurant that both of you enjoy for your date and share a meal and some conversation that you wouldn't have at home with kids and other distractions. It's also a good idea to try sitting next to each other on your date, rather than across the table. That's what I do with the love of my life, and it promotes romance.

You also can think back on the things you used to love doing together when time was more plentiful and responsibilities were fewer. Need some more good ideas? Go dancing if you used to dance. Or explore something new together. Try to put a bit more energy into finding creative ideas. You'll get out of your rut. Doing it together is the key. Engaged, connected, communicating, playing, learning and really sharing the moment makes your time together meaningful.