Question Game with Dad Part 2

If you’ve ever wondered about what kind of person your father was as a child or just wanted to get to know him better in general, maybe you should try asking him some questions. At first, you might feel shy or uncomfortable approaching him, but he may feel differently. After all, men often enjoy talking about themselves and most dads would probably love the attention. Besides this, you might think you know everything there is to know about him, but this is highly unlikely, especially since you didn’t know him when he was younger.

(This is Part 2 of the two-part question game with dad series. See here for Part 1: questions to ask dad about you)

Get to Know You Dad Better with These 10 Questions for  Dad

Here’s a list of 10 questions to ask your dad to get to know him better:

1. What did you lack as a kid that you’d like to give your own kids?

Plenty of parents have a tendency to talk about what they lacked as a child. For instance, you might have overheard your father tell someone else that he didn’t have any toys as a young boy and this is why he resolved to give you these types of gifts. On the other hand, this might not have happened to you and this could give you a reason to ask.

2. What jobs did you have growing up?

In case you haven’t noticed, fathers usually love to talk about their jobs. Not only can this give him an ego boost, but it can make him feel useful. Plus, asking him this question can give him a chance to relive some experiences that helped him mature into the person he is today. To illustrate, if he edited newspapers in his younger years, this might explain his fondness for writing. Or he might have designed and sold t-shirts in his youth, and this is what helped him know he wanted to open his own graphic design business when he got older.

3. Who was your best friend in middle school?

Understanding the type of best friend he had in middle or elementary school can help you gain insight into his childhood. For one, if he had a friend who he calls clever, maybe they enjoyed playing pranks on people. Or he might have had a nerdy best friend, which might cause you to wonder if your dad’s more intelligent than you think.

4. What was your biggest childhood dream?

Knowing what his hopes and dreams were as a child could be of interest to you. For example, maybe he wanted to be a superhero, or he could have been more realistic and dreamed of becoming a firefighter. And if he wished to become a superhero or had another highly imaginative dream, this can tell you that he was extremely idealistic. Moreover, you can consider how your childhood dream compares to his.

5. What experiences would you like to have in the future?

While you might think your father has experienced almost everything he’s ever wanted to experience, you could be wrong about this. Of course, he may have goals you don’t know about. Maybe he yearns to master oil painting techniques or would like to take classes to learn a foreign language. Alternatively, he could desire to purchase a boat when he retires.

6. What were you like in high school and how would your classmates describe you?

Despite who he is now, your father may have been a completely different person in high school. Moreover, his classmates might have perceived him as someone other than who he was at the time. They could have misjudged him and thought he was a bad boy when in reality they might not have known him very well.

7. How did you and mom first meet and was it love at first sight?

Since the beginning of every love story can be exciting, you might like to know how your parents met. If your dad says it wasn’t love at first sight, all sorts of questions might pop into your head. You might wonder whether they ever belonged together in the first place, or you could begin to think about if love at first sight even exists.

8. Who in your childhood helped shape you into the person you are now?

Everyone has someone in their lives who helped them become who they currently are, even if this person or people only affected them indirectly. This could be your dad’s own father, a teacher he admires to this day or someone else who had a significant impact on his life. Additionally, people who could have inspired and had an indirect impact on him include a celebrity he’s always looked up to, an activist or another person.

9. What are your favorite things about being a father?

Being a parent can be complicated, especially since there are high and low times. Although he may not express his feelings too often, your dad likely has one or more things he thoroughly enjoys about being a father. He could appreciate working hard for his family, or he might be proud of the kinds of children he raised.

10. What movies and books did you love when you were a kid?

Since he’s a dad, you might never have thought he’d ever do similar activities to you. But the truth is he was once a kid too and, in all likelihood, had his own favorite books and movies. After he answers your question, you might want to watch a movie he loved or read one of his beloved books. This can give you an opportunity to understand how he thinks and compare your favorites to his.

One thing with dads is they can be storytellers. Indeed, it’s important to be aware of this as he answers your questions. But even if he does have a penchant for avoiding the truth, this can also tell you about the type of person he is. On the bright side, you might like him more after you learn to accept him for who he truly is.

References

• VeryWellFamily: Questions to Ask Your Father to Get to Know Him on a Deeper Level – Link
• Greater Good Magazine: 20 Questions to Ask Your Father – Link

Questions & Conversation Topics

Questions to Ask

Your Crush | Your Dad about Him | Your Dad about You | Your Friend about You | Yourself | Your Mom about You | Your Mom about Her

Things to Talk About With

Best Friend | Your Crush | New Friend

The post 10 Interesting Questions to Ask Your Dad to Get to Know Him Better appeared first on Metropolitan Girls.

Question Game with Dad Part 1

One thing you might wonder about is how well your dad knows you. In fact, this could give you insight into how close your bond is. On the other hand, you might not care so much about gaining inner depth, but maybe you’d rather just have fun with it. No matter what, asking him some serious and not-so-deep questions can help you understand his feelings about you a bit better.

(This is Part 1 of the two-part question game with dad series. See here for part 2: questions to ask dad about him.)

10 Questions to Ask Dad About You (His Son/Daughter)

Here’s a list of 10 questions to ask your dad to see how much he knows you:

1. What was the first pet I ever had?

If you’ve had pets since childhood, then your parent should remember this one. This can be particularly true if your father was the one who helped you potty train your puppy or drove you and your dog to the veterinarian. Of course, almost nothing is more loved than someone’s dog, cat, hamster or whatever type of pet you may have had. So, if your dad answers this one correctly, he might actually have been paying attention.

2. Which dream career did I have growing up?

Every child has a dream career and they usually never forget it, even when they become adults. For example, you might have wished to be an astronaut, video game designer, kindergarten teacher or something else entirely. The career you dreamed about in your youth was in all probability something that helped mold you into the person you are today.

3. What was my favorite childhood book?

You probably had a children’s book you cherished and always remembered. Indeed, you might have carried it with you on family trips and anywhere else you were allowed to read a book. This book possibly even took you to imaginary islands and other planets where otherworldly creatures roam and in some cases talk to each other. Some classic favorites people tend to adore include Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, Are You My Mother?, Charlotte’s Web and The Story of Ferdinand, among others.

4. What was my first job ever?

Since your first job was doubtless one of the highlights of your life, you might spark your dad’s memory by asking him this question. It was in all likelihood important to you, even if you didn’t work particularly successfully. For one, you could have worked as a cashier at a fast-food restaurant, pet sitter for the neighbor’s dog or gift wrapper for the holiday season, among others.

5. Who did I look up to as a child?

There are plenty of people your male parent could say you looked up to as a youngster. For instance, you might have idolized a famous actor, respected a particular teacher or appreciated your father a whole lot. No doubt, whoever this person was, he or she must have made the utmost impression on you.

See also: 60 Father-Daughter Quotes: Meaningful Sayings

6. What are some of my proudest accomplishments?

You might be proud of the time you won the spelling bee in the fifth grade or another time when you helped your team win the basketball championship in middle school. You may have a cabinet full of trophies or a wall display of blue ribbons to show for your efforts. Besides this, you could glory in a single accomplishment or multiple victories. If your dad remembers even one of these, give him extra points.

7. What pizza toppings do I like the most?

Although it might not seem to matter whether your father recalls the pizza toppings you prefer, it might say plenty about how much attention he pays to your preferences. For one thing, maybe you’re a vegan and your favorite pizza toppings are pineapple, mushrooms and garlic. But if your dad doesn’t remember this, he might have forgotten you’re a vegan. And this could reflect poorly on him in your eyes.

8. If I won the lottery, which family member would I share my winnings with?

Each family member has a secret, or not-so-secret, person they favor over others, mainly when it comes to certain situations. In this instance, you are as likely as not to know who you’d share your lottery winnings with if you won a large amount of money. If you know who this person is, then everyone else in the family could probably guess who it is too. This family member could be someone who has a similar personality to you, or maybe you trust him/her more than everyone else.

9. Which parent do I go to when I need help (car trouble, homework problems, etc.)?

Ten to one, the parent you go to when you need help is the parent you favor. This means you might trust this person more than the other parent. While you might love your mother to death, your dad might be a more understanding individual. Despite the fact that you may or may not say whether it’s one or the other, both of your parents can perhaps answer this one with ease.

10. What scared me most when I was a kid?

This could be one of the easiest questions to answer. This is because when you were afraid of monsters in the closet, the boogeyman, or just scared of the dark, your mom, dad or both must have come running to your bedside. As this was something they also had to worry about, they both probably remember what mythical beast or other imaginative figure frightened you out of your wits.

Whether your dad gets every question right or not doesn’t have to matter too much. After all, he’s only human and probably won’t remember everything about you there is to know. So if he isn’t perfect, try not to hold it against him. Instead, maintain a positive mindset. At the same time, if it bothers you that he doesn’t know you well enough, it can be helpful to remind him that you want him to remember the details of your life more often.

References

• LoveToKnow: 100+ Questions for Family

Questions & Conversation Topics

Questions to Ask

Your Crush | Your Dad about Him | Your Dad about You | Your Friend about You | Yourself | Your Mom about You | Your Mom about Her

Things to Talk About With

Best Friend | Your Crush | New Friend

The post 10 Interesting Questions to Ask Your Dad to See How Much Dad Knows You appeared first on Metropolitan Girls.

Question Game with Friends: Questions to Ask Your Friend When Bored to See If They Know You

Great friendships can be hard to come by. With the twists and turns of life, we sometimes get lost in it and forget how important the relationships we make are along the way.

Slow down and take this time to evaluate those friendships, learn about the people around you, and see how much they’ve learned about you. You may be surprised to know that your friends have been paying more attention to you than you though!
If not — these questions are still a great starting point to communicate and create deeper relationships that you’ve never had before.
Below are 10 questions to ask your friends, let’s see how much they really know about you:

1. What was my childhood like for me?

This almost seems like a given. Everyone’s childhood affects them differently, however, and that is an important note to make. Have you shared your upbringing with your friend? Have they shared theirs with you? Knowing where someone comes from is an important indication to see how they’ve become the person they are. Maybe you’ve hinted at things that have bothered you from your childhood that you haven’t noticed and that they’ve picked up on. Maybe you both realize that you don’t necessarily talk about the past. Either way, a great starting question to ask your friends!

2. Who was my first crush?

It may seem like this is a silly question, but this is just an inch step closer to opening the door to your love life. First crushes are fun, they are engaging, and they are innocent. Odds are you briefly mentioned it a time or two and then completely forgot about it. How well have they been listening to the playful conversations?

3. What are my current hobbies?

Many friends become friends because they share the same hobbies, but opposites can attract as well! Do they know everything that you like to do? Are they interested in it too? If they are, do they know your side hobbies that aren’t your main focus? Having friends that listen to you ramble on about what you genuinely enjoy doing are great friends to have, and will show you how much they enjoy talking to you about other things that don’t just interest them.

4. What is my go-to karaoke song?

Of course, there are all types of friends. The friends you have more serious conversations with, the ones you enjoy partying with, then those you can pretty much do everything with. Who knows your go-to karaoke song? Let’s be honest, our karaoke pick says a lot about us without having to say much at all. If they know which song you like to belt out on stage, odds are they probably know you better than you know yourself.

5. Is there something I would change about myself? If so, what would it be and why?

As you move from the sillier and more fun questions to the more serious ones, really dig into how well they know you as a person. Would you actually want to change something about yourself? The answer to this question probably was never fully said out loud in the past, but a friend that knows you knows how to listen and read between the lines. They know how to see your reactions and read your body language to see what you are happy with and not happy with when it comes to yourself.

