10 Free Date Activities in the Great Outdoors

I want to start dancing together again we did for a while when we were first married. Describe to each other what you were like then and what you were thinking and feeling. Choose something for each of you that you both like, such as bath soap or body lotion.

You two are bonding. If you and your partner are enjoying the exercise, feel free to prolong it — take 20 breaths together, or 30, or simply for a set amount of time.

Fun Activities for Couples to Do: Indoor Activities That Bring Couples Closer Together - Third, lie on the bed or on a table and let that shaving expert, your mate, foam you up and shave you. Whatever you choose, though, just find something that you can do at least on a weekly basis.

What if I told you there was a magic recipe for making a relationship work? If there was some totally effective method for happy, healthy relationships out there, surely someone would have bottled it up and sold it by now, right? Read on to learn more about all of these great ways to build and maintain a great relationship. Become a Science-Based Practitioner! The Positive Psychology toolkit is a science-based, online platform containing 200+ exercises, activities, interventions, questionnaires, assessments and scales. What is Couples Therapy and What is Couples Counseling? These problems can range from simple or significant disagreements to substance abuse issues and psychological disorders Bonior, 2017. While couples therapy can be a great way to reconnect with your partner or mend the fences between you, there are many ways to make sure you keep the spark alive and the relationship healthy without seeing a professional. In fact, there are many resources out there that draw from theories or research in couples therapy. If you are part of a couple that would like to improve your connection, choose one or two of the activities and exercises described below to practice with your partner. If you are a marriage and or couples counselor, consider sharing some of these activities and exercises with your clients. After all, the worst that can happen is that a few minutes are wasted doing an unhelpful activity! Might as well give it a try, right? What are the Best Healthy Relationship Activities for Couples? There is no one BEST activity that couples can engage in to build a fantastic relationship and fend off divorce or separation because each couple will have their own best practice. For some couples, it may be engaging in a shared hobby together, like bike riding, playing a beloved game, or playing music together. For others, it may be the long talks they often have when looking up at the stars, sitting around a campfire, or lying in bed at night. The prescription for a good relationship for one couple will probably not work for another couple, and vice versa. Each relationship is unique and should be appreciated and tended to as the unique connection that it is. Icebreakers The old faithful activity for bringing people together — icebreakers! Feel free to get suggestions or ideas from actual icebreakers for this exercise. Use this exercise whenever you feel the need to get a little more connected to your partner and be ready to learn some interesting new things! However, you can work in a game of another kind — the Game of Truth. The sole purpose of this game is to enhance your connection, so the content of the questions can range from the lightest topics favorite television show or celebrity crush to the heaviest greatest fear or desire, meaning of life. Suval, 2015 This simple game can get you and your partner sharing intimate and meaningful details with one another, improving your connection and building up your relationship base. Music Shares can be a deeply personal and intensely meaningful experience — one that can be difficult to share with others. The reward may be a deeper and more connected relationship with your partner, something that is surely worth the risk! Take some time to think about and listen to some of your favorite music. Find songs that resonate with your personal life story, showcase your personality, or articulate some of your most deeply held beliefs. Share these songs with your partner, along with an explanation of how the song relates to you and why you chose it to share with him or her. This extremely personal exercise can leave you and your partner with much better insight into each other, into yourselves, and into your relationship Suval, 2015. Swap Books Another personal and possibly scary activity is to swap favorite books with your partner Suval, 2015. What you love to read may convey some important messages about who you are and what you value to your partner and vice versa. No matter how well you know your partner, this exercise can reveal something about them that you never knew before. Diving into something that had a profound impact on your partner in some of their most formative years is a fantastic way to forge a deeper connection. A few of the most popular books on couples therapy are described below. Couples Therapy: A New Hope-Focused Approach by Jennifer S. Ripley and Everett L. This book is a rare find — one that speaks to both couples and their counselors, therapists, or religious advisors alike. Couples Therapy outlines Ripley and Worthington, Jr. You can find this book on Amazon at , where it enjoys another rare achievement — a nearly perfect 5-star rating. Couples Counseling: A Step by Step Guide by Marina Williams Couples Counseling is an excellent resource for therapists, counselors, and other mental health professionals who work with couples. This book will walk the reader through a complete couples counseling treatment — from intake to termination. With step-by-step