Looking for a date night idea for Valentine鈥檚 Day on Feb. 14 that鈥檚 COVID-friendly? Allow 麻豆原创鈥檚 relationship experts to help you with that.
鲍颁贵鈥檚听聽was founded in 2003 on 麻豆原创鈥檚 campus and is open to anyone over the age of 18 in the Orlando community. Run by trained professionals, the institute鈥檚 services are supported by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, so its resources are offered free to the public.
In October, researchers at the institute were awarded a $7.5 million, five-year grant to continue their work to help keep couples in the Orlando area together through relationship counseling. The program, Project Harmony 2.0 which starts in early April, focuses on improving couple relationships through a that teaches better ways to communicate and manage conflict while emphasizing the importance of spending quality time together.
Sejal Barden, an associate professor of聽counselor education聽and executive director of the 麻豆原创 Marriage and Family Research Institute, offers these date night ideas for you and your partner.
Drive-in movie
If you鈥檙e up for a mini road trip, this is a great option for a once-in-a-while experience. These three theaters are all within 90 miles of 麻豆原创: Lakeland鈥檚 Silver Moon Drive-in Theatre, Ocala Drive-in, and Dade City鈥檚 Joy-Lan Drive-in & Swap Shop.
鈥淎nything in the Fridge鈥� Game
Without shopping for anything new, use what you have in your fridge and pantry and compete to decide who made the better meal.
Complete the 16 Personalities Myers Briggs assessment
This can start a really good conversation about your similarities or differences, or you can discuss about how inaccurate it may be.
鈥淩OLL鈥� Dating Game
Choose a movie, dinner, snack or beverage of choice. Write and number 15 items that correspond with each category. Ask Google or Siri to pick a number between 1 and 15. Whatever she rolls is whatever you do.
鈥淩eminded me of you鈥� game
You and your partner go to a store of your choosing (e.g. Target, Walmart, Dollar Tree) and look for different items that remind you of each other. Consider different categories: Favorite snack, favorite drink, something their favorite color, something they need, something that reminds you of them, something you want them to try, something you need for the house, *bonus: movie you want to watch.
Airbnb Virtual Experience
Since traveling is a bit difficult during the pandemic, Airbnb offers a variety of experiences without ever having to leave your home. Some include ravioli making with an Italian chef or meditation and yoga sessions with an instructor in Spain.
Enjoy a picnic
Bring a blanket or tailgate chairs to your favorite outdoor spot. If you鈥檙e in Orlando, check out some of the City Beautiful鈥檚 parks or gardens, many of which are free.
Tour a museum or attraction virtually
Immerse yourself in museums, such as The Louvre, the Guggenheim, the San Diego Zoo and many more around the world, that are offering free virtual tours of their facilities during the pandemic.
Game night
This could be fun to also do as a virtual double date. You can pick your favorite game and play with your partner or play via Zoom as a double date with other friends and family. The app Houseparty is also group friendly.
Stargaze and s鈥檓ores night
Cozy up by a firepit and indulge in toasted marshmallows or s鈥檓ores. Pro tip: consider peanut butter cups, other chocolate candies or Nutella when building your s鈥檓ores.
Dance in the living room
Learn some new moves by watching YouTube videos, or cue up a slow-dancing playlist.
Have an at-home spa day
Treat yourself to some pampering and offer to give each other massages.
