Regular date nights foster better communication, build resilience to get through the hard times and help couples remember why they fell in love in the first place. Don’t let staying home (and staying healthy) put a damper on spending quality time with your partner. Here’s how to bring the city to your living room and connect with your better half.
Hit the Books
Learning something new is more fun with a partner in crime! The Works Seattle offers many live and on-demand classes to take from home. From modern mixology, to how to grow a victory garden, to pickling vegetables and arts and crafts, there is a class for all interests. Can't make it to a class? Order a class kit and learn something new while your kiddos sleep peacefully. No experience required. Participating in a shared experience will keep on giving as you implement what you learned in class.
Get Crafty
You can find all sorts of ideas on Pinterest or YouTube, but if you don’t have a crafty bone in your body, there's AR Workshop. They provide everything you need to create a custom painted sign and turn your “bored” into “boards” with easy and fun DIY kits to enjoy at home. Choose your design, paint colors and any customizations. Your complete kit, including stencils, wood, paint/stain, brushes and instructions will be shipped to your door. Order from locations in Seattle, Maple Valley, Mill Creek or Gig Harbor.
Dance the Night Away
They say it takes two to tango. Prove them right. Sign up for an online dance class through one of Seattle’s local dance studios for a daringly different date night at home. Synch up with Salsa Con Todo’s classes via Facebook, or check out Exit School of Dance’s offerings online to make plans. With a smattering of pre-recorded and live classes, you're sure to find a time that works for you two.
Clown Around
If you thought life was a circus before, you’ve probably noticed it’s kicked up a notch during this at-home time. Embrace the insanity and take an online Circus at Home class with SANCA. Try your hands at juggling or partner acro foundations (talk about a metaphor!) to inspire laughter and connection. Or how about Wine & Whine? Pop a bottle (or not) and get down to it.
Top Chef
Challenge your partner to a cook-off with random pantry ingredients. It’s like hosting your own version of Chopped! What would you come up with if you were given a can of black beans, cinnamon, and green peppers? The sky is the limit. Select some obscure ingredients in your cupboard and let your imagination run wild. While you're cooking (and eventually eating) stream Canlis's Live, from the Dining Room piano concerts, playing weekdays at 6 p.m. via YouTube to add ambiance. It's an easy way to bring a night out to your night in.
Sweat it Out
Foster connection and get those endorphins flowing by taking an at-home workout class together. Feed your body, mind, and soul. Check out Fremont Health Club's Instagram classes to get your heart pounding, or try an online Zumba class with Salsa 'n' Seattle. Sweating together is a fun way to maintain some semblance of healthy routine during quarantine.
Deepen Your Connection
How much do you know about your partner? Break the day to day monotony by settling down with your favorite beverage and a book of questions. There are so many books out there to spark conversation and allow you to delve deeper into your relationship. Some of our favorites are: A Year of Us: A Couples Journal: One Question a Day to Spark Fun and Meaningful Conversations, 201 Relationship Questions: The Couple's Guide to Building Trust and Emotional Intimacy, and Quizzes for Couples: Fun Questions to Complete Together and Strengthen Your Relationship.
Bon Voyage!
Staying home for an extended period of time conjures up dreams of traveling to faraway places. Make a date and start planning your dream vacation. Research the destination, including flights, accommodations, restaurants and activities. Add to the vacay vibe with a tropical cocktail kit you can pick up curbside (or have delivered) from one of your favorite local spots. Preorder a Mai Tai Survival kit from West 5, a painkiller kit from Navy Strength or margs from Gracia or the Westy to make it feel like you're already in paradise. Planning and dreaming provides a common goal, an escape from reality, and something to look forward to in the future.
Relax, Indulge, Enjoy
Bring the spa to your house. Relaxing together after a hectic day with kids underfoot can become super romantic for any couple. Draw yourselves a bath and fill with bubble soap and calming essential oils, like lavender or jasmine. Break out the candles, turn on some music, and soak together. Try a new face mask or grab your favorite lotion and give each other massages. Pamper yourselves while connecting in a peaceful, rejuvenating environment.
Grow Your Garden
Put your green thumb to the test and plant a garden or flower bed. Many local nurseries and garden centers have adapted to the new normal, so you can hand pick flowers, herbs and veggies to start beautifying your yard. Browse City People's online catalogue, then place your order via email for curbside pick-up. If you'd like to check out the inventory at Swanson's make an appointment first, then head in to find your green-thumb inspiration. West Seattle Nursery combines these options, so you can make your garden grow...together. Gardening can be therapeutic and relaxing and provides a great way to connect with your partner.
Dinner & a Movie
Craft your dinner and movie experience around a theme! Choose a country, a period in history or a favorite sport. How about Italy? Cook your favorite Italian dish while watching Under the Tuscan Sun. Missing Seahawks football? Cook up some wings, nachos and grab your favorite beer and watch an inspirational flick like Rudy or The Blind Side. Choosing a theme offers a fun focus and gets you out of your usual routine. Psst... don't forget dessert. Sugar + Spoon has free next day delivery (use code SUGAR-19) on their edible cookie dough to make your night complete.
–Abbey McGee
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featured image: kristina-litvjak
