Let’s be real – sometimes the most romantic (and necessary) thing you can do isn’t a fancy night out; it’s creating a “sanctuary” right where you are and withing the means you have at your disposal. Whether you are leaning back into yourself, date-night is about intentional reconnection. No reservations, no stress, just presence. Romance and Love are not just for February or Valentine’s Day or Anniversaries it should be a priority any time! So let’s come up with a game plan!
Step One: Plan the Day!
Obviously, it depends on if you have kids or not or if you have a partner to coordinate or not. But get out your agenda or check your calendar. Pick a day and pencil in: DO NOT DISTURB! DATE NIGHT! This makes it a priority not just for you but others to recognize that this is something important to you. Be realistic and choose your date a short (not too long) distance away but long enough that you have time to prepare and others have a heads up that you are going to be BUSY!
Step Two: Gather Your Supplies!
If you are going to be cooking make sure you make time to pick up and gather your ingredients so that you don’t snafu yourself on the day by missing oregano or heavy cream. **Wink** If you are going with the board game idea check out this epic list by tabletopbellhop all about date night! If you decided on a self-care element check out our Glow up Curation or local drug store for your must have face masks, candles, lotions, and more! Don’t forget the snacks! If you are looking for new ideas try: Peace By Chocolate, Bangin’ Bannock, or the Chocolate Moose Fudge Factory!
Step Three: Plan Your Activities
Are you a duo or a solo? Did you decide on a game plan or are you going to have some spontaneous blocks? Don’t forget any of the must dos like purchasing, time blocking, washing those sheets and blankets, and kid sleep over plans made! (Or early bedtime heads ups given??)
Love doesn’t just sit there, like a stone, it has to be made, like bread; remade all the time, made new. – Ursula K. Le Guin
Idea One: Duo
Gather the snacks, the device basket, and a board game! Prepare for and indulge in your own personal game night. All you need is a deck of cards or a two player board game! Check out that epic list by tabletopbellhop! Indulge in problem solving, strategy, connection, and laughter as time flies. Now before your next game-night-date-night you have a new challenge… the current champion! **Wink**
Idea Two: Duo
Plan and have a romantic dinner for two whatever fits your idea of romance. Pizza? Homemade dinner with candles? Chinese food? A new Black-owned restaurant in town? You guys do YOU! After dinner, the plan is a romantic reconnect with a movie!
For movie suggestions check out:
Disclaimer these were available at the time of writing.
The Burial (Netflix)
A charismatic lawyer helps a funeral home owner save his family business in this inspiring “underdog” story based on real events.
Sylvie’s Love (Prime)
A lush, 1950s jazz era romance that proves true love is worth the wait, no matter where life takes you.
Le Week-End (CBC Gem)
A long-married British couple revisits Paris to attempt to rejuvenate their marriage – it’s witty, honest, and very relatable.
The End of Sex (CBC Gem)
A relatable and funny look at a long-term couple who, after sending their kids to camp, realize they have to rediscover how to be “just a couple” again.
Moonstruck (Tubi)
A classic, whimsical rom-com about the complicated nature of family, the magic of the moon, and falling in love when you least expect it.
Blue Valentine (Tubi)
A raw, honest, and deeply moving portrait of a relationship – perfect for the couple that appreciates a “real” look at the highs and lows of long-term love.
Don’t forget the snacks, the low lights, and dropping those phones in the no touch on
DO NOT DISTURB!
The most powerful relationship you will ever have is the relationship with yourself.
– Diane Von Furstenberg
Idea One: Solo
Break out the yoga mat and start the night off with Date Night Yoga with Adriene! Then get your comfy on in your favourite comfy outfit or jammies and whip up that face mask! After you are done, curl up with a movie and snacks! (Bonus points if you treat yourself with your favourite local take-out.)
For Movie Suggestions check out:
Disclaimer these were available at the time of writing.
Clemency (Tubi)
A haunting and powerful look at a prison warden (Alfre Woodard) as she grapples with the emotional toll of her job.
Self Made (Netflix)
Follow the incredible true story of Madam C.J. Walker as she builds an empire and becomes the first female self-made millionaire.
Bridget Jones’ Diary (CBC Gem)
The ultimate “dating yourself” movie – perfect for when you just want to laugh at the awkwardness of life and love.
Take this Waltz (CBC Gem)
Set in a colourful Toronto summer, this film is a beautiful but honest look at a woman caught between the comfort of her long-term marriage and the “shiny and new” attraction of a neighbour. It’s a great conversation starter about what it really means to be “restless” vs. “content.”
The Holiday (Prime)
Two women swap homes across the globe to escape their heartbreak, only to find themselves again. It’s the perfect “self-date” movie about finding your own “leading lady energy” and remembering that a change of scenery can change your whole perspective.
Notting Hill (Prime)
A “dreamy” escape where a simple bookstore owner meets the biggest star in the world – sometimes we all need a little fairytale.
Don’t forget your favourite movie snacks, comfy snuggle blanket, and put your phone on
DO NOT DISTURB
This time is 100% just for you!
Idea Two: Solo
Grab a notebook and write out three things you’re proud of this week and one “wild dream” for the future. Feeling pumped up? Seize the energy and let it out; put on that outfit you love to move in. Then put on that playlist that is full of all your guilty pleasures (yes, I am talking about those Spice Girls, 90s favourites still in your pocket, and shall we say Backstreet Boys, Whitney Houston, and Celine Dion?) and have your own personal concert complete with hairbrush microphone! (Bonus points if your furbaby audience is there!) Time to wind down? Light that smelly candle, put on the soft or lofi music, get your comfy on and curl up with a new book or a timeless favourite. Don’t forget the treat like your favourite chocolate or baked good from your favourite local bakery.
Something to Remember…
Reconnection doesn’t have to be loud or expensive. It just has to be honest. Whether you’re sharing a chocolate bar with your person or enjoying the quiet of your own company, you are worth the effort of a dedicated night in. We often overlook making the time for these date nights but before you know it time flies. It might have been five years and now the two of you don’t know what to talk about. Or it has been so long since you spent time with yourself that you don’t even feel like you anymore. Make the time for date night. Even if you are solo. You deserve it. This time spent it is not wasted it builds the emotional connection you have with yourself and others which is priceless.
Image for graphic by Jovan Vasiljević on Unsplash