When you’re in a long distance relationship, you need things like Skype date ideas to keep your relationship strong.

Without video chat, long distance relationships would be infinitely more difficult.

Technology has come such a long way that seeing your partners face through virtual means is the next best thing to seeing them in person.

My Long Distance Relationship

My then-boyfriend, now-fiance and I were dating about four and a half years before we entered into a long distance relationship.

It was a dramatic shift going from seeing each other every day to only seeing each other every few months.

We’re two and a half years into our long distance relationship now, and while long distance relationships can be incredibly painful at times, we’ve been able to keep growing more and more in love.

With the help of Skype, our relationship has been able to withstand the 613 miles between us.

If you have no idea how to keep the spark alive in your LDR, here are 6 amazingly fun Skype date ideas for long distance relationships.

Long Distance Relationship Date Ideas:

1. MUSIC CONCERT

One thing me and my fiance always did at the beginning of our relationship was lay on the couch, snuggle, and listen to music.

We would seriously do that for hours – often until 2:00 AM – just talking about life and discussing the songs as the music carried us away.

We try to keep that tradition alive now that we’re in a long distance relationship.

Every day my fiance and I try to send a song to each other.

It’s usually a song that reminds us of the other person or a song we’re simply enjoying at the moment.

Listening to music is one of my favorite ways to connect in a deep and emotional way.

2. WATCH SOMETHING TOGETHER

Pick a movie or TV show and watch it at the exact same time together.

Be prepared for echoes though, because no matter how hard you try, you’ll probably be a millisecond apart in timing.

(Now, there’s a way you can simultaneously watch something together with Netflix Party and Hulu Watch Party!)

I recommend switching it up from time to time and watching something you used to watch when you were together physically.

I think it’s an awesome way to feel nostalgic, and you’ll probably feel closer to each other because it’s something you already connected to each other with.

Something my fiance and I did every Sunday night was watch episodes of Ghost Adventures.

We still make an effort to watch it every Sunday and complain about how much of a douchebag Zak Bagans is – yes, I went there.

3. EAT MEALS TOGETHER

Take turns picking out a recipe and cook your meals together while on Skype.

Then set your phone or laptop across from you and have a little romantic date while you eat.

For special occasions, you can even order out at the same place.

You might have to order at chain restaurants, but hey Papa John’s has some amazing vegan pizza. That. Garlic. Sauce. Though.

A lazy way to also have this date is to heat up the same ready-to-eat meal, such as a microwave meal.

My fiance and I often choose this ramen as our date meal.

4. EXERCISE TOGETHER

Me and my fiance loved doing partner yoga together, so why not do it still even though we’re 600 miles away from each other?

Yeah, we can’t do the acro poses together, but we can still follow along to the same yoga flows.

One of my absolute favorite places to learn more about yoga poses, flows, and sequences is Yoga Download.

There are a countless selection of free yoga classes, from beginner all the way to advanced as well as different lengths.

If you’re not into yoga, you can do the same workout video on YouTube, or you can even take a walk around your neighborhoods with your data on.

Doing a fitness challenge is also fun, and it’ll help your distance go by faster.

Every day you cross off is one day closer to getting to see the person you love.

5. PLAY GAMES

There are so many online games you can play with your long distance partner, such as puzzle, strategy, and RPG.

You can also play different board games online, like Solitaire.

If you have no idea where to start, I recommend checking out Steam for some inspiration.

Another fantastic idea is Our Moments – 100 thought-provoking questions to ask your partner.

6. READ BOOKS TOGETHER

Me and my fiance have spent a lot of time and effort improving our relationship over the seven years we’ve been together.

That means, we’ve read a lot of self-help relationship books to help us understand each other better.

For example, The 5 Love Languages has been a huge eye-opener and game-changer for us. I highly, highly recommend it.

(You can figure out your love language here.)

You don’t have to read only books either.

You could also take turns reading quotes or an interesting article you found online to each other.

The possibilities are truly endless!

More relationship books:

• 4 Eye-Opening Books to Improve Your Relationship
• 7 Relationship Anxiety Books and Courses to Help Your Recovery

Virtual Long Distance Date Ideas

No matter what tool you use to keep your LDR thriving, it’s imperative that you still have virtual date nights.

My favorite dates:

❤️ Send them a meaningful song

❤️ Watch a movie or TV show

❤️ Eat the same food

❤️ Do the same workout 

❤️ Play games

❤️ Read together

What are your favorite Skype date ideas for long distance relationships? Let us know in the comments below!