6. If I could have one day with anyone living or dead, who would it be?

Ah, the famous “if I could have dinner with anyone” type of question. Another question that could seem surface-level, but it could definitely be much deeper than that. Maybe they know you want to see a late loved one, or perhaps they know that there is a famous artist whose brain you want to pick. This is an engaging question that both of you could play off of. Did they know that this person is the one that you would have picked? What have you talked about in the past that would have determined their answer?

7. What scares me the most?

Life can be scary — in a superstitious way, in an emotional way, in a jump-out scare kind of way. There are many things that can tug at our nerves, but what scares you the most? A friend that knows you will know that one thing in the back of your mind that you are secretly afraid of, but never utter it out loud. These friends are the ones you want on your side when you need some support, because they know how much it affects you.

8. Where have I felt lacking in my life?

We often feel disappointed in ourselves (or in certain parts of our lives). We might not clearly point out that we are unhappy, but people can see it with how we act and react to this area. This is a great question to see if they pay attention to the unhappy areas in your life. It’s also a great question to see if they listen to you when you are expressing doubts and when you are venting about the problematic pinpoints of your life.

9. When no one else is around, what do I do?

If no one else is around, how would they possibly know what you do — correct? Well, that’s not always the case. Friends can read certain familiarities in their other friends and gauge how they are alone by those little actions. A friend that knows you pays attention to how you are around people, what you are comfortable with, and combats it with how you two are alone together. In these circumstances, you can tell a great amount of how someone is by themselves.

10. What is one time that I genuinely felt great about myself?

There are certain moments in our lives when we feel genuinely uplifted about ourselves and our lives. With these moments comes stories that we tell our friends and our families. It might have been a compliment or the way that a stranger simply waved hello that changed your entire day. Either way, friends will remember that story you shared with them and that will go a long way!

There are several questions that we can ask those close to us to see how well they truly know us. In asking these questions, we learn how much we share and we also learn more about ourselves through their answers. Give these ten questions a try and learn how great sharing with another person can be.

Questions & Conversation Topics

Questions to Ask

Your Crush | Your Friend about You | Yourself | Your Mom about You | Your Mom about Her

Things to Talk About With

Best Friend | Your Crush | New Friend

The post 10 Interesting Questions to Ask Your Friends to See How Much They Know You appeared first on Metropolitan Girls.

Your mother is the only person who can honestly say she has known you your whole life. She knows many of your secrets and idiosyncrasies. Your mom can recognize your laugh from across the room and usually is the person who knows how to comfort you when no one else can.

The lifelong mother-child bond is very strong for many. It is built on years of memories, laughs, heartaches, victories, and tears. However, you were not part of her story in her childhood and pre-motherhood years. Also, moms always want to be a strong, steady, safe place for their kids, so you are likely shielded from your mom’s vulnerabilities.

❓ Question Game with Mom Part 2 ❓ Get to Know Your Mom Better By Asking Mom These Questions

Here is a list of pointed questions to ask your mom to help give a glimpse into the parts of her story that may be a mystery to you.

1. What is one of your greatest fears?

This immediately opens a conversation that requires vulnerability. It may be difficult for her to answer because it is allowing you access to a part of her you may have never seen before. The answer to this may explain some choices she has made that you previously did not understand. Opening with this question may start to break down barriers and allow her to feel more open and comfortable in a very personal conversation.

2. What is a fond memory of your childhood that can still make you smile when you think of it now?

This will be like taking a trip back in time for your mom. Hearing this story will hopefully introduce you to special people and places in your mom’s past. It can open the door to strolling down memory lane through photo albums and fill in the blanks in those early chapters of your mom’s story that you don’t fully know.

3. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be and why?

Mothers want their kids to see them as close to perfect as possible. By asking this, you are in a sense saying to your mom “I know you have flaws, faults, and doubts and it’s OK.” You are giving her permission to take off her superhero cape. Knowing the answer may give you an opportunity to support your mom in working toward self-improvement. It is a good way to grow and strengthen your relationship.

4. Who is a historical figure that you admire?

Is the person she lists adventurous, an intellectual, a fighter for social justice? It is likely some of the characteristics this person has/had are traits she would like to have herself. Also, having a better understanding of qualities she finds commendable in others may illuminate why she chooses the people who are her closest friends.

5. What is one thing that has happened in your life that has been a surprise?

Most people have a “life plan” in their late teens and early twenties and, inevitably, it doesn’t pan out that way. Learning what unexpected twist or turn has been part of your mom’s journey can really show her flexibility and her resilience. Also, moms enjoy imparting wisdom to their children, and this is an opportunity for your mom to share what life lessons she has learned when she encountered the unexpected.

6. What do you think changed the most when you became a mother?

Maybe your mom changed her career path, made financial sacrifices, or quit smoking when she learned she would soon be a mother. Perhaps her whole outlook on life changed. Knowing what she chose to change, shows you just the level of sacrifice your mom made for you even in your earliest days of life.

7. What is your most embarrassing moment?

This is a great chance for some good belly laughs. This question combines a bit of vulnerability with light-heartedness and keeps the conversation from becoming too heavy. So many times, we see our parents putting on their best faces in front of other parents, their bosses, their in-laws etc. Moments like this let you see mom in a rare, silly and natural moment usually not seen by children during their childhood.

8. What do you think is the most difficult decision you have ever made?

Many people have a very memorable and pivotal decision in their lives that changed the course of their personal history. What the decision was and how she arrived at the eventual choice she made can be eye-opening. While listening to your mom explain this answer, you may learn how she deals with stress, disappointment, and self-doubt.

9. What is an accomplishment in life that you are proud of?

Moms are always bragging about their children and making sure they are in the spotlight. However, when it is their time to shine, it is probably a humble moment with little to no fanfare. Give your mom an audience. Give her a chance to shine and be in the spotlight, as she assuredly deserves.

10. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

People’s dream destinations are usually an indicator of what’s important to them. Would your mom want to go to the homeland of her ancestors to learn more about where she comes from? Is she adventurous and wants to zipline across the rainforest or go on an African safari? Her answer could surprise you because it’s more like your answer than expected. Conversely, it may surprise you because it tells you about an interest you never knew she had.

Question Game with Mom

Because she protects you and wants to be your safe place and strong tower, your mom has probably put up some walls or drawn distinct boundaries between the two of you over the years. It may be difficult for both of you to transition to a relationship where you are both open, vulnerable, and authentic. Hopefully, this list can be a jumpstart for tearing the walls down and deepening your connection with your mom.

Questions & Conversation Topics

Questions to Ask

Your Crush | Yourself | Your Mom about You | Your Mom about Her

Things to Talk About With

Best Friend | Your Crush | New Friend

The post 10 Questions to Ask Mom to Get to Know Her Better appeared first on Metropolitan Girls.

Here are 10 questions to ask on a first date:

1. What are your pet peeves?

Asking your date what annoys him/her can encourage you to be honest with each other from the start. For example, it’s okay if she doesn’t like horror movies because this is her personal preference. This just means you’ll have to avoid seeing these types of films if there’s ever a second date. Moreover, knowing one another’s pet peeves can help you avoid getting on each other’s nerves. Loud chewing, slurping when drinking, being late, slow internet and turning without signaling are some pet peeves people tend to have.

2. What kind of kid were you?

Knowing what kind of child someone was can tell you plenty about their childhood and the type of person they are now. For instance, your date might say he loved playing with LEGO toys as a child, and this is why he decided to become an architect. Or he could talk about how much he enjoyed drawing cartoon characters, and this activity was what led him to become an animator. As well as this, remember to answer the question yourself so he has the chance to understand how your childhood shaped you into the person you are now.

3. Do you have any hobbies or passion projects you’ve been involved in lately?

Passion projects and hobbies are two different things. While passion projects are meant to inspire you to explore a deeper side of yourself, hobbies are leisure activities people do for pleasure. When you know what someone spends her time doing, you can find out how compatible you are with her. For one, she might like to run marathons for charity every weekend, while you would rather play board games with her all day. This could be a sign you’re not compatible enough or maybe you should just start participating in marathons on weekends.

4. Have you read any interesting articles or books recently?

Having stimulating conversations can help you both figure out if you can get along without arguing. Plus, you might find that you both love reading the same genre of books or have an interest in similar topics. This could lead to you joining a book club together or even writing a book as coauthors. A similar question to ask is if she’s seen any great movies or TV shows lately.

5. Do you know any jokes that could make someone laugh out loud?

While many people probably know a few good jokes, most people likely don’t know any that could provoke the biggest laughs. Before your date, you might want to do your own research to find some online. Alternatively, head to the library and check out one or two humorous books to study. You could also try practicing writing your own original jokes.

6. What was the best and worst thing that happened to you today?

Listening to someone talk about one day in their lives could give you an idea of the types of experiences they usually have. If the person talks about how she cooked for her three children, then in all probability she does this on a regular basis. Another example is if someone talks about losing money in a poker game, then he might have a gambling problem. But it’s crucial to note that everyone experiences highs and lows. So this may not be an indicator the person is wrong for you.

7. Who are the most important people in your life?

Understanding how a guy or girl feels about the special people in his or her life gives you a glimpse of what matters to this person. For one thing, if he calls his mother every chance he gets, maybe he’s a mama’s boy. On the other hand, she might care about her dog a lot and this explains why she volunteers to walk dogs at a nearby pet rescue shelter.

8. Would you rather…?

This type of question gives you both the freedom to be silly or deep without taking the conversation too seriously. Just go with the flow and have fun with it. Almost nothing can be more attractive to some people than someone who has a sense of humor. When you’re on a first date, it’s important to keep things friendly and light-hearted.

9. Do you have any fun facts that no one knows about you?

Numerous people on this planet probably have at least one fun fact they hide from the people around them. Asking this question on your date could bring out a secret you could share together forever. For example, although she may be 33 years old, she might still believe in Santa Claus, or he might be a genius at inventing practical objects.

10. Is there anything you want to learn or wish to have in the future?

Getting an answer to this question can be helpful in understanding the other person’s hopes and dreams. In particular, he might say his wish is to change people’s lives by feeding the homeless. Upon hearing this, you can gain insight into his kind heart and soul. She could say she wants to learn to speak a foreign language, which might mean she appreciates different cultures.

Instead of waiting for inspiration to come to you on the day of your first date, have a few questions ready. Of course, you can slip these into your pocket or purse and review them when your date leaves the table. After all, asking the right questions can be exceptional icebreakers and make you feel more comfortable around each other.

Questions & Conversation Topics

Questions to Ask

On First Date | Your Crush | Yourself | Your Mom

Things to Talk About With

Best Friend | Your Crush | New Friend

The post First Date Questions appeared first on Metropolitan Girls.

As we age and there aren’t 4-hour road trips to soccer tournaments or sleepovers at your house with all your giggly pre-teen friends, that bond with mom often changes. When we step into adulthood, most people still look to their mom for advice and know that she will always be a safe place, but it may not be as easy to “bare your soul” when you have become an adult and both you and your mom have grown and changed.

❓ Question Game with Mom ❓ Questions to Ask Your Mother to See How Much She Knows You 

So, how do you reconnect and rebuild that mother-child bond you had in the early days? Here is a list of questions to help spark meaningful conversations with your mother.

1) Who are my closest friends?

The people we surround ourselves with can say a lot about who we are. Mom knowing who your friends are shows you that she knows the kind of characteristics you are drawn to in others.

In addition, knowing the answer to this question means your mom knows who to call if she is worried about you or wants to throw you a surprise party. It also indicates that she knows you have people in your life who allow you to be your authentic self.

