f your date nights have devolved into ordering Thai takeout and worshiping at the temple of TiVo, it's time to shake things up a bit. Here, help from Yfat Reiss, one of the authors of 102 Great Dates for Any Budget (Stewart Tabori & Chang) on how to do date night right.
Do dinner and a movie -- only different
"Although a relaxed night at your local theater can be nice, it's easy to make this date more interesting by making it a theme night," says Reiss. "Pick a foreign film at a theater in a different part of town and pair it with a nearby restaurant serving the cuisine of the country the movie's from. Bring along the reviews, the novel on which the movie is based -- anything that picks up on the theme of the film."
Point and shoot
When's the last time you took a photo of something other than your children? If you can't remember, "it may be time to do something for yourself that you might otherwise only make time to do for the kids," Reiss advises. Go out on the town with two disposable cameras (make sure they have a flash) and take photos of anything you find interesting. Drop the film off at a drugstore offering one-hour-photo developing and go have dinner. Then pick up the prints and check out your very own exhibition over dessert and coffee.
Pack a picnic basket
"Can't find a sitter?" says Reiss. "Move the baby's toys aside and have an indoor picnic date on the living room floor -- don't forget the picnic blanket and finger foods!" Later, once the kids are asleep, you might even find yourselves inspired to put the picnic blanket to further use (wink, wink).
Sign up for open mic
"Think outside the box," suggests Reiss. Instead of the same-old same-old, "why not turn date night into a chance to try something you'd love to get good at?" If you and/or your husband have always wanted to do standup or play music to a live audience, this is the perfect chance to go for it. And no matter how it turns out, you'll be there to support each other on an adventure you'll never forget.
Book a massage
"So much of romance centers around a sense of being pampered by the person you love," says Reiss. When you really need to get away from it all, make appointments for both of you at a nearby spa. You may even be able to sign up for side-by-side massages in the same room. Don't forget to plan time afterward to relax in the spa's locker rooms, which likely boast indulgences you'll both love, including hot tubs and heated shaving cream.
Elizabeth Hurchalla is a freelance writer in Venice, California.
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