More relationship posts:

• 5 Simple, Yet Important Rules for Fighting Fair in Your Relationship
• 5 Pieces of Bad Relationship Advice You Should Stop Believing
• 5 Little Things You Can Do to Improve Your Relationship Today

Have You Tried Couple’s Therapy?

If you’re having complications in your relationship, it might be helpful to talk to a couple’s counselor.

Did you know that there is affordable online couples therapy?

Talkspace is a super flexible option for couples counseling, as you only need your phone or web browser.

Benefits of Talkspace:

• Won’t have to physically visit therapist’s office
• Won’t have to rearrange your lives or hire a babysitter
• You and partner will share same therapist
• You’ll share a private online room
• Communicate with your therapist whenever

What I love about Talkspace is that you can get incredible couple’s therapy from the comfort of your own home.

TRY TALKSPACE NOW

6 Skype Dates for Long Distance Relationships

The post 6 Amazingly Fun Skype Dates for Long Distance Relationships appeared first on Okay Now Breathe.

Winter offers so many fun and romantic date ideas.

The winter months bring about all the warm and cozy feels.

Hand holding, flirting, and kisses are bound to happen.

It’s the perfect time to nurture your relationship and fill each other up with love.

Because my love language is quality time, I get so excited for all the cuddling I can get in the next few months.

(Read more about love languages in this book.)

I get to spend a lot of time with the man I love and make memories that’ll last a lifetime.

If you need ideas on how to spend these colder months, read below for 35 romantic winter date ideas to warm up with your partner.

1. LOOK AT THE WINTER WONDERLAND

Drive around town and look at all the Christmas lights.

2. DECK THE HALLS

Spend the day decorating the entire house from top to bottom with Christmas decorations.

3. GO ICE SKATING

Hold hands and steal a kiss or two as you try to not fall on the ice.

4. SEE A HOCKEY GAME

Go for either the NHL or for something cheaper, see amateur or college hockey.

5. HAVE A SNOWBALL FIGHT

Grab some winter gloves and have a snowball fight in your yard.

6. MAKE SNOW ANGELS

See who can make the best snow angel.

7. GO SLEDDING

Find a hill around your neighborhood and race to see who makes it down the hill first.

8. MAKE GINGERBREAD HOUSES

Try to build the best gingerbread house together by covering it with lots of yummy candies.

9. HAVE A CHRISTMAS MOVIE MARATHON

Grab some popcorn and spend a weekend marathoning your favorite holiday movies.

Watch these Christmas movies:

• 30 Amazingly Cheesy Best Christmas Movies to Watch

10. VISIT AN ART MUSEUM

Check to see when your local museum has free days.

11. BAKE CHRISTMAS COOKIES

Look up Christmas cookies on Pinterest and make a night baking them all.

12. SEE A MUSICAL

Winter is a peak theater season. Groupon almost always has deals.

13. SEE A BALLET

Go see The Nutcracker or Swan Lake. Check Groupon to see if you can score a deal.

14. MAKE FIREPLACE S’MORES

Light a fire and indulge with some S’mores.

15. HAVE A GAME NIGHT

Grab a bunch of your favorite board games and play the day away. This is an especially good idea on New Year’s Eve.

16. SPEND A DAY AT THE SPA

Groupon always has spa deals. If you want an even cheaper option, have your own spa day at home.

17. TAKE A PHOTO WITH SANTA

Go to the mall and take a picture with Santa.

18. MAKE HOMEMADE HOT CHOCOLATE

Add some cinnamon or caramel sauce to spice up your hot cocoa.

19. HAVE A CHRISTMAS PAJAMA DAY

Spend the entire day in your goofiest Christmas pajamas.

20. BUILD A SNOWMAN

Build a giant snowman, complete with a carrot nose.

21. MAKE A CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT

Go to the craft store and gather supplies to construct your own ornaments to hang on the tree.

22. VOLUNTEER AT A SOUP KITCHEN

Give back to your community by helping to feed the hungry.

23. COZY CABIN GETAWAY

Spend a night in a cabin. Rent an entire cabin of Airbnb for cheaper than a hotel room. (Get $35 OFF your first visit with my link.)

24. GO HIKING

Pile on the layers and hike around your local forest preserve.

25. TAKE DANCE LESSONS

Sweat together with some professional dance lessons.

26. PLAY VIDEO GAMES

Snuggle up and play a couple of video games together. Until Dawn is a great PS4 game that takes place in the winter.

More on video games:

• Why Video Games are Good for Our Mental Health
• Best PlayStation Games for Your Mental Health

27. DO A JIGSAW PUZZLE TOGETHER

The more complicated the puzzle, the better.