2) What is one food I love and one that I hate?

If your mom cooks and you have siblings, this question might be a sneaky way to find out who her favorite child is. If she knows that your favorite foods are but never cook them for you ever, that could be a sign that you might not be her favorite!

Anyway, this Q&A gives you the chance to tell mom just how much you have matured by showing her your adventurous palate. It also encourages her to serve your favorite meal the next time you visit her for dinner. Finally, use this opportunity to tell her that you don’t actually like the marshmallow Easter Peeps anymore.

3) What is something on my “bucket list”?

Evidently, you’re close to your mom because you won’t be playing a question game like this if you weren’t. Anyway, while mom may remember your mischievous deeds as a child, but does she know about the things you want to do before you kick the bucket?

Sharing an adventure or goal you have could lead to discussing something your mom wants to do, but still hasn’t done yet that may surprise you. It may give your mom a chance to help you make your dream a reality. There may be someone in her hiking group or her ladies church group who has connections that can help you meet that person or visit that place you have always wanted. Who knows, this could lead to a mother/child bucket list adventure!

4) What is one of my biggest pet peeves?

Here is another question that serves multiple purposes. First, it can show your mom just how much you’ve grown. And second, you can now handle wearing the same shoes as someone else at a party without batting an eye, while also opening the door to a non-aggressive way to share with your mom something she may do that drives you bonkers.

5) What is a decision I have made or something I have done that I regret?

No relationship grows without some vulnerability. This question not only helps you to see how much your mom knows you, depending on what she answers, it also tells you how much you have been sharing with mom. If she doesn’t know the true answer, it’s perhaps you haven’t been sharing with her to begin with.

Anyway, further discussions from this question can show her that you still find her to be that safe place and allow you both to celebrate how you have risen above some of your not-so-shining moments. It is a chance for your mom to remind you how unconditional her love is and there is never a bad time to be reminded of that.

6) What is something I’d like to change about myself?

You may find that this question gives your mom the opportunity to applaud and compliment you. Sometimes what we dislike about ourselves, like how we snort when we laugh or have a squinty smile, is what others find the most endearing. The question is also an opportunity to coerce some honest feedback from mom, which you can use to improve yourself.

7) If I were a character in a book or movie, who would I choose to be?

This is a perfect conversation starter for light-hearted and fun conversation. It can lead to learning more about you, such as what your favorite movies or books are. You can even take it a step further and the two of you could have a 2-person book club by reading a book together and having that to talk about and bond over.

8) If I am having a bad day, what is something that is guaranteed to cheer me up?

The subject of what makes us happy generally lifts everyone’s spirits. Mom will love knowing the answer to this one and will keep it close to her heart for when she needs it to brighten up one of your rainy days.

9) What are 3 words I would use to describe myself?

Moms know how they see you, and to an extent how the world sees you, but they may not know how you see yourself. How you see yourself gives a glimpse into your world perspective, which can really enlighten a mother as to the person their adult child really is.

10) Besides you, who is someone I really admire or look up to?

Talking to your mom about this can give a window to your future, into who you still want to become. It may inspire her to challenge herself to develop her own qualities, to be a person you admire even more.

Conclusion

Adulthood brings transitions of many kinds. One of those is the mother-child role into more of a friendship. It isn’t always the easiest or smoothest transition. Contrary to what the wisdom of many rom coms might suggest, everyone doesn’t have their mother as their instant best friend.

As with all relationships, mother-child relationships come in many shapes and sizes, none are perfect, and they ebb and flow over time. Perhaps, this list can help jump-start conversations and ensure that your mom not only knows your story from the beginning but that she is also an important character in it for as long as possible.

Questions & Conversation Topics

Questions to Ask

Your Crush | Yourself | Your Mom

Things to Talk About With

Best Friend | Your Crush | New Friend

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Here’s a list of 10 self-discovery questions to ask yourself

1. How do your biggest fears hold you back from living the way you truly want to?

If you think about it, any fears you may have probably hold you back from accomplishing your future goals and dreams. One example is when someone is afraid of heights. This fear has likely prevented this person from riding exciting roller coasters, hiking to the top of a mountain to witness the beautiful scenery and riding to the top floor of a tall building in an elevator, among other things. By not facing your fears, you miss out on all sorts of opportunities.

2. What three things inspire you the most?

Being aware of what inspires you can be helpful in incorporating these things into your daily life. For instance, if music inspires you, then you can play your favorite tunes while you work to stay motivated. Other things that might inspire you are charitable people, spirituality/religion, the beauty of nature or a favorite color.

3. Do you have the career today you dreamed of having as a child? Why or why not?

If you had a childhood dream career, such as wanting to be a firefighter or an artist, you might not have this career now. If you don’t, then your life might not be as ideal as you’d like it to be. Alternatively, you might have the career you’ve always dreamed of, which means you’re happier than if you didn’t go for it. No matter what, accomplishing your goals, whether they seem realistic or not at the time, can make you happier.

4. What about you attracts the right people to you?

While you probably have various qualities that make you who you are, at least some of these are likely to attract the wrong people to you. For example, if you have an easy-going nature, people who aren’t your real friends might notice this and try to take advantage of you. But if you learn to control this side of yourself, then you can use it to make genuine connections.

5. What are your values and beliefs? How can living by these improve your day-to-day life?

Committing to live by your values and beliefs can have a profound effect on your health and happiness. Several examples of these are creativity, family, humanity, intelligence, learning, kindness, and compassion.

For one thing, if you incorporate compassion into your days on a regular basis, then you have the chance to gain meaning, purpose, and empathy. Another example to consider is creativity. You can take drawing classes, learn to sew or paint, or write a book. Plus, creativity can boost your self-esteem and improve your social life.

6. Who or what motivates you to be your best self?

When someone or something motivates you to be your best self, you’re more likely to accomplish your goals and be successful in everything you do. For one, you might know a teacher or even have a special grandmother, who’s always been an exceptional role model for you. Otherwise, you may feel motivated by things, namely famous artwork, a childhood stuffed toy, a favorite book or something else.

7. How do those you admire most motivate and inspire you?

Understanding why you admire someone can tell you a great deal about yourself. In particular, if you’re inspired by a famous humanitarian, such as Martin Luther King, Jr., then you might have similar qualities in yourself that you’d like to develop at some point in your life. This may mean you’d like to advocate for human rights and equality.

8. What are some things you’d like to improve about yourself?

By improving yourself, you can enhance your quality of life in various ways. Suppose you know you need to work harder and commit to doing this. After a time, you’ll notice that by working harder, you earn a steady income, can purchase necessities, and might buy items you enjoy buying.

Other ideas to improve yourself are eating a healthy diet, having an exercise plan, using less technology, practicing self-care, donating money to charity every week or anything else you can think of.

9. What have you always wanted to do but never tried?

Checking items off from your bucket list can help you live without future regrets. You might have always wanted to go skydiving, ride in a hot air balloon or swim with dolphins but never actually did these things. Other experiences you might wish to have had are going on a safari, traveling through Europe, or changing someone’s life for the better, among others.

10. What makes your life more meaningful?

When your life lacks meaning, you may feel depressed or even lack the motivation you need to live. Realizing what genuinely matters to you can give you a greater sense of purpose.

This could be volunteering for a cause you’re passionate about, spending time with family and friends, playing frisbee with your dog, practicing yoga or meditation, or something else. After you’ve figured out what’s meaningful to you, you can integrate these things into your daily life.

A Few More Words on Self-Discovery

One of the best things you could ever do for yourself is know who you are. Indeed, doing so can give you the answers you need to pursue the goals that matter to you and find friends who care about you as a person. Besides this, when you understand yourself, you can enjoy being yourself a lot more. So grab a pencil and paper to start answering some of these inspiring questions.

Questions & Conversation Topics

Questions to Ask

Your Crush | Yourself

Things to Talk About With

Best Friend | Your Crush | New Friend

The post 10 Questions to Ask Yourself to Understand Yourself Better appeared first on Metropolitan Girls.

Backyard date ideas for couples who are looking to enjoy romantic date nights in the backyard.

Ideas for Backyard Date Nights

Dating in the backyard can be fun and romantic as long as you’re willing to be creative. In fact, it is a great spot for many at-home date nights. Don’t worry if you aren’t sure where to begin. Below are 27 date night ideas that will get you started with backyard dating.

1. BACKYARD BBQ

Enjoy delicious grilled food with your date in a backyard BBQ cookout. Perform as a team. Work hand in hand to gather fresh ingredients, for example, meat, fish, vegetables, fruits, and s’mores. When you’re at the store, don’t forget to stock up on some aluminum foil. They’ll come in handy when grilling food that sticks to the grill, such as fish and s’mores. “Plain water would go really with grilled food,” said no one ever. So prepare some soft drinks, juices, or beer–in addition to water.

2. TANNING

In spring or summer when there’s ample sunlight, head out to the backyard for a couple’s tanning sesh.

Enjoy some quiet and relaxing time lying down next to your partner. Give your face and body that healthy golden glow by basking in the warm, revitalizing sunlight.

The Sun is also the best source of Vitamin D; a crucial nutrient about 40% of Americans don’t get enough of. Vitamin D plays an important role in keeping the muscle, teeth, and bones healthy.

When tanning, remember to keep yourself hydrated and apply tanning lotion with sun protection. Help each other with the application to improve couple intimacy.

3. OUTDOOR SPA

Capitalize on the perfect weather outside. Take turns in giving one another a massage. Help each other relax by applying force strategically on pressure points. Get yourself a healthy tan in the process.

4. BACKYARD MOVIE DATE IDEAS

The movie date is the default date night activity for many couples. Sure, it’s clichéd, but it also works well.

It’s a date idea that is tried and proven. Movies are enjoyable even when you’re feeling exhausted. At home, movie dates usually happen in the living room or bedroom. To break the monotony, grab your laptop or tablet and head outside to the backyard for an outdoor movie viewing experience.

For a more unique dating experience, get a projector and set up a projector screen to create your very own open-air backyard cinema. If you can move your car to the front of the screen, you have just created your area’s one-and-only drive-in movie theater.

Note that you might need to buy a radio frequency transmitter to broadcast the audio over the AM/FM frequency bands so that you can hear the audio in your car. I’ll write a more detailed guide on creating a drive-in theater at home one of these days.

5. POOL PARTY

Not everyone has a swimming pool at home. But if you do, it’s time for a summer pool party. Don’t worry if you don’t have a pool–most people don’t–just get yourself a portable pool. It doesn’t have to be big but it’d be nice if the two of you can at least sit down comfortably in the pool. Splash water at each other, play water gun fight, listen to music, sip on cocktails.

6. SETUP A HAMMOCK

The hammock PR team (if there were ever one) has done a terrific job, because the image of a hammock and the word itself make most people think of relaxation and leisure. For this date idea, you’re to hang out in a hammock on a lazy afternoon.

Sounds great? Well, there’s a catch, first, you’ll have to build it. Start by doing all the research you can on how to make a hammock. Unfortunately, using this article alone as a guide to building hammocks isn’t going to get you far!

Here’s a better hammock setup guide. That said you’ll need two sturdy support poles, e.g. trees or some pillars that are your house’s structure. You will also need a canvas or netting and two straps to suspend the canvas from the poles. Here’s a better hammock setup guide.

7. BUILD A SWING

Similar to the hammock idea, build a swing in the backyard. Spending time on the swings as a couple is always a cute thing to do. If you don’t have a swing in your backyard, pool together your efforts into building one.

