LONG DISTANCE DATE IDEAS FOR MARRIED COUPLES

Being apart from your spouse is something that many couples deal with at some point in their marriage. It could be a business trip, family obligations, military deployment, or another reason. When you’re separated from your spouse, you have to put in extra effort to keep your intimacy strong. That’s where long distance date ideas come in handy.

Physical distance doesn’t have to mean your intimacy takes a hit. With a little creativity and effort, you can keep the romance alive and your love strong even when you’re long distance.

Approximately two-thirds (63%) of the ONE Family have spent at least a week apart from their spouse. So, if that’s you, you’re in good company!

Read below to discover some of the ONE Family’s top ideas for staying close and connected with your spouse, even if they’re miles away.

5 Long Distance Date Ideas

Thanks to technology, it’s easier than ever to stay connected. Of course, different time zones and schedules might make this a challenge. For that reason, it’s a good idea to set aside a specific time when you can connect and talk. Platforms like Zoom, Skype, or FaceTime can make it feel like you’re sitting right next to each other. Talking on the phone works, too, but it’s always nice to see your spouse’s face!

1. Virtual Movie Night

Being apart doesn’t mean you have to stop watching your favorite movies and shows together! Pull up your favorite streaming service and press “play” at the same time. (This might take some trial and error.)

It’s great to laugh over the same moments with your spouse, even when they’re far away. In fact, watching something together is a sweet and simple way to strengthen your emotional and recreational intimacy by spending quality time together and having fun.

2. Cook Dinner “Together”

If you both enjoy food and cooking, this long distance date idea is for you. Choose a recipe, cook simultaneously while video calling, and enjoy your meal together. You can answer each other’s cooking questions or add your own flare to the recipe.

If cooking isn’t something you enjoy, try ordering food to be delivered to each other’s door. Many food delivery services allow you to send a meal to someone else. Coordinate to have the meals delivered around the same time and then enjoy dinner over a video call. It’s one of the best ways to still experience a dinner date when you can’t be together in person.

3. Play Online Games

Do you like word games, strategy games, or classic games? The odds are that you can find an online version to play with your spouse! Whether it’s Battleship, Scrabble, Uno, or something else, you can enjoy each other’s company while sharing a fun activity.

4. Send Packages to Each Other 

A sweet way to keep the romance alive when you’re long distance is to send thoughtful gifts or care packages. Write heartfelt notes, include some photos (maybe a few sexy ones!), and fill the package with your spouse’s favorite snacks. Then, have a call with each other so you can watch them open the gift. 

5. Plan a Future Trip

Get excited for your spouse’s return by planning your next adventure. This can be a great long distance date idea since it gets you excited for the future and gives you each some fun tasks to complete. Ultimately, you’ll get to connect in several of your 6 Pillars of Intimacy® as you daydream about the perfect trip, plan out a budget, and talk about the memories you want to make together.

Other Tips to Enhance Your Long Distance Date Ideas

FaceTime and video calls can grow old after several days, weeks, or months if you’re not doing new things together. If your long distance dates have started to feel stale, try some of these extra ideas:

• Pray together over the phone.
• Send flirty texts or sexy pictures on a secure app.
• Share funny videos you come across.
• Mail a handwritten love letter with a spritz of your perfume or cologne.
• Send a voice text if you aren’t able to call.
• Explore other virtual activities like online fitness classes, virtual museum tours, and Zoom book clubs.
• If you need personal help to navigate your time apart, apply for marriage coaching or meet virtually with a counselor.

Being apart from your spouse doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice romance and connection. With some creativity and effort, you can keep the spark alive and make your time apart more bearable.

Remember, it’s the little things and the consistent effort that make a big difference in maintaining a strong, beautiful marriage.