28. MAKE A SNOW FORT

Pack some snow together and build a snow fort. Sneak a little kiss once you’re inside.

29. PICK OUT A CHRISTMAS TREE

Go to a Christmas tree lot and pick out the best tree you can find.

30. HAVE A FONDUE PARTY

Whip up some chocolate fondue and pair it with strawberries and pretzels

31. SEND OUT CHRISTMAS CARDS

Take turns filling out Christmas cards to all your friends and family.

32. MAKE ADVENT CALENDAR

Each make your own advent calendar and fill it up with your favorite chocolates.

33. SING CHRISTMAS CAROLS

Put on Christmas music, dance around your living room, and sing together at the top of your lungs.

34. NEW YEAR’S KISS

When the clock strikes 12, lean in and give a big smooch to ring in the new year.

35. NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION

Before the year wraps up, tell each other about the things you want to accomplish in the next year.

Fun Winter Date Ideas

Winter offers the perfect opportunity to have dates that are not only fun but super romantic as well.

The dates listed above offer the best activities to bring you and your partner closer together this winter.

What are your favorite winter dates? Give us some ideas in the comments below!

More date ideas:

• 20 Completely Free Date Ideas to Build Lots of Fun in Your Relationship
• 25 Date Ideas for Those With Quality Time Love Language
• 35 Romantic Fall Date Ideas to Bring Closeness to Your Relationship

More winter posts:

• 5 Comforting Ways to Manage the Winter Blues
• 16 Winter Tarot Decks to Use During Dark and Dreary Days

Have You Tried Couple’s Therapy?

If you’re having complications in your relationship, it might be helpful to talk to a couple’s counselor.

Did you know that there is affordable online couples therapy?

Talkspace is a super flexible option for couples counseling, as you only need your phone or web browser.

Benefits of Talkspace:

• Won’t have to physically visit therapist’s office
• Won’t have to rearrange your lives or hire a babysitter
• You and partner will share same therapist
• You’ll share a private online room
• Communicate with your therapist whenever

What I love about Talkspace is that you can get incredible couple’s therapy from the comfort of your own home.

TRY TALKSPACE NOW

35 Fun & Romantic Winter Date Ideas

The post 35 Romantic Winter Date Ideas to Warm Up to with Your Partner appeared first on Okay Now Breathe.

I know I’m constantly researching date ideas, romantic getaways, and ways to love my boyfriend in his love language.

If you’re looking to help repair your relationship, or you just want to spice it up, I created a 30 Day Relationship Challenge!

In this challenge, there’s one simple task a day that will help add love and spontaneity back into the relationship.

30 Day Relationship Challenge

Day 1: Share your favorite relationship memories 

Day 2: Give each other three compliments

Day 3: Do your partner’s chores for them

Day 4: Watch a documentary together 

Day 5: Put your phones away for the day 

Day 6: Do yoga together

Day 7: Write a love letter to each other

Day 8: Surprise your partner with a gift

Day 9: Give your partner a massage

Day 10: Recreate your first date

Day 11: Read a book together

Day 12: Play a game together

Day 13: Send flirty text messages to each other

Day 14: Slow dance together

Day 15: Kiss throughout the day

Day 16: Work on a DIY project together

Day 17: Look at old pictures from your relationship

Day 18: Take a cooking or art class together

Day 19: Cuddle and have a movie marathon

Day 20: Plan a future trip together

Day 21: Make them breakfast in bed

Day 22: Take a nap in the afternoon with each other

Day 23: Talk and budget financial goals

Day 24: Dress up really nice for each other and go on a date

Day 25: Go on a romantic weekend getaway

Day 26: Hold hands while out in public

Day 27: Leave a surprise sweet note in their lunch box

Day 28: Send them a funny meme

Day 29: Light candles and snuggle in bed

Day 30: Ask, “What can I do for you today?”

Have You Tried Couple’s Therapy?

If you’re having complications in your relationship, it might be helpful to talk to a couple’s counselor.

Did you know that there is affordable online couples therapy?

Talkspace is a super flexible option for couples counseling, as you only need your phone or web browser.

Benefits of Talkspace:

• Won’t have to physically visit therapist’s office
• Won’t have to rearrange your lives or hire a babysitter
• You and partner will share same therapist
• You’ll share a private online room
• Communicate with your therapist whenever

What I love about Talkspace is that you can get incredible couple’s therapy from the comfort of your own home.

TRY TALKSPACE NOW

The post 30 Day Relationship Challenge to Add More Spark Back appeared first on Okay Now Breathe.