A tree swing is fun for everyone in the family. And it’ll forever be a photo-perfect spot. However, it does require a big and strong tree to support the swing. Couples who are adept at carpentry can try their hands at building a two-seater wooden swing.

Others may find it more feasible to order a kit online and assemble it together. And finally, if you prefer, you can always order a pre-built swing set.

8. BACKYARD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT

For a productive date that encourages teamwork, work together to improve the backyard. If you’re finding your backyard a little bit boring, maybe it’s time to improve it. While it’s fun to get hands-on and build stuff, building and crafting are definitely not everyone’s cup of tea.

So it’s perfectly normal if you decide to shop for stuff that’ll make the backyard more fun. As a matter of fact, shopping for the best deals and hunting for coupon codes are activities many couples enjoy doing.

Below are some backyard ideas or stuff you can buy to make the backyard a better place for the family to hang out and for you couple to date:-

• Add wind spinners to liven things up.
• Build a small patio.
• Install solar-powered lights.
• Add some chairs and a table.
• Mow the lawn.
• Install a privacy fence.
• Get a jacuzzi.

9. PLANT A TREE

A backyard that is 100% lawn is boring. Not to mention that the lawn is not eco-friendly and require high maintenance. Planting a tree will liven up the backyard immediately. This is a great date idea for married couples. For committed couples, think of it as a way to invest in your shared future, for your offspring. And there’s something romantic about that.

A fully grown tree is nature’s best air filter. It provides shade in the summer and a shelter for the birds. When the wind blows, it sings the tune of Mother Nature by rustling its leaves. When the season changes, the tree decorates the backyard by changing its clothing accordingly. Depending on the species of the tree you’re planting, in spring it might don a floral dress. Years from now, the tree will have grown big enough to support a swing with its tree branch and ample shade for the family to picnic under it.

It will take time to grow before you can reap the benefits. But you know what people say about planting a tree, “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.”

10. GARDENING

Planting a tree is a long-term investment. But it would be reaffirming to work on something that bears fruit in the near future. Gardening may not be the most romantic date idea ever but it is a fun way to spend some quiet time with your significant other. What to do on a gardening date? Plan the next crops to grow. Create a layout for the garden. Bring that layout to life. Shop for seeds and other gardening tools. Work in the garden together. Remove weeds. Water crops. Sow seeds. Trim off dead leaves. Tilt the soil. Harvest crops. The quiet and peaceful nature of gardening makes it an excellent date for introverted couples.

Earlier, I said that gardening is not the most romantic date ever. But any activity can be made romantic if you’re willing to be creative. Here are a few romantic ideas for your gardening date:-

• Hug your partner from behind when harvesting crops.
• Put your arm around your partner when you’re done for the day to appreciate the hard work you’ve done.
• Shoot your date a flirty glance when you’re working apart from each other. Smile at him suggestively for some giggles (or is it?).
• Kiss under the floral arch.

11. MAKE A MEADOW

For this date idea, you lovely couple will be collaborating in creating a small meadow in the backyard. Until a few weeks ago, I used to have some misconceptions about meadows–that they all occur naturally and a meadow means a vast grassland. Well, a meadow can be a natural and vast grassland, but apparently you can also create meadows on smaller plots of land. All you need is to create specific soil conditions, that couple with the right climate and you get a meadow. To do this in the backyard, first designate an area for the meadow. Next, measure and buy wildflower seeds online. When the seeds are ready, dig up the lawn from the designated area using a pitchfork, tilt the soil, then sow the wildflower seeds. The arguments for a wildflower meadow, as opposed to the lawn, are many but it boils down to aesthetics, bio-diversity, and eco-friendliness.

12. BACKYARD PICNIC

One reason why the backyard is the ideal picnic spot is its proximity to the food source–the kitchen. A backyard picnic is so convenient, there’s no excuse not to do it. However, just because it’s convenient doesn’t mean that you should grab a can of soda, drink it in the backyard in your pajamas and call it a picnic. As with most things, there’s a ritual involved and certain rules to follow before you can call eating outside “a picnic”.

First, you’ll need to find a picnic blanket. Even though it isn’t very comfortable to sit on, a waterproof blanket is the ideal choice. Because then you can picnic on a wet lawn without getting wet butts–that doesn’t feel very romantic or comfortable. Next is the basket. Nothing feels more picnicky than a woven basket. But if you can’t find that, a plastic basket will do just fine. Bring tons of food and drinks, check out these picnic food ideas. We’ve also touched on the backyard picnic in our at-home date night idea article, so be sure to check that out also. And lastly, don’t wear your pajamas! No, I don’t mean going nekked–though that is an option for naturist couples. Anyway, change into something casual but presentable, it’s a date, so act like one. Remember to bring some games so you have some activities to do during the picnic.

13. CAMPING

Have you had a sleepover in your backyard? Most people haven’t. This backyard date night idea gives you and your partner an excuse to enjoy the backyard in a unique way. In it’s simplest form, pitch a tent and use it as your bed at night. Snuggle and cuddle with each other. Ask how the week went. Whisper sweet nothings in each other’s ears. And perhaps, you know, get naughty.

For a full experience, start early. Pack the stuff you need from the house because you won’t be going back inside (except perhaps for toilet breaks) once you set out for the backyard campsite. Start a campfire. Boil some water and use the boiling water to brew yourselves some bold, aromatic coffee. Prepare food ingredients outside and cook up something using the campfire. For example, soup, stew, baked fish, etc. At night, if the temperature gets chilly, drape a blanket over yourselves and snuggle next to the campfire for warmth. Talk, make jokes, tease each other, and flirt like a new couple–before retreating to the camp for some rest.

14. STARGAZING – METEOR SHOWER

“Dwell on the beauty of life. Watch the stars, and see yourself running with them.” ~ Marcus Aurelius.

For couples who live in areas without heavy light pollution, meet your date in the backyard to marvel at the stars. Find a spot in the backyard where there’s an unobstructed view of the night sky. Lie down, hold your hands, and appreciate the blanket of stars and other shiny heavenly bodies before your eyes.

Stargazing is an excellent late-night date idea. It can be done as a standalone activity or in combination with other date ideas on this list. For example, it’s a perfect addition to the backyard camping date night idea. Couples intrigued by stargazing might be interested in furthering their interest in astronomy. Save up some money and invest in a telescope. With a telescope, you’ll be able to fly to the moon with your date (visually, of course) and to visit other planets in the solar system such as Mars and Saturn.

15. BUG HUNTING

In the months when bugs and beetles are active, grab your nets and go hunt for some bugs. Hunt as a team and keep the bugs temporarily in a jar. Alternatively, fire up the competitive spirit by having a bug-hunting competition. Win by catching the most bugs. When you’re done with the hunt, inspect the bugs and find out what they are online. Take photos of them. Pay attention to their behaviors, patterns, and color before releasing them back to their natural habitat.

16. BACKYARD COFFEE DATE

Wake up early to prepare breakfast and some coffee. Change into an outfit you’d wear to a breakfast restaurant. Enjoy a delicious breakfast consisting of umami-packed omelet, hearty bacon, toasts, and refreshing salad. And let’s not forget a cup of coffee to wake you up for an exciting, fun-filled day ahead. Enjoy the soothing morning breeze and gentle tunes sung by the birds who have just woken from their slumber. And that’s one way to have your coffee date at home, right in your backyard.

Coffee connoisseurs might be interested in a different coffee date. One that involves tasting different coffee beans and different brewing methods. Make small servings of coffee using different beans and methods, then taste the coffees by taking small sips. Don’t forget to smell the coffees to pick up their olfactory notes. Finally, swap opinions. In winter, couples living in the snowy north can try a more rustic approach to their coffee date. First, make a fire pit in the backyard to provide warmth and a way to boil water. Next, make coffee using the boiling water. Lastly, enjoy the reinvigorating feeling brought by the coffee and take in the peaceful snowy vista offered by your backyard.

17. ICE CREAM DATE

“You can’t buy happiness, but you can buy ice cream and that is pretty much the same thing.” ~ Paige Lovelace.

Ice cream is one of the best inventions ever. Some inventions make life easier but ice cream has brought more happiness and satisfaction than most of them. Ice cream is flavorful, rich, and creamy. It keeps you cool in the summer, and it energizes you in the colder months. Ice cream is available in virtually any flavors you can imagine. Vanilla, Chocolate, Rum & Raisin, Cookies and Cream, Belgium Chocolate, Mocha, Strawberry. When you’re feeling meh, time for some ice cream. When you need a celebration, time for some ice cream. And for a fun backyard date, well, that calls for some ice cream.

Take out a pint of ice cream from the fridge, add toppings to your heart’s content. Stop your date from doing what he’s doing and skip happily to the backyard where you’ll enjoy some fresh outdoor air and some tasty and rich ice cream. As if sharing a pint of ice cream isn’t cute enough, try spoon feeding each other. That’ll give you some “new relationship energy“.

18. READING

Spend an hour or two in the backyard reading and discussing the books you’re reading. Get your partner a new book you think he’ll love. Read books from any genre you prefer–fiction and non-fiction. I’m partial to physical books, but e-books work too. Alternatively, magazines and online articles could also offer hours of quality entertainment and helpful information. Eat some snacks and sip on freshly brewed coffee while you read. Homemade baked goods go well with coffee and books.

19. WINE TASTING

Allocate a small budget for this exquisite experience. Don’t go in blind to the wine shop. Do some research online and look for wines that fit your budget and have good reviews. Depending on what you want to experience, you might want to buy a few bottles of wine produced by the same vineyard or different vineyards.

While the nearest vineyard may be miles away, your backyard is literally behind your house. For this date night idea, start by inviting your date to join you for a meal. Wine and empty stomachs are not a happy combination. Get out of your t-shirts and shorts. Dress yourselves in something a little bit more wine-tastingy. Nothing overly fancy. Perhaps a long-sleeve shirt for the gentleman, and an off-shoulder top for the lady. Accessorize with watches, earrings, and necklaces accordingly.

Wine tasting during the daytime allows you to see and distinguish the colors of the wine vividly. But an evening of wine tasting is one of the most romantic things you can do in the backyard. Just don’t turn on that 100-W daylight spotlight. Nothing kills the mood faster than a bright and blue-ish light. For a romantic date night in the backyard, a string of orange LED bulbs will do wonders at setting a the mood and provide adequate brightness for your activities. To complement, light some candles to enhance the mood. Let everything bask in that lovely, warm, and sensual orange hue.

To taste the wine, try to experience all aspects of the wine with your senses. Start by visually inspecting the wine. Then smell it and finally take a sip and gargle it a little in your mouth–during which you’ll taste it with your mouth and breath in and out to smell it once again. Try to detect the subtle notes in the wine and put that into words then compare your opinion with your partner.

20. OUTDOOR YOGA

You’ll need to wipe off your yoga mats after this date but it’ll be worth it. Lay out the mats side-by-side on the patio or directly on the backyard lawn. Do the whole yoga routine next to each other. You can do your own poses separately but it’d make you feel more connected as a couple if either one of you takes charge. Another option is to take turns in deciding the next pose. With every pose, pay attention to the tension in your muscles and the sore points in your body. Since you’re outdoor, don’t forget to enjoy the peacefulness offered by the comforting breeze, singing birds, and rustling trees. When the session is done, sit down for a quick, mindful chat with your partner.

