5 Date Night Ideas (Based on Your Love Language) from a Miami Couples Therapist
In relationships, we’re always told that the “Honeymoon Phase,” where everything in our relationship seems blissful, carefree, happy, and perfect, only lasts for a couple of months… and then we’re told that after that, reality sets in and things may seem boring. However, reality, doesn’t have to mean the “fun” of your relationship has to end. Relationships take work and commitment – from both ends! In couples therapy we have found that the key to a lasting and healthy long-term relationship can come from what happens AFTER the honeymoon phase ends.
One of the most important ways to keep the spark in the relationship is to continue to date your partner, even after you’ve made things official and even if you have a few months in, 1 year in, 5 years in, 10 years in, or more! Dating is the perfect way to ensure there’s time set aside for you and your partner to only focus on each other.
A Miami Couples Therapists Tips on Picking a Date Night Activity
Before we get into the list ideas, let’s consider how to pick the perfect date night activity for you and your partner to build and increase that intimacy. Not everyone gives or receives love in the same way, and because of this, it’s easy to jump to the conclusion “my partner doesn’t care about me.” But consider this – maybe, my partner isn’t loving me in the way I feel loved, or maybe, I’m not loving my partner in the way they feel loved.” This doesn’t mean that you aren’t still a good match for your partner. It just means a little more effort may need to be put from both sides into making the other person feel loved and cared about. If you don’t quite know yet what yours or your partner’s love languages is, you can take the free quiz.
Here’s some ideas from a Miami marriage counselor to consider for planning those date nights in Miami based on yours or your partner’s love language:
1. Words of Affirmation
Words matter in Words of Affirmation! Actively listen to your partner and engage in active conversation using your skills of empathy, validation, affirmation, and appreciation. Consider asking your partner out on a date (as if it was the first time all over again and whether it’s in person, through a video or voice memo or thoughtful text message). Also think about ideas that get you both talking to one another and emphasize increasing appreciation between each other.
Suggestion:
Deeper Connections Card Game at Dinner – Consider purchasing a card game such as a Deeper Connections Card game and pulling this out at dinner while waiting for your food (whether it’s dinner being cooked in the oven at home or waiting for the waiter to bring out your food at a restaurant somewhere in Miami). This game can get you talking and building further emotional intimacy! Romantic Restaurant Suggestions in Miami: https://www.thrillist.com/eat/miami/most-romantic-restaurants-miami
2. Acts of Service
Actions speak louder than words with Acts of Service. Try to do the things your partner would be appreciative of you doing – without them having to say so or ask it. Consider ideas where YOU plan most of the date centered around specific things your partner enjoys or would love to do. (Other tip for Acts of Service: If you have children or pets and will be gone for an extended period of time, do all of the planning for getting a babysitter or petsitter before date night so your partner doesn’t have to!)
Suggestion:
Recreate your First Date (with a Miami Twist!) – Let’s say you and your partner didn’t meet in Miami. That’s OK! Think about the important key parts of the date with your partner: maybe it’s where you went (such as the type of food you ate) or maybe it’s what you did (such as a specific activity) that makes it so special to them. Look up potential things that are similar to that first date and “recreate” the date with things you can find in Miami
3. Quality Time
Put that phone down and pay attention for Quality Time! Give your partner your undivided and uninterrupted attention or be with them/do something with them one-on-one. Consider ideas that you can do together that get you talking and actively enjoy the company of each other.
Suggestions:
Have Each Part of Your Dinner from a Different Place – One way to build some quality time and enjoy each other’s company is to bond through food! But it can be time and gas consuming to have to plan to go to different restaurants, find parking, etc. Luckily food halls and food markets have been increasingly popular especially in Miami! Try out some of these suggested spots with amazing and local food vendors closest to you and have conversations with your partner about what dishes were best and what restaurants were your favorite:
Mia Market Miami (Sunday – Thursday 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM, Friday – Saturday 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM)
Smorgasburg in Wynwood (Saturdays 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM)
1-800-Lucky in Wynwood (Monday – Wednesday 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM, Thursday – Sunday 12:00 PM – 3:00 AM)
Alton Food Hall in South Miami Beach (10:00 AM – 11:00 PM daily)
TimeOut Market in South Miami Beach (Sunday – Thursday 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM, Friday – Saturday 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM),
Food Trucks at Haulover Beach Park in North Miami Beach (Tuesdays 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM)
4. Physical Touch
Physical Touch is all about body language! It can consist of affection expressed through kissing, hand-holding, cuddling, or even just being in super close proximity of one another. Consider ideas that encourage physical touch between you and your partner.
Suggestions:
Dance Lessons or Movie Nights
Intercontinental Miami offers salsa dance lessons every first Friday of the month from 9:00 PM to 2:00 AM. Ladies are free, and gentlemen are $10 at the door. Ball & Chain Bar in Calle 8 also offers dance lessons every Thursday night for free from 9:00 PM – 2:00 AM.
At Rooftop Cinema Club in Miami Beach, you can watch some of your favorite and classic movies. Book an Adirondack Love seat and snuggle up together enjoying popcorn and movie-themed cocktails! You can also enjoy the view of the Miami and Miami Beach city skylines as well as other outdoor entertainment while waiting on the film to start.
5. Receiving Gifts
It’s the little things that mean the most in Receiving Gifts. Now, it’s not always about going off and buying super expensive gifts to win your partner over. Sometimes, it’s coming home with flowers or telling your partner you got their favorite juice while you stopped at the grocery store (because you know it’s their favorite). For date nights, consider ideas that will be meaningful to your partner.
Suggestion:
Spa Days (Especially During Miami Spa Months) – During the months of July – August, Miami has discounted specials at most local spas . Outside of these months, you can still purchase and surprise your partner with a spa day for the both of you with many options for couple’s treatments! You can also benefit from your partner’s love language when it increases intimacy for both of you – who doesn’t love to be pampered?
At the end of the day, remember that date night is meant to increase the intimacy and bond between you and your partner. Using your partner’s love language is an easy and thoughtful way to step up your date night game and truly show your partner how much they mean to you.
Work on Your Bond with Your Partner Through Couples Therapy in Miami, FL
Sometimes more than date nights are needed to strengthen a relationship. If that is the case then Miami Vibes Counseling Center can help. Our couples therapists and marriage counselors can help you increase the bond between you and your partner. Through couples therapy and marriage counseling you can learn how you best receive love. While also learning how your partner feels loved. To get started follow these steps:
Reach out to get matched with a Miami couples therapist
Schedule your first couples therapy appointment
Start increasing the intimacy with your partner
Other Mental Health Services We Offer in Miami, FL
We offer support for children, adults, parents, and families. Our services include therapy for grief, life transitions, spirituality, trauma, and PTSD. Some of the techniques we use include ACT, CBT, and TF-CBT. All of these services are available both in person and through virtual therapy.
También ofrecemos estos servicios de terapia en español.