It’s so important to communicate with your partner, so you can both find out how you each receive love. Focusing on each other’s primary love language can help both of you show your love in a way that is understood by both.

You can figure out your love language here. I highly recommend reading up on it more in this book. It’s a #1 bestseller, and so many people have said it has saved their marriage.

These next 25 dates are amazing for not only the partner whose primary love language is quality time but for both partners to create lasting memories you can both cherish.

If you’re having difficulty in your relationship, it might be helpful to talk to an online couples counselor! Using Talkspace makes couple’s therapy super flexible and convenient, as you only need your phone or web browser.

25 Date Ideas for Those With Quality Time Love Language

1. GO HIKING

No matter the time of year, take a trip to your local nature preserve and go on a hike. You can hold each other’s hands, talk about earlier memories, and make plans for the near future.

2. WORKOUT TOGETHER

This can mean anything from running and biking to partner yoga and dancing. You can even put on a workout video and encourage each other through it. There are a bunch of free workout videos on YouTube.

3. GO TO AN AMUSEMENT PARK

Ride the rides together. Hold hands. Eat greasy food. Do anything to make you feel like kids again.

4. PLAY AT AN ARCADE

I almost always take my boyfriend to an arcade for his birthday. A little friendly competition is a great way to bring some flirty vibes back into the relationship.

5. DO A COUPLE’S MASSAGE

If you don’t want to pay for any, take turns giving a massage to each other. Light a candle, use some body oil, and make a romantic evening out of it.

You can find a bunch of couple’s massage packages on Groupon or Living Social. Be sure to use Ebates to get cash back for your purchases!

6. MAKE A MEAL TOGETHER

You can create a meal together, or have one of you make the appetizer while the other makes dinner. Eat alongside some candles and put a little Frank Sinatra on your Pandora.

7. GO ON A CRUISE

Enjoy a few days of complete quality time with your partner in adventure. This is a more pricey one, but there’s always packaged deals on Groupon. It’ll be well worth it!

8. TAKE A ROMANTIC GETAWAY

Rent a place through Airbnb. There are so many places around the world, and they’re much more affordable for a whole house than a hotel room!

9. VISIT AN ANIMAL RESCUE

Volunteer at your local animal shelter. Better yet, spend a day at a farm animal sanctuary where cows, chickens, pigs, and sheep were saved from slaughter.

10. TAKE A PAINTING CLASS

Groupon has a bunch of painting classes. Have fun seeing who can recreate the instructor’s painting the best!

11. READ A BOOK TOGETHER

You can either read a relationship self-help book like The 5 Love Languages, or read a fun fantasy series. Take turns reading and pause to have little book discussions.

12. HANG OUT AT THE MALL

Go in and out of the stores. Eat crappy food at the food court. People watch and see how many other people are in love.

13. GO CAMPING

Sit underneath the stars, and tell each other what you love about the other person. Enjoy the simplicity of your partner’s company. You can even just set up a tent in your backyard.

14. MAKE SHADOW PUPPETS

Wait for it to get dark. Grab a flashlight or use the one on your phone. Take turns making shadows on the walls. Act out a story, and get really into it.

15. FLY A KITE

If you have a kite, get ready for this one. It builds teamwork and communication. Plus, there’s something that’s so darn fun about seeing your partner fail over and over again.

16. PLAY HIDE AND SEEK

Whether you’re outside or in your house, play hide and seek. The crazier the spots you hide in, the more enjoyable the game will be.

17. GO TO A MUSEUM

Spend a day at an art or a science museum. Learn new things together while holding hands. There’s usually a couple of free days a month. 

18. HAVE A MOVIE MARATHON

I’m not talking about a day filled with Netflix. I’m talking about choosing a movie franchise and having a legit movie marathon. My favorite movie marathons to have are Pirates of the Caribbean and Harry Potter.

19. PLAY AT THE PARK

Race down the slide, push each other on the swings, play man on woodchips. Forget that there’s an age limit on the playground.

20. HAVE A VIDEO GAME NIGHT

Sometimes seeing your partner be competitive with a video game is the sexiest thing. Plus, when you beat a badass boss, you get to beat a badass boss together.

21. GO TO THE BEACH

Play in the water, build a sandcastle, or bury each other in sand. The possibilities of fun at the beach are endless.

22. GO ON A PICNIC

Make a healthy lunch, grab a blanket, and sit outside. It’s such a simple way to spend quality time together.

23. DO A DIY PROJECT

Refurbish an old piece of furniture. Or maybe build a whole new art piece together. Use teamwork to create something that is unique and everlasting.