21. TREASURE HUNT

Begin by hiding the treasure in a safe spot. Then plan the clues. The clues can be given directly or as a reward for completing a riddle, puzzle, or physical activity. The idea is to let the clues bring the participants from one location to another location with the treasure being the final destination. Clue making is when your creativity and imagination (and evil nature) shine! For the treasure, may I suggest booby-trapping it? A trap involving water seems harmless and fun–especially on a hot summer day.

A treasure hunt is vastly more fun and complex when it covers a larger area. So consider expanding the hunt to other areas of the house besides the backyard.

By design, a treasure hunt requires a planner and player. If this isn’t the kind of dynamics you’re looking for, you might want to try a scavenger hunt instead; a scavenger hunt is more collaborative in nature. First, compile a list of items that come to your mind. Then set out to search and take photos of the items.

22. BACKYARD PHOTO SHOOT

Dust off your DSLR or mirrorless camera for an exciting photography session in the backyard. The phone camera would work fine too! While there’s a noticeable quality gap between the photos taken by a standalone camera and a phone camera, the phone is much more convenient to use. There are many ways for couples to enjoy a private photoshoot in their backyard and here are some examples:-

• Capture little moments in the backyard. E.g. ladybug resting on a leaf, birds perching on a tree branch.
• Take portraits of each other. Take turns in playing the roles of photographer and model.
• Take wefies! Invest in a Bluetooth-enabled selfie stick that allows you to take photos of yourselves remotely without involving another person.

23. WATCH SUNSET / SUNRISE

Naturally, watching the sun rising and setting is a relaxing thing to do with your partner on the weekends. But doing it on a weekday, especially on a working day, breaks the dull routine of everyday life and that’s gratifying. Depending on your location, that may mean that you need to get off work earlier or wake up earlier to spend time with your significant other. At its core, there’s nothing complicated about this date. All you need is a spot for you to sit down comfortably in the backyard. In a perfect setting, the spot should offer a view of the sun and the horizon but for most backyards that is an indulgence. So don’t worry about that. There are many nuances to appreciate and enjoy during twilight. For instance, the transition of the colors of the sky, clouds, and everything around you; including living things–trees, birds, and your partner– and inanimate objects. The winds might be changing and the temperature definitely does. It’s a lot to take in if you pay close attention. For details that catch your attention, be sure to share with your partner.

24. LATE-NIGHT EXPLORATION

The backyard can be full of surprises at night. Its hidden secrets are waiting to be discovered by you and your date. For this late-night date idea, put on your explorer hat, grab a torchlight, and go for a late-night adventure in your backyard. Go around the yard to hunt for fireflies. Listen to various sounds and speculate what they are–perhaps you’d even chance upon an owl. Switch off the torchlight and enjoy the beautiful, glowing painting that is the starry night sky. This idea isn’t without its flaws. One, if your neighbor can see your backyard, they might call 911 thinking that there’re thieves on your lot. Two, many backyards aren’t romantic and exciting at night–to overcome this dullness, create your own hidden treasures in the backyard and go for a couple’s treasure hunt at night. Three, for some areas, this date night idea may be outright dangerous. I’m talking about areas that have an active wildlife population, nosy bears, active wolves, etc. So use your judgment!

25. PLAY PRETEND!

Do some roleplay. Pretend that you’re someone else. It can feel a little bit childish but there’s a child in everyone. Also, being childish with your partner is so cute! This activity can be done with both physical actions and conversation or just conversation alone. Create certain roles for yourselves, establish some kind of backstory, and put yourselves in a make-believe situation. Below are some play pretend ideas for couples:-

• You’re meeting each other for the first time.
• You’ve swapped your bodies. Now you’re your partner and your partner is you.
• You’re poets who are trying to find their muse in the backyard. Try to look at every little thing in the backyard and develop a sense of gratitude for them.
• You’re really old.
• You’re two 10-year-olds.

26. FONDUE

You don’t have to travel to Switzerland to enjoy their national dish–fondue. With some preparation, you and your date will be able to enjoy the cheesy goodness of fondue in your backyard. Couple’s fondue in the backyard, doesn’t that sound intimate and romantic? You’ll need a portable fondue pot or a double boiler that keeps the cheese warm and melty without burning. The melted dipping cheese is made from various kinds of cheese, wine, garlic, and herbs. The actual recipe is beyond the scope of this article, so I’ll put some links below instead. Some of the more popular fondue dippers are bread, apple, strawberry, cooked potatoes, and bacon. For non-chess lovers (e.g. people with lactose intolerance), there are other variations of fondue you can try, such as broth fondue, chocolate fondue, salted caramel fondue, and oil fondue. Fondue is best enjoyed in fall, winter, and spring. Because it’s satisfying to enjoy a hot meal on a cold day. But don’t let anyone stop you from eating fondue in the middle of summer. Personally, I find that having cheese fondue in fall surrounded by colorful fall foliage paints a beautiful picture.

• Cheese fondue recipe – Well Plated
• Chocolate fondue – Mel’s Kitchen Cafe
• Salted caramel fondue – Dinner, then Dessert

27. CHESS MATCH

Challenge your date to an outdoor chess match in the backyard. Choose a spot on the patio or under a tree’s cooling shade. Snacks are off-limits because they’ll make the chess set sticky. But feel free to enjoy a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea as the two armies engage in battles. If you want to make the games more exciting, put something on the line. For example, the loser has to buy the winner lunch or the loser has to decide what to do for their next date night.

Wrapping Up…

And that is the last date idea we have for you on this particular list. Looking back, many of these are free date ideas or cheap date ideas that don’t cost much to enjoy. Well I guess that’s just another argument for having your date nights at home!

Our list ends here but the actual list of backyard date ideas goes on and on. That said, I hope you’ve found something useful from these ideas.

The post 27 Backyard Date Night Ideas appeared first on Metropolitan Girls.

When it comes to a movie date, there is so much you can do besides just sitting and watching. Below is a list of movie date ideas for you to try at home. The list is long because I was trying to pack as much information as I could. So feel free to scroll past ideas that don’t interest you. Let’s get into it.

1. SURPRISE YOUR DATE WITH AN INVITATION

An invitation is expected for events like weddings and gallery openings. But not for a date night, especially not a date night that happens right at home. That is precisely why you should be doing it, to break the monotony of everyday life and to surprise your partner. The least you can do is to buy an invitation card from the store. But for those of you who are willing to invest a little bit more time and effort, here are some date night invitation ideas.

• Print and fold – Find a unique design online, print it out, then fold it into a card.
• 100% handmade – Start with a blank piece of regular paper or card stock. Decorate with using your whimsy and creativity. Don’t forget to fill in the message.
• Mini treasure hunt – Start acting suspicious. Leave clues that lead to the invitation or the final clue that implies a certain event at a certain date and time.

2. DECORATE THE LIVING ROOM

Imagine this. Regular you wearing regular clothing in your regular living room watching television. Not exactly anybody’s idea of “romantic.” To feel romantic, something needs to be done differently. That means to introduce some irregularities. One way to do that is by decorating the living room specially for the date night. Unless you’re Kim Kardashian, you probably don’t want to spend a fortune on decoration and you won’t be hiring a professional party planner to help decorate the room. Under these assumptions, below are some living room decoration ideas that are simple, romantic, and budget-friendly.

• Get rid of the mess – Clutter, dust, and odor repel romance. So do some basic clean up. Pro-tip: just get the clutter out of sight because “out of sight, out of mind” is actually true.
• Tablecloth – Dress up the coffee table to make it look fancy.
• Couch cover – Breath new air into your living room couches (and cover up the dirty spots) with a brand new couch cover. Couch covers are an affordable way to make the couches look and feel different. If you can, try to match the designs of the couch cover and the coffee tablecloth.
• Shuffle furniture – Make things feel fresh by moving the furniture around.
• Balloons connote festivity, excitement, happiness. Have you seen a balloon at a funeral? Neither have I. Balloons are used as decoration at birthday events, baby showers, weddings–celebratory events that even the most introverted of us associate with positive emotions. Take advantage of that association. Use balloons to liven up the living room. Not all color balloons are equal. For a romantic night, shades of red are the only right options: burgundy, maroon, and even pink.
• Ribbons – Use ribbons sparingly in conjunction with balloons, otherwise it may really start to feel like a gender review party. Tie some ribbons around the living room strategically.
• Scented candles – While you’re preparing the visual cues for romance, don’t forget the olfactory–or the sense of smell. In this area, a scented candle is what you need. The aroma that the candle releases help relax your mind and has a stress-relief effect. A relaxed mind is more susceptible to romance.
• Dim the lights – You don’t have to turn off the lights but dimming it will definitely make the space feel more cozy and romantic.
• Prepare blankets – As the movie plays, hide under the blanket to snuggle.

3. ROMANTIC CANDLE-LIT DINNER

Romance doesn’t happen on an empty stomach. As such, treat yourselves to a romantic dinner before the movie starts. If you don’t want to leave home, that’s perfectly fine. You can totally enjoy a private and cozy dinner at home with just the two of you. All you need is the right setup. Here’s how.

• Choose romantic music – love songs, slow songs, ballads, etc. Some may find it pretentious and personally I’ve really enjoyed listening to old French songs.
• Candles – scented or regular candles. For scented candles make sure that it isn’t overpowering your food.
• Dim the lights as much as you can without affecting the ability to see and eat the food.
• Wine glasses or champagne flutes – drink wine, champagne, whiskey, soft drinks, juices, or even just plain water. Alcoholic beverages contain alcohol (duh), a depressant which is a chemical that helps calm the nerves and relaxes you. Don’t worry if you choose not to drink liquor, but make sure you use a wine glasses or champagne flute for drinking. Why? Because it feels more romantic than holding a Dumbo mug.
• Food – cook dinner together or, as I like to recommend, just order food delivery. Why? While there are many benefits of cooking your own dinner in terms of health, relationship, and personal finance, it is also quite tiring and it will take away a lot of fun from the activities that follow. Just order some food from the local diner and re-plate it in a fancy, Michelin-starred-restaurant kind of way and enjoy.

A variant of this idea is the dinner-and-movie. As opposed to the dinner-then-movie described above, a dinner-and-movie is when you’re having dinner and watching movie at the same time. While it sounds fun and exciting, it does take away some quality conversation time you have during dinner with your date. To add on, it also splits your attention among food, movie, and bae. Not to mention that it takes away some cozy snuggling time on the couch.

Enough with dinner and food. Let’s move on to the movies. Watching a single movie is what most couples do and there’s nothing wrong with that. A more unique idea that cranks up the fun factor of your date night is to do a movie marathon. The following ideas are related to choosing the movies for your date night.

4. COMPLETE MOVIE FRANCHISE

Come up with a list of 5-10 movie series. Some popular examples are Harry Potter, Fast & Furious, The Princess Diaries, Scary Movies, Lord of the Rings, etc. If you’re getting the recommendations online, I suggest that you cross-check the your streaming service’s catalog before the date to avoid disappointment. Once you have the list of movie titles ready, it’s time to vote on it. Everyone gets 2 votes and can only vote for the same franchise once. Also, you aren’t allowed to influence one another’s vote.

5. FILMS ÉTRANGERS

If you’re reading this article right now, most of the movies that you watch are probably in English. It’s just an assumption, so don’t get mad at me if that doesn’t apply to you. In the cases where it’s true, for this upcoming date night, try something new by watching only foreign films. Mexican, French, Italian, Japanese, German, Chinese–there are so many different foreign films waiting to be experienced. Personally, I’ve really enjoyed European movies. Admittedly some of the famous European movies feel different and strange even, but I’ve never had a boring time watching these films. It’s always a new and unique experience; you can feel the “soul” in them, unlike (ahem) certain Hollywood blockbusters.

