By Allie Churchill for YourTango.com
How many times have you gone out together to catch dinner and a movie? There's nothing really wrong with it ... but it sure does get boring after a while, doesn't it?
If you've ever been in a long-term relationship -- whether it lasted seven months or seven years -- you know that date night starts to feel stale over time. You get dressed up to go out to the same places with the same person, and you seemingly end up reliving the same date ... over and over again. You would think that after dating each other for so long, you would be pros at romance!
But the truth is, relationships take work and sometimes, you just need to get a little creative. So embark on an adventure: sneak onto the roof for a talk under the stars or hit the road for a destination-less car trip together. Introducing a faux sense of novelty is one of the most important ways couples can make love last in a relationship (we've seen the science to back it up).
Date night isn't just about romance. It's about sharing memories with the one you love so you can rediscover each other.
So here are five different dates that will rekindle the romance in your long-term relationship.
Recreate Your Most Memorable Dates
Remember when you first met in line at Starbucks? Or your first date at the pizza parlor? Or your second date at the sushi bar downtown (and you both found out he's allergic to seafood ... whoops)? Or the apartment complex where you had your first big fight (and amazing makeup sex later). Or several dates later, on a hillside picnic when he popped the question? They all make for great dates from your relationship timeline to recreate. You can recreate one date or make a couple-exclusive date tour by revisiting them all.
Even if they weren't the best of memories, the point is that each date meant something special to you as a couple -- even if neither of you realized it at the time. You'll be amazed at how much has changed.
Play House
You might not be planning your life as newlyweds or even living together (yet) -- but it's fun to pretend for a day. Window shopping for cars and homes can be fun, but also a good way to tell how aligned you both are in your financial and life goals, and how compatible you will be as a couple down the road.
Even if you have no intention of making these big decisions now, a couple can always dream of their future together. Take an afternoon to browse home décor and furniture, and test drive new cars. While you're at it, take a leisurely spin through the neighborhood for the picture-perfect house. You can just picture it: the white picket fence, the family dog, little kids running around on the lawn ...
Meet For A Blind Date
Yes, you already know each other intimately. Take that intimacy to the next level by meeting for a romantic, mysterious rendezvous date. Here is how it works: you make the arrangements and leave a seductive note somewhere he'll find it (tucked into his suit pocket or slipped into his briefcase). Make a scavenger hunt out of it by leaving clues like this so he knows where and when to meet you. The more mystery, the better! You don't have to check into a room at a five-star hotel or jet off to some exotic private island (although we don't doubt that would earn you big points). It's about reenacting the thrill of the chase (even after you've caught each other).
Be Treasure Hunters
Take the money you would normally spend on a pricey dinner for two downtown and split it evenly between the two of you. Your task? Be the one to buy the most romantic gift possible. Browse for buried treasure at antique stores, flea markets, consignment shops or big department stores. It doesn’t really matter where you shop, as long as you put thought into the gift. That book she’s been dying to read? Great gift. A pocket watch just like the one his grandfather had? Memorable gift. A copy of Kama Sutra for two? Absolutely, yes!
Feel That Love Is In The Air
So you need something that gets your palms sweating and your heart pumping in your relationship? This date should do the trick: go bungee jumping. Better yet, take the ultimate leap of faith by being tied to your S.O. in a "Lovers' Leap" bungee jump! Yes, we'll admit that the whole "taking the leap together" idea behind it is a little corny, but the idea that you have to trust and literally embrace one another is pretty true to heart.
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Click through the slideshow below for even more great date night ideas.