24. GROCERY SHOPPING

Squeeze in some quality time by being goofy at the grocery store. Dance to the cheesy music while holding up food you plan on buying.

25. PLAY MAKE BELIEVE

Pretend it’s Halloween. Dress up in costumes you find around the house, and play the part of the character. Be completely different than who you already are.

What’s your love language? What would be your dream date?

Related posts:

• Two Relationship Tests to Make Your Relationship Healthy Again
• 8 Questions to Ask Your Partner to Build Deeper Intimacy
• How to Overcome a Rough Patch by Strengthening Your Relationship

Have You Tried Couple’s Therapy?

If you’re having complications in your relationship, it might be helpful to talk to a couple’s counselor.

Did you know that there is affordable online couples therapy?

Talkspace is a super flexible option for couples counseling, as you only need your phone or web browser.

Benefits of Talkspace:

• Won’t have to physically visit therapist’s office
• Won’t have to rearrange your lives or hire a babysitter
• You and partner will share same therapist
• You’ll share a private online room
• Communicate with your therapist whenever

What I love about Talkspace is that you can get incredible couple’s therapy from the comfort of your own home.

TRY TALKSPACE NOW

The post 25 Date Ideas for Those With Quality Time Love Language appeared first on Okay Now Breathe.

A few months back I stumbled across something that completely opened my eyes to such a simple, yet so important concept.

We all have a love tank, but everybody loves and feels love differently. How we love is one of The 5 Love Languages, and it’s so important to know what yours is (as well as your partner’s). It’ll really change how you view other people and life in general.

If your partner has the primary love language of quality time, then read these next 8 steps to help keep their love tank full.

If you’re having difficulty in your relationship, it might be helpful to talk to an online couples counselor! Using Talkspace makes couple’s therapy super flexible and convenient, as you only need your phone or web browser.

How to Love Someone with Quality Time Love Language

1. DON’T COMPLAIN

Nothing is worse or more hurtful than hearing about your “time sacrifices.” Don’t tell us that “I spend more time with you than anyone else!” Trust me, just don’t. That’s the quickest way to completely drain our love tank.

Instead, let us know that you enjoyed the time we spent together. Always plan the next time we will spend together.

This way it doesn’t feel like you’re blowing us off, and we can look forward to the next time we see each other. This will keep our love tank full, even when we can’t be together.

2. QUALITY CONVERSATIONS

We can’t stand superficial talk. Tell us your favorite stories of your childhood. Reminisce about earlier memories of our relationship. Talk to us about the deeper meanings of life.

Look us in the eyes, and hold our hand as we talk. Let us know you’re really listening by responding and asking questions. Be engaged in the conversation, but try to not make it one-sided.

And *hint* please stop giving unsolicited advice all the time. We hate that.

3. PUT YOUR PHONE DOWN 

Nothing bugs us more than when we’re trying to spend quality time with you, and you’re on your phone the whole time.

We want nothing more than to snatch that little sucker from your hands and chuck it at the wall. All this says to us is that we’re not worthy of your time. Or that we’re incredibly boring, and you’re gonna break up with us at any given moment.

And even if you tell us what you’re doing on your phone, it can still be incredibly annoying. When you’re with us, it’s best to put your phone away 99% of the time. And seriously, put that damn thing on silent.

4. PICK UP THE PHONE

Okay, so here’s a time when you should pick up your phone. We understand that it’s not possible to be with each other every waking second of every single day. Actually, sometimes we prefer to have some alone time instead.

However, we still need quality time every day to feel loved. We need to feel secure. So…talk to us every day.

When we’re not together, pick up your phone and freaking call us. Hearing your voice is so much more personal and meaningful than just seeing your typos in a text.

Tell us that you miss us when we’re not together. Don’t ever make us second guess how you feel about us.

5. ASK US OUT ON DATES

Nothing makes us feel more loved or special than feeling wanted. Tell us to dress up nice, so you can take us somewhere special.

A date is like the best chocolaty dessert in the world. We love knowing we’re going on a date, and it’ll make us happy the entire time leading up to it.

The best dates are when we can engage in something we love. Or you can even pick out a new hobby, like a cooking or dancing class, that we can experience together for the first time.

The more interactive the date is, the better. Try to avoid places with a lot of distractions, like the movies or a restaurant. That doesn’t feel like quality time for us. It’ll almost make us feel like we didn’t even go on a date at all.

Related post:

• 20 Completely Free Date Ideas That Are Actually Fun

6. INVITE US PLACES

Odds are we love you so much that we want to do nearly everything we can with you. Even running errands with you brings us a lot of joy.