6. HORROR MOVIES

Coming from a biological point of view, the feeling of romance is the result of a cocktail of different chemicals. One such chemical is adrenaline–a hormone that makes your heart beats fast and your breathing become intense. Two movie genres, in particular, are proven to get your adrenaline pumping–horror and action movies. For a scary movie night, turn out the lights completely and watch the movies in the dark. This theme is especially apt for October AKA the Halloween month.

7. ZOMBIE NIGHT

Zombie movies are a movie genre loved by many. Within the genre, there are countless films that explore various phases of zombie-human interaction such as the virus outbreak, zombie apocalypse, and post-apocalyptic world. Zombie movies are usually closer to action/disaster films than horror films. The movies from this genre are romantic in the sense that it makes you like the world is ending and the two of you have to stick together to survive. And there’s romance and love to be found in having each other’s backs.

8. ACTION MOVIE NIGHT

Action movies are fast-paced, no-nonsense films that aim to impress and entertain. You probably won’t be having a eureka moment after watching an action film but it sure is fun letting your mind go free during the film.

9. ROMANCE MOVIE NIGHT

My opinion is that you don’t necessarily have to watch a romance movie in order to feel romantic. But it is definitely one good option.

10. NICHOLAS CAGE NIGHT

For a Cage night, pick and watch 2-3 movies that feature Nicholas Cage. Not a Nic Cage fan? Neither am I. Simply replace him with an actor or actress of your choice. For example, it could be a Johnny Depp night or an Anne Hathaway night.

11. RANDOM MOVIES

Embark on a movie adventure with your date. Explore new, unchartered territory by picking a random movie to watch. Like most people, you probably unknowingly watch the same genres. Well, this is your chance to break that mold and explore new interests. Experience a unique and risky movie night that may land you anywhere from risqué movies to cartoons for children. In any case, you’ll share a fun and quirky evening with your date.

Use one of the movie randomizers online or use the built-in Netflix shuffle feature. No cheating! You have to watch the first movie that comes up. Alternatively, if you would like some flexibility, give yourselves two passes. That means you can pass on two movies if they seem boring to you. However, it’s a one-way pass and you can’t return to the previous movie once you’ve given it up. Once the two passes are used, you’ll have to watch the third movie.

12. EARTH HOUR

Turn off the lights for the entirety of the movie. Help the environment (though admittedly not by much) and reduce your utility bill at the same time. Feel like you’re in an actual cinema. Hold hands and snuggle in the dark for a cozy, romantic time with your date.

13. PIZZA PARTY

Saying that pizza is a popular food is an understatement. Research shows that at least one in ten Americans consume pizza once a week. To be honest, that number sounds kind of low. There are the good reasons why pizza is loved by so many people. First, it’s so convenient. Hot, fresh-from-the-oven pizzas are just one call or a few taps on the phone away. As long as you eat it with your hands, there are no dishes to do afterward. Just throw away the pizza boxes. Second, pizza is so delicious. Crunchy crust, hearty cheese, and just about any toppings you can think of–it’s so awesome! Anyway, getting some pizza and snacks will kick your movie night experience to the next level. Spice up your boring movie night by turning it into a pizza & movie party night.

14. BATH & MOVIE

Before we proceed, let me warn you. This is a dangerous date idea! Using electronics inside the bathroom can be hazardous to both you and your device. That said, movie and bath is a unique experience not many people have tried. It’s not very practical, but if you manage to pull it off it will very romantic. For this idea, you will need to designate a dry spot for the laptop or tablet. The smartphone may work when you’re bathing alone, but it’s just too small in a mixed bath kind of situation. Anyway, the spot should keep your device dry and should be visible from the bathtub. For the bath itself, just do a regular hot water bath. No bubble or bath bombs with coloring because that will get messy. Add a few drops of essential oils into the bath for some aroma. Alternatively, light up some scented candles.

Another way to do bath-and-movie, is to enjoy a long, relaxing bath before the movie. It is less unique but definitely safer and more friendly in terms of the logistics.

15. RENT A PROJECTOR

With a projector, you can watch movies on your very own big screen. Not many households own a projector and buying a good projector may not fit into your budget. So try and see if there’s a way to rent one for a day. There is so much fun you can have with a projector. You can play games, view photos, read, and–no we haven’t forgotten–watch movies! Make it feel like you’re in a real movie theater, pop some corns, microwave some hot dogs, and pour yourself some soft drinks. Turn off your phones before the movie starts, turn out the lights, and project the movie onto the wall. After a while, you might even forget that you are at home.

16. AT-HOME DRIVE-IN THEATER

This idea is more involved but it will be the experience of a lifetime. That is if you manage to pull it off, as you will see, it takes quite a bit of effort. To create a drive-in movie theater at home, you’ll need a big parking space and a vertical flat surface, for example, a wall or a projector screen. With these requirements, you’ll most probably need a garage, driveway/front yard, or backyard. If you have a sizeable backyard and it’s accessible by car, that would be the best spot to set it up. The outdoor environment will make you feel like you’re at an actual drive-in theater. The front yard and driveway is open-air but it doesn’t feel as cozy as the backyard, and their lack of privacy means your neighbors might join your movie from across the street. As an indoor spot, the garage offers privacy, convenience, and shelter from the elements. If your area is having bad weather, the garage is your only option. Also, it’s likely to have electrical outlets so you don’t have to use an extension cord. To add on top of that, you can blast the audio without having to worry about getting complaints from the neighbors. Lastly, for this idea to work, you’ll also need a decent projector, a laptop or media player, and a power supply for the devices.

17. BACKYARD CAMPING MOVIE NIGHT

Pitch a tent in the backyard. Pack for a night in the tent. Prepare cooked food ahead of time or raw ingredients for the grill. Start a campfire and do all the things that you do during camping. Singing, dancing, swapping stories, and even starting a water gun fight. At night, retreat to the tent to watch a movie. Make sure that the device is fully charged. When the movie is over, head outside the tent for some fresh air. Feel the serenity falls upon you as the night breeze touches your face. Nearby, fireflies are out and about, dancing and flaunting their blinking taillights. One firefly briefly lost its way and flew toward you. Not expecting your presence, the firefly is startled and immediately surged toward the sky. Intrigued by its movement, your head tilts up to follow. That brings you face to face with the night sky. The firefly can longer be seen, lost among the hundreds of stars in the dark sky.

Read also:

• 5 Rainy-Day Date Ideas
• 8 Late-Night Date Ideas
• 23 Fun Group Date Ideas
• 37 Double Date Ideas

18. ICE CREAM

For those of you who don’t have any health problem, grab a pint of your favorite ice cream and finish it in one sitting. Needless to say but you’ll be sharing with your partner. Remember, sharing is caring. It’s so cute if you share the same favorite flavor ice cream, but if you don’t, just get two flavors! As simple as that. Ice cream tastes awesome by itself, but if you want to elevate this ice cream movie night experience, invest in some ice cream toppings such as chocolate chips, chocolate rice, syrup, peanuts, etc. Using these toppings, design your unique ice cream dessert before gobbling it down in front of the TV screen.

Read next

• Can’t get enough of ice cream and dating? Here are some useful ice cream date ideas.
• Coffee Date Ideas

19. GET TIPSY

Pour yourselves a glass of your favorite liquor. Try out that cocktail recipe you saw in a random Facebook video. Just chill and enjoy the movie with your date.

20. DRINKING GAME

Since you’re drinking and you’re at home–that means no need to worry about who’s driving–how about a little game with your date? In particular, a movie drinking game that calls for a sip (or a shot) whenever certain phrases or certain movie clichés come up. There are plenty of pre-made rules online and I’ll put some links at the bottom of this section, but you can totally make up your own rules with your date. And I imagine it’ll be a funny thing to do that will be filled with giggles and laughter. A crude example would be something like this. Say you’re re-watching the Lord of the Rings trilogy… (spoilers ahead)

Take a sip when:-

• Frodo’s sword glows blue.
• Frodo turns invisible.
• Gollum says my precious.

Down a shot when:-

• Aragon says, “One does not simply walk into Mordor.”
• Gandalf the gray falls into the abyss.
• Gandalf returns after getting his dirty laundry washed and bleached.
• “I’m no man.”

Movie Drinking Games

• Vanity Fair – The 8 Best Movie Drinking Games
• Games Radar – 25 best movie drinking games to play responsibly
• The Manual – 10 Best Movie Drinking Games to Play on Netflix

21. DRESS UP

Going out feel exciting because we set ourselves up to feel that way. To make staying home feel excited and romantic, try to dress yourselves up in different clothing–perhaps in clothes that you’d wear when you go out to see a theatrical play.

22. WEAR A COSTUME

Here’s another way to enjoy the movie night to the fullest. Try dressing up in costumes that are related to the movies that you’re watching. For example, if you’re watching Pirates of the Caribbean, dress up as pirates, try to speak like one, and get a bottle of rum for the drinking game.

23. GET YOUR PET TO PARTICIPATE

Your beloved cat or dog (and other kinds of pets) don’t usually get to participate in your dates. How about inviting and letting it join you this one time for a fun pet and movie evening? Admittedly it will take away some attention from the movies, but that’s OK because time spent with your pet is never wasted. As a cat owner, I sometimes play with my cat when watching a movie. He also enjoys that I pat his butts, what a little weirdo.

24. YOGA AND MOVIE

Like many other forms of entertainment, movie is a passive activity. For most of the movie, except when it’s paused for bathroom breaks, you just sit. Well, here’s an idea that will turn your passive date night into an active evening. Push the coffee table to the side, lay out some yoga mats, and do some stretching while you watch the movie. Some yoga poses require you to turn your face away from the direction of the screen. You can still practice these poses but you might want to shorten the time or just wait for the fillers in the movie. Another idea is to adjust your mats from pose to pose so you can always get a good viewing angle.

More ideas:-

• 30 Free Date Ideas
• 80 Cheap Date Ideas
• 15 Quiet Hobbies
• 36 Date Ideas for Introverts

25. WATCH MOVIE USING VHS

The rise of Netflix and other streaming services changed the way we watch movies at home. Before Netflix, physical rentals used to be the standard way to watch movie on demand. I’m talking about Blu-ray, DVDs, VCDs–and before the discs became mainstream–a little something called VHS. VHS refers to Video Home System and it is the video tape standard. For this date idea, you and your date are to hunt for a functional VHS tape player and a movie tape. Figure out a way to hook up that antiquated tape player to your smart TV. The video quality will carry a retro vibe and it’ll feel like you’re traveling back in time. This date idea requires days if not weeks of preparation. And the preparation itself is part of the fun.

Who Are These Date Ideas for?

These ideas at home are mainly designed for married couples and couples who are living together. Newer couples who have survived the first few dates and are now comfortable with the idea of hanging out at each other’s places might find inspiration from this list too. These are definitely not ideal for a first date unless you’re dating your best friend. For first dates, check out these awesome first date ideas instead.

Wrapping Up…

And that wraps up our at-home movie date night guide. Some of these ideas are pretty wild (at least I hope they are). But sometimes you need to do things differently in order to break the dull routine of everyday life. With that said, I hope you’ve managed to get something out of this list. Talk to you again soon.

The post 25 Movie Date Night Ideas to Try at Home appeared first on Metropolitan Girls.

1. MOVIE MARATHON

Pick some movies and watch it like there’s no tomorrow. Most people go for popular franchises like Harry Potter, Shrek, Fast & Furious, etc. Others select their movies based on actor/actress, director, or genre. Complete your movie night experience by preparing some snacks and drinks. Some ideas include popcorn, hot dog, pizza, beer, and soda.