instructions and , tips, and exercises, this book can give a novice counselor the tools necessary to engage in their first clinical engagement. This book is also very highly rated on Amazon, and you can read the reviews or purchase the book for yourself at. Clinical Handbook of Couple Therapy by Alan S. Gurman and Jay L. Lebow This book is a must-have for students and practicing professionals. It covers the most popular and most effective methods and approaches in couple therapy, including the history, theoretical foundations, research findings, and techniques for each. This updated text also includes information on applying these approaches to sensitive or complex contexts, such as blended families, LGBT couples, and separated couples. It also aids the therapist in addressing clinical problems like partner aggression, psychological disorders, and medical issues. This newest edition of the Clinical Handbook of Couple Therapy can be purchased or reviewed. Fruzzette and Marsha M. Linehan This is the one book on the list that is intended for struggling couples alone, rather than helping professionals. It is written specifically for couples who are highly reactive, or quick to argue, quick to anger, and quick to blame; however, any couple will find useful information in this book. The High-Conflict Couple draws from DBT to provide exercises, techniques, and tools that will help a couple improve their communication, and address their problems in a healthy and productive manner. You can find this book on Amazon at. Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy for Dummies by Brent Bradley and James Furrow Finally, a seriously good resource with a silly title and great information — for Dummies. Not only does it provide an overview of Emotion Focused Therapy EFT , it also provides simple strategies, useful tips and tools, and interesting case studies to help you get the basics in this type of therapy. There are some quicker and easier ways, also backed by couples counselors and, to learn more about your partner and improve your connection. A few of the most successful exercises, worksheets, and techniques are described next. The Miracle Question This exercise is a great way for couples to explore the type of future they would like to build, individually and as a couple. It can aid a couple in understanding what both they and their significant other needs in order to be happy with the relationship. When you awake tomorrow, what would be some of the things you would notice that would tell you life had suddenly gotten better? Instead, use this discussion as an opportunity to learn something new about your partner and plan for your future together. You can learn more about this exercise at. Soul Gazing This is an intense exercise that will help you and your partner connect on a deeper level. To try this exercise, face your partner in a seated position. Hold for three to five minutes. However, refrain from talking. If the silence is uncomfortable, choose a song that is pleasant to both of you or meaningful in terms of your relationship and hold eye contact until the song ends Gray, 2014. Practice this exercise a few times a week to deepen your connection with your partner. You can read more about this exercise. Extended Cuddle Time This exercise is just as simple—and fun—as it sounds! The instructions are simply to cuddle more often. The chemicals that are released when we cuddle with our partner improve our mood, deepen our connection, and can even help us sleep better. The important thing is to get someone on one time with your partner, show physical affection, and enhance your intimacy with your partner. Relationship consultant Jordan Gray 2014 suggests cuddling to a if you have trouble finding or committing to a regular cuddle session. You could also sneak in some cuddle time while watching a movie or first thing in the morning when you both wake up — the point is to work it in, however, works best for you. You can learn more about this exercise by clicking. The 7 Breath Forehead Connection Exercise This exercise is an excellent way to take your mind off of what is happening around you and focus on your partner. To begin, either lie down on your side by your partner or sit upright with your partner. Face each other and gently put your foreheads together. Breathe at least seven slow, deep breaths in sync with your partner. It might be difficult at first, but you will get the hang of it before long. If you and your partner are enjoying the exercise, feel free to prolong it — take 20 breaths together, or 30, or simply for a set amount of time. There are no disadvantages to feel connected with your partner, so go for it! This close breathing exercise will put you and your partner into an intimate, connected space. Practice it whenever you feel the need to slow down and refocus on each other. Read more about the 7 Breath Forehead Connection Exercise at. We all need to feel heard, understood, and cared for, and this exercise can help both you and your partner feel this way. Set a timer for this exercise three to five minutes will usually do the trick and let your partner talk. While they are speaking, your job is to do one thing and one thing only: to listen. Do not speak at all until the timer goes off. Simply listen to your partner and soak it all in. However, while you may not speak during this time, you are free to give your partner non-verbal encouragement or empathy through body language, facial expressions, or meaningful looks. When the timer goes off, switch roles and try the exercise again. To learn more about this exercise, click. The Weekly CEO Meeting If you and your partner are leading lives jam-packed with activities, events, and obligations, this