Never assume we don’t want to go somewhere or do something. Even if we say no, it still means so much to us if you invite us. When you don’t invite us, we feel unloved. And that’ll only bring out frustration and negativity in the both of us.

And please, please stop getting frustrated at us when we feel lonely or unwanted when you want to do things like adventures or vacations without us. That makes our love tank drain and drain.

7. PLAN ADVENTURES

Put in the effort to plan a day trip every once in a while. Better yet, plan a romantic getaway with just the two of us.

We don’t just want to spend a couple hours with you every other day. We want to spend a couple days straight with you. Chances are we can’t wait for times like this. These days are our most favorite days, like, ever.

Even if we spent 72 hours straight with you, we’ll miss you the moment you leave. It might seem clingy to others, but that’s just how we feel loved.

8. CONTINUE TO PRACTICE QUALITY TIME

You kept your phone in your pocket. Check. You engaged in meaningful conversations. Check. You gave us undivided attention. Check. Check, and Check.

Good job, but this does not mean you can stop speaking our language after the date is over. You don’t get to just check things off a list and call it a night. You don’t get to take a deep breathe and think, “Alright. My work here is done.”

If you make a quick switch from attentive and loving to distracted and preoccupied, It. Will. Not. End. Well. 

We could’ve had the best, most wonderful date in the world, but if you leave us alone the moment we get back home, the entire day was just spoiled. We will be pissed. Our love tank will be empty. And it will not be a fun next few hours.

So do yourself a favor, and keep practicing our love language.

BONUS: TELL US ABOUT YOUR LOVE LANGUAGE

If your love language is also quality time, then congrats. But if not, tell us about yours. You can take the test to see which of the 5 is your primary love language.

We think you deserve to feel loved just as much as we do.  Have weekly check-ins when you tell us what we’re doing right, as well as what things we can do to help keep your love tank full.

I also think it’s important to know what your personality type is, because we are all different and it’s easy to feel misunderstood.. You can learn more about it in my post.

Related posts:

• 25 Date Ideas for Those With Quality Time Love Language
• 6 Ways to Love Someone with Physical Touch Love Language
• 50 Words of Affirmations Every Man Needs to Hear
• 35 Romantic Fall Date Ideas to Bring Closeness to Your Relationship
• 35 Romantic Winter Date Ideas to Warm Up to with Your Partner

What’s your primary love language? What ways make you feel loved?

Have You Tried Couple’s Therapy?

If you’re having complications in your relationship, it might be helpful to talk to a couple’s counselor.

Did you know that there is affordable online couples therapy?

Talkspace is a super flexible option for couples counseling, as you only need your phone or web browser.

Benefits of Talkspace:

• Won’t have to physically visit therapist’s office
• Won’t have to rearrange your lives or hire a babysitter
• You and partner will share same therapist
• You’ll share a private online room
• Communicate with your therapist whenever

What I love about Talkspace is that you can get incredible couple’s therapy from the comfort of your own home.

TRY TALKSPACE NOW

The post 8 Ways to Love Someone with Quality Time Love Language appeared first on Okay Now Breathe.

Whether you’re going on a first date or celebrating your 20th wedding anniversary, dates don’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Actually, the cheaper the date, the more personal the date can be.

Some of the best dates me and my boyfriend have gone on have been completely free. They’re so memorable, and it just shows that our relationship was built on true mutual feelings instead of all the bells and whistles.

We all have a love tank, and we all receive love differently. We also all give love differently. 

How we love is one of The 5 Love Languages, There are 5 main love languages: Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Acts of Service, Receiving Gifts, and Physical Touch.

It’s so important to communicate with your partner, so you can both find out how you each receive love. Focusing on each other’s primary love language can help both of you show your love in a way that is understood by both.

If you’re having difficulty in your relationship, it might be helpful to talk to an online couples counselor! Using Talkspace makes couple’s therapy super flexible and convenient, as you only need your phone or web browser.

You can figure out your love language. I highly recommend reading up on it more in this book. It’s a #1 bestseller, and so many people have said it has saved their marriage.

These date ideas are probably best for those with quality time love language. Without further ado, here are 20 completely free date ideas that are actually fun.

20 Completely Free Fun Date Ideas

1. SHADOW PUPPETS

Wait for it to get dark. Grab a flashlight or use the one on your phone. Take turns making shadows on the walls. Act out a story, and get really into it.

2. CHOPPED ALL-STAR

Long before it existed on the Food Network, I would use whatever was in my house to create a masterpiece of a meal. On a date, use this same concept. You can create a meal together, or have one of you make the appetizer while the other makes dinner. Eat alongside some candles and put a little Frank Sinatra on your Pandora.