2. CHECK OUT YOUTUBE VIDEOS

Jump down the rabbit hole that is YouTube. Start by searching for a particular topic that interests both of you. For example, cat videos, funny clips, or 4K 60fps walk in Kyoto. Let the site’s recommendation engine takes you from one video to another.

3. CREATE A TO-WATCH LIST

There are so many shows to watch on Netflix. But as you have experienced before, sometimes it’s difficult to decide which movie to watch. Well, how about doing some research and creating a “to-watch” list of the movies, TV shows, and anime that you’re interested in watching?

4. AT-HOME TREASURE HUNT

Provide clues that bring your date from one location to another in search of the final “treasure.” Prepare and hide the treasure before the game. The treasure could be anything from a chocolate bar, a wrapped-up gift, to a piece of paper that says “the journey is the treasure after all.” Organize a hunt for one another so everyone gets to play treasure hunter. Alternatively, just organize it for your partner. Follow along and take photos of his (mis)adventures and giggle like a maniac when he’s stuck at a certain seemingly nonsensical clue.

5. EARTH HOUR

After dark, turn out the lights for an hour. Only aromatic candles are allowed. A dimly-lit room that smells like vanilla spell romance. Use this opportunity to enjoy a romantic dinner or get on the couch for some intense snuggling. Switch off your phones. Nothing ruins a romantic moment like a ringing phone.

6. PRETEND YOU’VE JUST MET

It happens to the best of us. All couples get used to each other eventually and everything becomes routine. This dating activity will help break the monotony. For this idea, pretend that the two of you are meeting for the first time ever. Establish some kind of backstory. Have you been chatting on Tinder? Perhaps you’re at a coffee house and your partner caught your attention. Or just relive the actual moment you were meeting for the first time. Wear the same clothes, makeup, perfume, and see how it turns out this time.

7. ROLE REVERSAL

It goes without saying, you’re usually you. But for this unique date idea, how about becoming your partner? At the same time, your partner will become you–behaving and talking like you. Hilarity ensues but it also helps you to see the way you’re treating each other from an objective angle. In addition to being entertaining, perhaps you and your partner will also learn some relationship lessons from this activity.

8. DESIGN YOUR DREAM HOUSE

What does your mutual dream house look like? Will it have a minimalist theme or feature rustic design? Do you prefer a mansion or long to live in a self-sufficient tiny house? Discuss and negotiate with your partner. As an option, add in more realistic constraints such as a budget. Create a Pinterest board to curate and save your ideas. Use an interior design software to create the layout. The Sims is a fun game and an easy-to-use tool to build your ideal house.

9. PLAN A FUTURE TRIP

At home, there are various virtual tours you can participate online. But even if virtual-reality (VR) tech becomes prevalent someday, you’re not going to be able to experience the food, weather, and the local culture. So start planning for a real trip now. Making plans together and having something exciting to look forward to keep a couple close.

10. CREATE YOUR OWN MUSIC PLAYLIST

Create a song list that is unique to the two of you. It’ll be a private playlist accessible only by you and your partner. Add in songs that are significant to the relationship. Some ideas are as followed.

• Hit songs when you started dating.
• The song that the jukebox was belting out on your first date.
• A song that you’ve slow-danced to.
• For married couples, Songs that were on your wedding playlist

11. LISTEN TO MUSIC

Music is one of the best ways to set the mood. YouTube and Spotify are convenient and have virtually all sorts of music available. But there’s certain elegance to be found in a turntable and the vinyl records that it plays.

12. SING

Sing along to your favorite songs. Do a Karaoke session at home with your partner. You will need lyrics and ideally music with the original singer’s voice removed. Take turns to become each other’s audience. But don’t forget to sing some duets! Get childish and sing the theme song of a cartoon you grew up watching. Can’t carry a tune? Neither can I! It doesn’t matter. What matters is that you’re having fun.

13. DANCE

Put on some music based on your mood. Immerse yourself in the said music and let the rhythm moves your body. Similar to the singing idea, enjoy doing what you do, and be proud of it. Don’t worry about the little things like being off the beat. Since you’re on a date, dancing with each other is a requirement.

14. LEARN NEW DANCE

Another idea related to dancing is to learn new choreography or new dance moves on YouTube. Both of you should participate. It’d be a unique experience, a fun workout session, and a great opportunity to giggle at each other’s clunky movements.

15. GIVE EACH OTHER “PRIVATE DANCE”

The third and last dance idea will get you on Santa’s naughty list. When the sun is down, dim the lights and put on some spicy music. Love songs, ballads, pop, hip hop, R&B, etc. Invite your partner to sit down and give him/her a private show of your best dance moves, done intimately.

16. PAINT AT HOME

Chances are you have some painting supplies sitting around that are yearning for attention. Put them to work. Play some music and crack open a bottle of wine for some sip & paint action with your partner.

17. PAINT OUTSIDE

On a beautiful day, leave your house for some fresh air and an en plein air painting sesh. Think balcony, backyard, front lawn, or your garden. As for the painting subject, it’d be more interesting if it’s from the surroundings. For example, scenery, flower, plant, insect, pets, your partner, etc.

18. DRAW

For this creative date night, set up the mood and draw something. Follow a tutorial or let your instinct guide you. Draw an impression of your partner–but no peeking ’til it’s done.

19. PRACTICE CALLIGRAPHY

Not everybody is into calligraphy but it can be a fun activity for couples to explore new interests together. Maybe you’ll both find it intriguing and decide to turn it in a shared hobby.

20. TAKE PHOTOS OF EACH OTHER

Take turns to play the roles of a photographer and model. Use a DSLR or mirrorless camera for better quality images. But your phone camera will work just fine. The photographer gets to decide the theme. Depending on the theme, change into different outfits, wear thematic accessories, and put on a different style of makeup. Feel free to move the furniture around to achieve the vibe you’re looking for, turn your living room or bedroom, or kitchen into a home photo studio. Like many date ideas on this list, it’s fun only if you put in the effort!

21. CRAFT JEWELRY

Gather your materials online or go green by upcycling what you can find around the house. Make matching couple jewelry for yourselves. For example, rings, necklaces, and bracelets.

The following date ideas are dedicated to pet owners: dog owners, cat owners, and the others.

22. TAKE PHOTOS OF YOUR PET

Be a pet paparazzi. Stalk your pet. Follow it around and record its daily life with photography (and videos). Your real purpose, of course, is to capture its various shenanigans and funny moments on film.

23. START AN INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT FOR YOUR PET

If you’re pet parents, your phones are probably brimming with photos and videos of your pet. Put them to good use, start an Instagram account to capture some fans for your pet and to interact with other pet owners. Ignoring the social aspect, Instagram is also a great way to preserve your pet’s photos.

24. A DAY WITH YOUR PET

Spend some time with your pet. Think of it as an at-home group date. Play with your pet, spoil it with treats and massages. And of course, teach it some new tricks. Contrary to popular beliefs, pets other than dogs, like cats and rabbits can also be trained to do tricks. Personally, I’ve taught my cat to give me his paw and come to me when I call out his name. Other activities include playing frisbee with your dog, letting your indoor cat out (on a leash) to explore the surroundings.

25. MEDITATION

In our ever-connected world, our mind is flooded with information. Meditation is a mindfulness practice that can help train our mind to process information better or block irrelevant information altogether. When you’re meditating with your partner, you’re sharing a moment of tranquility that makes you feel more connected as a couple on a higher plane.

26. WORKOUT

Some people say “people who sweat together stay together,” find out if that’s true by sweating it out on a home workout routine.

27. YOGA

Meditative stretching is what yoga is. Improve your physical flexibility together as a couple by doing some yoga at home. Follow these yoga videos on YouTube.

28. PLAY WRESTLING

No one is fighting for the WWE champion title, so go easy on each other. You’re “playing” wrestling, not participating in a wrestling deathmatch. Choose a spot for the fight; on the bed or lay out some exercise mats in the living room. The carpeted floor may work too.

29. MASSAGE

Most people, yours truly included, are spending way too much time on their phones. The thing about using the phone for a prolonged period of time is everyone gives in to bad posture after a while. And bad postures cause muscle strain and pain. For this intimate idea, exchange massages with your partner. Take turns to provide an at-home spa experience to each other. Light up some scented candles or better yet–use some aromatherapy massage oil as part of the massage.

30. GIVE EACH OTHER MAKEOVERS

Chances are you’ve been wearing the same outfits again and again. For this fashion-related date night, get into each other’s wardrobes and plan new outfits for various occasions. This is also a great opportunity to rediscover your favorite clothing from the depths of the closet.

31. PEDICURE / MANICURE

Provide care for your partner’s fingernails and toenails. Do each other’s nails. Use your creativity to create unique nail arts. For a more sensual experience, pamper your date by providing full services: cleaning, clipping off dead skin, exfoliating, trimming the nails, moisturizing, followed by applying nail polish.

32. GIVE EACH OTHER HAIRCUTS

One way to grow closer as a couple is by taking care of one another. One intimate idea is to give your partner a haircut. Another idea if is to dye each other’s hair–bonus point if you’re sharing the same color dye.

33. TRY OUT EACH OTHER’S PERFUME

Do things you won’t normally do–just for fun and some laughs. Swap perfume collection for a day. Try them out, wear them on. Smelling different is a sure way to stimulate the olfactory sense.

34. IT’S HALLOWEEN!

Dress up as a ghoul, vampire, or cute nurse even if it isn’t Oct 31. Don’t just dress up, get candies, and bring out some Halloween décor. Watch horror films on Netflix and listen to autumnal songs. To feel childish, eat too many candies than your stomach can handle.

35. ORIGAMI

Bring cranes, lions, frogs, etc. to life by folding paper. The art of paper folding, origami, is a hobby enjoyed by many around the world. For this dating idea, find some tutorials online and some paper and start folding away with your partner. Many couples will find it interesting, but origami intrigues introverted couples the most. Spending some quiet time in origami turns out to be a serene experience that introverts appreciate.

36. TAKE A SHOWER TOGETHER

This could be a steamy sesh or a cute little thing to do in which you help wash each other’s backs.

37. MIXED BATH

Wind down and relax in a couple’s bubble bath. Light up some scented candles. Play some soft music. Crack open a bottle of wine. Just enjoy the intimate moment you’re sharing and whisper sweet nothings into each other’s ears.

38. BAKE

Participate in the alchemy of baked goods. Turn flour, eggs, sugar, butter, and other raw ingredients into delicious cakes, cookies, scones, and more. Baking together promotes teamwork in a relationship.

39. IRON CHEF – COMPETITIVE COOKING

Stir things up with a cooking competition. You’re your own judges and the chef with the most delicious dish win. Set a theme for the competition. For instance, pasta, curry, salad, or burger.

40. OVERCOOKED – COLLABORATIVE COOKING

Have you played Overcooked before? If you haven’t you should! It’s a collaborative-cooking video game and it’s fun to play with your partner. For this idea, you’ll be doing it in real life. In contrast to the previous date idea, this activity is about collaboration. Find a recipe online or try to come up with a new one yourselves. Work as a team in the kitchen to cook up an exquisite dinner.

41. PLAY BARISTA

Enjoy the art of making coffee. Try your best to brew the best cup of joe. Research and study coffee online. Decide the brewing method: French press, AeroPress, drip, Espresso, etc. Grind the coffee beans to the right coarseness based on the brewing method. Then let it brew and taste the coffee together. For coffee lovers, brew different types of coffee beans using different methods and do a blind taste test. Try to detect the subtle notes of aroma and taste in each coffee then compare findings with your date.