exercise will be a great way to connect. This exercise provides you and your partner with an opportunity to interact as adults no kids allowed and without distractions no phones, tablets, or laptops allowed. Schedule a non-negotiable chunk of time 30 minutes is a good default once a week for you and your partner to talk about how you both are doing, your relationship as a couple, any unfinished arguments or grievances, or any needs that are not being met. The answers to these questions should lead you and your partner in a healthy and productive discussion about your selves and your relationship. Click to learn more about the Weekly CEO Meeting Exercise. Exercise Another quick and easy exercise, this exercise can be engaged in anywhere the two of you are together. You only need your words and your imagination! You could have one partner go first and list all five things, or you and your partner could alternate saying one of your five things at a time. This exercise is a fun and engaging way to connect with your partner, learn something new, or reminisce over good shared memories. You can read more about it at. Free Relationship Worksheets for Couples There are many more resources out there for couples who wish to try new things and build their connection. A few of the best free worksheets that can help couples enhance their bond are listed and described below. Relationship Growth Activity This worksheet is a great activity for those in a relationship who want to make changes or solve some difficult relationship problems. It keeps the discussion light but reminds the couple of their special connection while helping them learn more about themselves and their partner. The instructions direct the couple to take turns asking each other a question from each section below or ask them all if they believe they know the answers. Was there a specific moment? Asking and answering these questions can help couples feel closer, learn about each other, and reminisce or dream for the future together. You can find this worksheet. Sometimes all it takes to get partners working together to solve their problems is a reminder of why they love each other. To see this worksheet or print it out for yourself or your clients, click. Shared Qualities If you or your client are struggling in a romantic relationship, this is another good worksheet to try. When a couple is having trouble, simply reminding themselves that they are a team and they have many things in common can be an excellent way to encourage problem-solving. This worksheet will help the couple remember that they are a team with common goals, common desires, and common traits. Click to see this worksheet. Conflict Resolution Worksheet Like the goal-setting worksheet above, this is not a worksheet in the traditional sense, but it also provides invaluable information about how to effectively work towards conflict resolution in relationships. For this reason, it is too great a resource not to share. This worksheet describes each rule and provides tips and suggestions for you or your client to follow the next time there is a disagreement, argument, or other sort of conflict that is causing trouble in an important relationship. To read more about these rules for conflict resolution, you can view or download the worksheet. The handout encourages the reader to remember not to take his or her partner for granted. Following these suggestions can help couples show their partners appreciation and inject some into their relationship. The goal of this suggestion is to understand what a day is like in their shoes. Remember all the things you liked about him or her when you first met, and remind them that you still love those things. Even the smallest gesture can have a big impact on how appreciated and loved your partner feels. If you usually mow the lawn, rake the leaves and pull weeds as well. Make sure to give your partner an opportunity to unwind alone once in a while. Surprise him or her with a personalized night off — get them their favorite food, rent a movie they love, and make yourself scarce. Add any special things you can do for your partner that you know they will enjoy. To view, download, or print this list, click. A Take Home Message This piece included a description of couples counseling or couples therapy as it is also known, and introduced several engaging, informative, and helpful exercises for making the most out of a. No relationship is without an occasional problem, and even the best can benefit from some concerted effort on the part of each partner. Whether you are in a brand new relationship or going on your 50th anniversary, there is still more to learn about your partner and more new and interesting things to do together. What do you think keeps your relationship happy and healthy? Have you tried any of these activities or exercises? What do you think is most important in a good romantic relationship? Let us know in the comments! Should you go to couples therapy? Cool intervention 10: The miracle question. Four fun bonding exercises for romantic relationships. 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You do it by choosing good activities for couples life you want. Dressing up is u because it makes it more of a real date than when you normally just head out to a movie together. The rules are relatively simple. So, muster up the courage to take the stage and create a memory that will last a lifetime. What are the Best Solo Relationship Activities for Couples. Join organizations that teach skills. Board is foldable with a latch for easy storage. Why: It can be incredibly erotic to be completely powerless, to be the absolute center of his attention and to have no responsibility for or sway over what happens.