Maintaining a healthy relationship requires effort. It’s not something that can magically happen. In order to build a strong relationship, both sides should be willing to devote time to really focus on it. The good news is – when you’re together with your best friend, going on dates is fun, not an annoying chore.
So what does science say about going on dates? Why is it important to spend quality time with your boo? We explain this in the article below.
Why date nights (and days) are important
First of all – get rid of the myth that date nights have to happen only in the evening. You can plan them for any day and time that suits you both! What truly matters is the opportunity to connect and share meaningful moments. In fact, according to research by The Gottman Institute, dedicating just 2 hours a week to dates can contribute to a happier and healthier relationship.
Moreover, in a 2017 survey conducted by the National Marriage Project, it was found that couples who made a point to have a weekly “date night” were 3.5 times more likely to describe themselves as “very happy” in their relationship compared to those who didn’t set aside dedicated time for each other. It’s a simple recipe for happiness!
THE BENEFITS OF DATE NIGHTS
Quality time
Sharing uninterrupted, qualitymoments with your loved one enhances your connection. In our busy lives, it’s not always easy to give our partners our undivided attention, with distractions like kids, work, chores, and our phones constantly competing for our focus. However, during a date night, the spotlight is on each other and the activity you share. So put away your phone (as difficult as it might be) and have a deep look at the person in front of you!
Intimacy
Intimacy plays a crucial role in every relationship, but it’s easy to overlook when life gets busy with work, family, and other commitments. By setting aside time for date nights, you and your partner can rekindle the spark and nurture intimacy in your relationship. Remember how nice it is to cuddle, kiss, and even hold hands!
Up your emotional bank account
Building a positive connection is like saving happy moments in your emotional bank account. To keep a positive outlook, aim for a 5-to-1 ratio of positive interactions to negative ones. Consider date nights a wonderful way to increase that ratio and enjoy quality time together.
Lacking ideas for a date night?
If you’ve run out of ideas for a special date together with your loved one, have a look at this article here. We’ve rounded up a list of fun and romantic activities you and your boo will surely enjoy. As mentioned, there’s nothing quite as precious as the moments spent together. That’s why we’ve put together a delightful dating box that contains all the essentials to craft 12 charming invitations for unforgettable dates with your significant other. Get it here.
