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RELATIONSHIP ADVICE

7 Date Night Ideas that Scientifically Build Intimacy and Bring You Two Closer Together

Posted on December 15, 2022

Are you finding yourself in a date night rut? Do the same dinner night every week? Maybe it feels more like a chore? If you want to reignite the intimacy spark between you and your partner, these seven date night ideas build real connection and intimacy.

#1 A couple that laughs together stays together

If you’re looking for a fun romantic outing, why not see a comedy show together? Couples who laugh together DO IN FACT stay together.

Telling inside jokes creates an intimate moment with your partner, like you’re in your own little world, even though you’re in a room full of people. Don’t believe me?

In a research where participants were showed various videos of varying humor, in the Journal of Nonverbal Behavior, Kurtz and Algoe found that shared laughter made people relate more to each other which translated to an increase in how much participants liked their video partner and wanted to affiliate with him or her.

Whether it’s a comedy show or just an episode of How I Met Your Mother, sharing a laughter-filled experience brings you two closer together.

#2 Have an inner-child-themed date night

Ditch your adult obligations and make time for play. A great approach to achieve this is to go on an “inner-child-themed date. This puts you in a state that enables you to have fun and be playful with your partner.

Brauer et al’s new study suggests that adult playfulness plays a crucial role in building long-lasting romantic relationships. German researchers managed to illustrate, through existing research, that playfulness among couples had benefits like positive emotions and easing of tension. These effects, in turn, lead to satisfaction, low conflict, and sex — which can create a lasting relationship.

Doing things like building blanket fortresses or playing twister to satisfy your inner child has been known to activate the part of your brain that gets you feeling nostalgic and yummy.

#3 Try an in person or YouTube Couple’s Yoga session

Couple’s yoga is a great way to build intimacy and connection with your partner. It’s romantic, playful, and can even be a bit naughty at times. Plus, it’s a great way to physical and spiritually bond with your partner while getting some exercise.

According to the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, the practice of yoga is changes your brain chemistry. Yoga triggers the release of the brain chemical gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA, and Serotonin (AKA the “feel-good” hormone), which regulate nerve activity and ultimately improve the participant’s mood.

Not only will you two build the romance, but you’ll also look good doing it!

#4 Home mixology

There’s something romantic about making drinks for your partner. It’s a way to show them you care, and it also turns out to be a great way to increase intimacy.

The novelty and experimentation that comes from trying out new recipes and creating new inventions bonds you with your partner.

Alcohol has been a part of romantic relationships for centuries, and we have the science to back this up from the University at Buffalo. How does it work? First, alcohol lowers inhibitions and makes people feel more comfortable opening up to their partners.

It also decreases anxiety, which can be helpful in new or existing relationships. Additionally, alcohol can make people feel more attracted to their partners and heighten sexual arousal.

#5 Try new things together

Trying something new together is a great way to build strong romantic relationships. It can help you learn more about your partner, create shared experiences, and facilitate intimacy.

Date night is the perfect opportunity to experiment. Trying a new activity or even just a new recipe can help to reignite the spark in your relationship.

In Reissman’s study on Marital Satisfaction published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships found that couples who engaged in novel and challenging activities were more satisfied with their relationships than those who stuck to their usual routine.

#6 Dancing

When you think of dancing, you might think of romantic ballroom dancers or maybe even flash mobs busting a move in the middle of a crowded train station. But what you might not realize is that dancing with another person is actually quite vulnerable. It involves touching and being touched, as well as moving in a way that’s almost codependent.

A 2008 peer-reviewed article showed that synchronizing music and movement constitutes a “pleasure double play.” While music stimulates the brain’s reward centers, dancing lights up the sensory and motor circuits.

What your body does affects this other person in a visceral, physical, and emotional way. That’s powerful and scary. In fact, some researchers believe that dancing may be one of the most intimate things two people can do together.

Date nights are important for every relationship, but sometimes it’s hard to come up with new and different ideas that will actually build intimacy and bring you two closer together.

That’s why we’ve put together a list of 7 date night ideas that are sure to do the trick. From trying a couple’s yoga class to mixing up your own cocktails at home, there’s something on this list for everyone.

Next time you’re feeling stuck in a rut, pull out this list and pick one (or more!) of these fun date night ideas!