Another way to play barista is to handcraft your unique drinks that may or may not has coffee in them. For example, you could make a pumpkin spice latte, Belgian chocolate milkshake, and Boba Earl Grey milk tea.

42. BARTENDER

Unless you’re planning to pull an all-nighter, for a date night that happens in the evening (or late night), you would probably prefer beverages that don’t cause insomnia. Instead of playing barista, go for her after-dark cousin–the bartender. Create and name a unique cocktail that belongs to you and your partner. Try different combinations of liquors, juice, syrups, and herbs.

43. WINE MAKING

Learn the steps to brewing wine and make your own wine at home.

44. GET TIPSY

Once in a while, it’d be fun to enjoy some beer, wine, or other alcoholic beverages with your partner. Wind down, relax, and just hang out.

45. FONDUE

Indulge yourself in the cheesy richness of fondue. Dip veggies, fruits, biscuits, and other foods in thick, melted cheese packed in flavors. Not a big fan of cheese? Go for a chocolate fondue or a salted caramel fondue instead. https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/recipes/a51660/salted-caramel-fondue-recipe/

46. PIZZA PARTY

Organize a house party where you’re the organizers, attendees, DJs, bartenders, and the cleaning crew! Come up with a theme for the party. Make up some excuse that calls for a celebration. For instance, Friday is worth celebrating. Throw a party because the weather is awesome today. Celebrate the beginning of August. You get the idea. Put up some simple decoration, nothing complicated–you don’t want it to feel like a drag. Prepare some soft drinks and let’s not forget some unhealthy amount of pizza! And you invite another couple over, this could be a fun, stress-free double date idea.

47. HOUSEWORK-FREE DAY

Nothing kills the mood like an overwhelming amount of housework. Plan a special date with your partner where none of you is allowed to do any housework for one whole day. Feel like someone needs to do the dishes after dinner? Stop! No housework today.

Below are some date ideas that you can enjoy in your living room.

48. LIVING ROOM CAMPING

Make space for a tent. Push the coffee table aside for extra space, but keep it around so you have a reliable surface to use. Pitch the tent in the middle of the living room. Prepare food and snacks: sandwiches, candy bar, etc. Since you can’t make a campfire without burning the house down completely, watch TV instead. Some variants of this idea are pillow fort and blanket fort.

49. LIVING ROOM COFFEE HOUSE

Get some coffee brewing. Play some café music–just search these words on YouTube or Spotify if you aren’t sure. Believe it or not, you can also find café noise on YouTube. Set up tables and chairs. If you have a chalkboard, write something interesting on it like “welcome” or “specialty of the day”. If you’re in your pajamas, get changed into a casual outfit that you’d wear to a café. This date idea is great for any time of the year but is particularly ideal for a rainy day or a snow day.

50. LIVING ROOM PICNIC

To actually feel like a real picnic instead of just regular you eating in the living room on the couch, there are a few things you need to prepare. First is a picnic blanket that makes your mind think of picnicking on sight. For example, checkered blankets with red-and-white or blue-and-white squares. Naturally, you and your partner will be sitting on the blanket that is laid on the floor. Second, a picnic basket. Woven baskets are the traditional choice and they look exceptionally picturesque. But feel free to use other baskets or containers if you don’t have one. Prepare food and perhaps some wine. Bring some entertainment, like a card game or maybe a portable vinyl record player.

51. LIVING ROOM FINE DINING

This date is serious business. No giggling around because you’re about to dine at one of the most exclusive restaurants in the world–a pop-up fine-dining spot in the middle of your living room. Push couches away or cover them up with solid-colored fabric. Temporarily store the coffee table elsewhere. Replace it with a dining table for two. Be creative if you don’t have a table of this size. For instance, you can stack up cardboard boxes and drape it over with a gorgeous velvety tablecloth–just make sure that it’s stable! Set the table according to fine-dining standards. Crack a bottle of wine or champagne. Needless to say, coffee mugs have no place here–wine glasses and champagne flutes only. For the food, cook it yourselves or order delivery. What matters is the food presentation and romantic settings. For that matter, don’t forget to dim the lights, light some candles, and play some romantic love songs.

Now that we’re done with the living room, let’s head outside. Don’t worry, we’re still within the confines of your residence.

52. BACKYARD BBQ

Stock up on your favorite cuts of meats, veggies, fruits, and drinks for a fun backyard cookout. Get that grill fired up and prepare some ridiculously delicious barbecue food for each other.

53. BACKYARD CAMPING

When the weather is right, bring your camping equipment and set off for your backyard. Pitch a tent and stay for a night. Start a campfire if you’re comfortable with the idea. The crackling sound of a campfire is soothing and makes camping feels like camping. Cook your dinner at the campsite. If that feels like a lot of work, at least treat yourselves to some s’mores.

54. BACKYARD PICNIC

On a beautiful day, prepare some picnic food and go picnicking in your backyard. For those of you who have a balcony, you may enjoy your own cozy picnic date on the balcony instead. Similar to the living room picnic idea, it feels a lot more picnicky when there’s a picnic blanket for to sit on when enjoying the food. Don’t forget to take some beautiful photos of this unique date.

55. BACKYARD POOL PARTY

Don’t have a swimming pool at home? No worries. Most of us don’t either. Buy a large inflatable pool and organize a private pool date for yourselves. Since you’re getting wet anyway, you may as well get childish and have a water gun fight. If the yard gets an ample amount of sunlight, you might be able to get some tanning going.

56. GARDENING

Tend to the garden as a team. Don’t have a garden? Collaborate with your partner to start one. Grow flowers, vegetables, fruits, spices, and herbs in your own backyard on the balcony.

57. STARGAZING

For those of you who are lucky to live in an area with little light pollution, look up and check out the stars at night. Lay out a blanket or a sleeping mat and lay down side by side under the romantic starry night sky.

58. ONLINE SHOPPING

Shop ’til you drop without stepping out of your house. In the old days, catalog shopping was all the rage but nowadays online shopping is much more convenient and offers endless things for you to buy. Start by making a shopping list then task everyone to look for the best deals. On a tight budget? Just do online window shopping and keep in the bookmark things that interest you–you can always come back another day.

59. LOOK AT OLD PHOTOS

Dig out really old photos from some forgotten external hard drives. Try to ply open the Flickr account or Myspace account that hasn’t been logged in for years for some aged photos. Look at the photos from various stages of your relationship. Another idea is to look at your partner’s childhood photos. That’s always a cute and fun thing to do.

60. CHOOSE PHOTOS FOR PRINT

While you’re going through the digital photos, play the role of a curator, and select important photos for printing. Since you’re likely to have way too many photos, set a realistic limit so that you’re more selective.

61. START A COUPLE’S JOURNAL

Start by locating a good notebook, one that will last a long time. It should also look attractive, otherwise you might not want to come back to it. Personalize it by decorating the cover based on your taste. When starting a new journal, take turns to add some structure to it, divide the journal into various sections. For example, important dates, our favorites, bucket list/couple’s goals, relationship quotes, and message board. On the other hand, you may prefer a digital journal because you’ll be able to add different media to it and you can work on it from any locations. The latter is important for couples in long-distance relationships.

62. SPRING CLEANING

Get rid of things that you no longer use from the house. Gather them around, donate to charity, sell them off, or have them recycled. Since this is part of a date, make sure that it’s fun and everyone is involved. Overworking will stress anybody out so focus on just one manageable area. For instance, the storeroom or your closets. Be sure to share with your partner when you find an item that brings back memories. Put on the dress you’ve kept from your edgy phase.

Honestly, writing about housework stresses me out. Let’s move on to some fun ways for couples to pass time.

63. BOARD GAMES

Many board games are fun to play with two players. For instance, Monopoly, Catan, Exploding Kittens, and Splendor.

64. CARD GAMES

Play card-based games such as poker, Uno, and Monopoly Deals.

65. 2-PLAYER TABLETOP ROLEPLAYING GAMES (RPGs)

Tabletop RPGs are typically thought of as a group game. But there are many RPGs you can play with just two players. Even the famous Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) can be played with just 2 people (called a duet). Look up games like The Fox in the Forest, Patchwork, Codenames, etc.

66. CHESS

Play a game of chess against your partner. The winner does the dishes.

67. STRIP POKER

Spice up the night with some exciting poker and stripping.

68. JIGSAW PUZZLE

This is an activity that you can do over many evenings. Treat yourselves to a 1000-piece jigsaw challenge. Work together as a couple to get it solved. No pressure though. It’s all about keeping your mind occupied and spending time with your partner.

69. VIDEO GAMES

There are so many fun multiplayer games to play on a gaming console or on the PC. Many couples love Stardew Valley–a cute and colorful farming game with pixel graphics. I’ve personally tried it and loved it. In this game, you can cultivate crops, take care of livestock, go fishing, mining, and even get married.

70. MOBILE GAMES

Sometimes the best way to relax is to just play with your phones. While you’re at it, how about a couple’s game night on mobile? There are so many fun multiplayer games you can play on Android or iPhone. Stardew Valley, which was mentioned above, can also be played on mobile devices. Other games to check out include Among Us, Draw Something, chess, Risk, etc.

71. PLAY 21 QUESTIONS

21 Questions is a conversation game. In it, the participants ask questions in order to learn more about each other. There isn’t a strict format for this game. But here’s one way to do it. Gather a list of questions–21 questions in total if you want to stick to the namesake. Then take turns to pick and ask a question from the list.

72. PLAY WOULD YOU RATHER

Another popular conversation game is Would You Rather. It’s like 21 Questions except that the questions have to begin with “Would you rather…” Here are some sample questions:

• Would you rather be at the beginning of time or the end of time?
• Would you rather time-travel to the past or the future?
• Would you rather get a tattoo on your forehead or your butt?
• Would you rather be cooking or doing the dishes?

73. SHOW AND TELL

Kids do Show and Tell all the time. There are no reasons why you shouldn’t do it. In fact, Show and Tell is a great way to get to know someone better.

74. MINI GOLF

Turn your house into a mini golf course. If that sounds like too much work, just the living room will do! Instead of hazards like sandpits and water in a real golf game, you’re faced with different challenges instead. Challenges such as the golf ball might roll under the couch (couch hazard!) or get stolen by a cat (feline hazard!).

75. LASER TAG

Paintball and water gun fights are fun but they are messy when doing them at home. Laser tag is just as fun but without the mess.

76. DEBATE

Stimulate your brain cells and practice critical thinking by engaging in a healthy debate with your partner. Set some ground rules, no personal topics, no personal attack–neither of you wants an otherwise intellectual date night to turn into a gloves-off fight. Choose a topic then choose a side. Your choice doesn’t necessarily have to reflect your actual opinion.

77. READ

When is the last time the two of you have read a book? An actual, physical book? Spend a quiet evening at home with your partner by reading some books. Stay away from your phones for an hour or two. No TV, no music either. Think of it as digital detoxing.

78. COUPLE’S GOALS

Come up with a list of goals you’re hoping to achieve as a couple. Break them down into short-term and long-term goals.

79. PILLOW FIGHT

Play fighting on the bed or in the living room with the pillows.

80. CREATE YOUR OWN DATE IDEA LIST

Because everyone is unique, date ideas that are interesting to one couple may be boring to another. For that reason, sit down with your partner and brainstorm for activities that you’d want to do together. Remember to write it down.

And that wraps up the list of date night activities you can do at home. It’s a big list, so I’m positive that you would find at least some helpful ideas from it. Have fun dating!

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