3. LET’S GO FLY A KITE

If you have a kite, get ready for this one. It builds teamwork and communication. Plus, there’s something that’s so darn fun about seeing your partner fail over and over again.

4. PLAY HIDE AND SEEK

Whether you’re outside or in your house, play hide and seek. The crazier the spots you hide in, the more enjoyable the game will be.

5. HIKE THE TRAILS

Nature is so goddamn beautiful. It’s so peaceful, and it’s so easy to bring couples together. There are so many forest preserves and state parks that you shouldn’t have to look that far to find.

6. BIKE RIDE

Again, being outside is such an easy way to bring couples together. Plus, you can get a nice peeksie at your partner’s booty as they pedal ahead of you.

7. FREE MUSEUM DAYS

Check the museum’s website for when they have free days. The hours of operation might be lower, but it’s well worth the money you didn’t spend.

8. WALK AROUND YOUR TOWN

All towns have history. Explore yours together.

9. GO TO THE BEACH

Play in the water, build a sandcastle, or bury each other in the sand. The possibilities of fun at the beach are endless.

10. CAMP IN YOUR BACKYARD

There’s nothing quite like cuddling beneath the stars. Why not bring your tent to the backyard and make a night underneath them?

11. VIDEO GAME NIGHT

Sometimes seeing your partner be competitive is the sexiest thing. Plus, when you beat a badass boss, you get to beat a badass boss together.

Related post:

• Why Video Games are Good for Our Mental Health

12. MOVIE MARATHON

I’m not talking about a day filled with Netflix. I’m talking about choosing a movie franchise and having a legit movie marathon. My favorite movie marathons to have are Pirates of the Caribbean, Shrek, and K-9.

13. VOLUNTEER TOGETHER

Check out your local animal shelter or homeless shelter and donate some of your time. Couples that volunteer together stay together.

14. PLAY MAKE BELIEVE

Dress up in costumes you find around the house, and play the part of the character. Be completely different than who you already are.

15. COUPLES MASSAGE

Light some candles, play some smooth jazz, and take turns giving your partner a full body massage. Absolutely don’t forget the lotion.

16. HAVE A WRESTLING MATCH

You can also go the complete opposite route and wrestle your partner. The more you have fun with it, the better.

17. GO TO THE LIBRARY

There are always free events going on at the library. Check the website or the bulletin board and see whatever event is the most appealing to you.

18. FREE SAMPLES

We all know that one store that always has free samples. Fill up your tummy while trying a bunch of random, new food. Make it a game of who can scope out the free samples the fastest.

19. PARTNER YOGA

Yoga is one of the best joys in life. Adding a partner to the mix makes it so unbelievably amazing. It builds so much communication, and you really have to trust each other. If you’re really daring, try some acro yoga, where one of you is in the air.

20. PLAY AT THE PARK

Race down the slide, push each other on the swings, play man on woodchips. Forget that there’s an age limit on the playground.

What are your favorite dates that are completely free?

Related posts:

• How to Turn Grocery Shopping into Your Date Night
• 25 Date Ideas for Those With Quality Time Love Language
• 50 Words of Affirmations Every Man Needs to Hear

Have You Tried Couple’s Therapy?

If you’re having complications in your relationship, it might be helpful to talk to a couple’s counselor.

Did you know that there is affordable online couples therapy?

Talkspace is a super flexible option for couples counseling, as you only need your phone or web browser.

Benefits of Talkspace:

• Won’t have to physically visit therapist’s office
• Won’t have to rearrange your lives or hire a babysitter
• You and partner will share same therapist
• You’ll share a private online room
• Communicate with your therapist whenever

What I love about Talkspace is that you can get incredible couple’s therapy from the comfort of your own home.

TRY TALKSPACE NOW

The post 20 Completely Free Date Ideas to Build Lots of Fun in Your Relationship appeared first on Okay Now Breathe.

We have to actively show our partner we love them each and every day. One of the best ways to do this is to make them a priority. Because it’s what they deserve.

When I first started focusing more on making my partner feel safe and secure, our relationship began to improve. Communication improved. Understanding each other increased. And this means I started to feel more calm and protected in our relationship.

Here are the 7 little ways we can make a big difference in our partner’s life:

If you’re having difficulty in your relationship, it might be helpful to talk to an online couples counselor! Using Talkspace makes couple’s therapy super flexible and convenient, as you only need your phone or web browser.

7 Ways to Show Your Partner You Care Every Single Day

1. HOW ATTRACTIVE ARE THEY?

First thing’s first. You gotta let your partner know that they’re your one and only. The best way to do this is by telling them!

Is it their smile, their eyes, their personality? What makes your partner so damn attractive?

I think the best compliments are the ones about their insecurities.

Let me tell you. My boyfriend always talks about how much he hates his teeth and his “dorky” smile. But whenever my boyfriend smiles, and I mean genuinely smiles, my whole insides turn into a warm, gooey chocolate cake. So what do I do? I tell him that of course!

2. WHAT DO THEY MEAN TO YOU?

You fell for your partner for a reason. Something about your personalities meshed so well and turned you guys into best friends.

Yet, the closer we become to someone, the more we pick up on their bad habits. We tend to focus so much about their negative qualities that we become transfixed by them.

Instead of only focusing on the things that annoy you, focus on the qualities that you love about them.

Tell them that you love their kind heart, not that you hate how they’re never on time to anything. Tell them that you love their laugh, not that you hate when they try to make every serious conversation funny.

3. DO YOU MAKE THEM FEEL SPECIAL?

I’d like to think I’m the queen of making my hunny bunny feel special. I’ve taken him on a couple of surprise vacations. I almost always show up with food at his doorstep. *cough* Let’s not forget that I always get him the best birthday presents ever. *cough*

Making your partner feel special makes you feel amazing. Surprise them. Always continue dating them. Make them feel like the luckiest person on the planet.

Remember, if you don’t make your partner feel special, someone else will.

4. DO YOU BELIEVE IN THEM?

Out of anyone else in the world, it’s important that you believe in your partner. If you don’t, it’ll mostly come back and haunt your relationship. The last thing you want is for your partner to resent you.

Help them pursue their dreams. Keep pushing them, especially when they feel like giving up.

Tell them that you’re there for them, and that you would do anything to help them achieve their dreams. Instead of assuming, ask them what they need from you during this time of extreme courage.

Related post:

• 5 Ways You Can Encourage Your Partner to Succeed

5. HOW OFTEN DO YOU APOLOGIZE? 

Why is apologizing so damn difficult to do? Honestly, whyyyyyy.

The healthiest thing you can do for your relationship is to apologize. 

One thing I’ve truly learned the meaning of is that you gotta pick your battles. Ask yourself, is this worth sacrificing my relationship for? If the answer is no, then let the argument go.

Learn to agree to disagree and let them win every once in a while.

If you absolutely can’t let something go, tell your partner why you can’t. Why is something affecting you and your relationship with them? Dig deep, and become vulnerable.

6. ARE YOU SHOWING THEM GRATITUDE?

Say please and thank you. Say thank you even before they do something.

Don’t let what they do for you become routine. Don’t get used to the little things they do for you, because they need to know that their actions aren’t being taken for granted.

Instead of getting used to them cooking you dinner all the time, why don’t you plan a special meal for them and surprise them with their favorite homemade meal right when they get off work?

Little acts of gratitude show them that you’re so happy that they’re in your life.

7. DO YOU STILL EXPRESS I LOVE YOU?

You have to remind your partner that you love them every single day.

Ever heard that love is a verb? You have to express that you love them. It’s not about just telling them that you love them right before bed. Stare them in the eyes and actually mean it.

Even when you’ve been at each other’s throats all day, genuinely tell them that you love them. You never know what could happen. Put your pride away.

And for the love of all things chocolate, do not just show them you love them on Valentine’s Day.

When it all comes down to it, the best thing you can do for your partner is to communicate with them. Without communication, there’s no trust. And without trust, there should be no relationship.

Related posts:

• 30 Unexpected Ways to Have Fun With Your Partner
• How to Overcome a Rough Patch by Strengthening Your Relationship
• 25 Things Women Can Do to Score Big Points with Men
• 25 Things Men Can Do to Score Big Points From Women
• 6 Marriage Lessons I Learned From My Parents’ Divorce

Have You Tried Couple’s Therapy?

If you’re having complications in your relationship, it might be helpful to talk to a couple’s counselor.

Did you know that there is affordable online couples therapy?

Talkspace is a super flexible option for couples counseling, as you only need your phone or web browser.

Benefits of Talkspace:

• Won’t have to physically visit therapist’s office
• Won’t have to rearrange your lives or hire a babysitter
• You and partner will share same therapist
• You’ll share a private online room
• Communicate with your therapist whenever

What I love about Talkspace is that you can get incredible couple’s therapy from the comfort of your own home.

TRY TALKSPACE NOW

The post 7 Ways to Show Your Partner You Care Every Single Day appeared first on Okay Now Breathe.