It’s not always easy to keep the romance in gear with all the other things we have going on. But with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it’s time to kick up the passion in your relationship and reconnect with your significant other with a date that offers a little more than the old dinner-and-a-movie standard. Great dates don’t have to be elaborate, just something meaningful that will bring the two of you closer together. Here are ten strategies for creating a unique and personalized experience that will make you remember how fun date night can be.

Try Something New

Get out of your comfort zone and try something that neither of you has ever considered doing before. Sample a new kind of cuisine, learn a new sport, or check out an event that’s normally completely off your radar. Whether you get tickets to a monster truck show or check out the symphony, work towards a scuba certification or attempt to learn another language together, by experiencing something completely new for both of you, you create memories that are special to your relationship. You may even discover a new favorite activity.

Make One-Of-A-Kind Memories

Get creative. Take a hot air balloon ride with Champagne at sunset, or ride the gondolas through the canals of the Coronado Cays. Compile items for a time capsule of your life together and bury it in your backyard. Put in items like photos, event ticket stubs, love letters, a bottle of your favorite wine, or any other mementos that have special meaning. Dig it up years from now for a special event or anniversary. Or set up a scavenger hunt through the city — stash clues at places that speak to your history together, and perhaps have your sweetheart pick up a few souvenirs along the way. For example, have your partner find a clue at the place you first met that leads to his/her favorite store where he/she must pick out a new outfit to wear to the final destination. (Be sure to specify what kind of clothes your plan might require!)

Recapture The Kid In You

There’s nothing wrong with escaping to the realm of childhood for a while. Challenge your partner to a miniature golf tournament, race in go-karts, or team up for laser tag. Break out board games or a deck of cards and place a romantic wager on the outcome — a little friendly competition can make for a fun and feisty afternoon. And if you like theme parks, consider making a day of it with Mickey Mouse or Shamu with or without the kids.

Recreate Past Dates

Taking a nostalgic step back into your first date is sure to evoke those fluttery feelings you had in the beginnings of your relationship. If you can’t recreate it exactly, find similar substitutes that will still take you back to that memorable day. You can also revisit a romantic weekend away, the day of your marriage proposal, or get as close to recreating your honeymoon as you can. If you went to Cabo, go out for Mexican food and recount your favorite newlywed memories over your meal, followed by a moonlit walk on the beach. Consider spending a night at a hotel similar to your honeymoon stay to recreate that newlywed feeling.

Get Back To Basics

Don’t forget about the simple things — holding hands, a red rose, a passionate kiss. Bring your significant other breakfast in bed or take a walk together. Remind yourself of all the reasons you love each other, big and small, and share them over a bottle of wine. And there’s plenty to be said for chivalry.

Notice The Little Things

Listen for details and keep them in the back of your mind so you can create little surprises and do little favors to brighten each other’s day. Leave little notes, romantic or humorous, in each other’s pockets and bags. If she mentioned once that she’d really like to see a certain old movie, pick it up from the video store and pop some popcorn. If there’s a tedious chore around the house that gets on his nerves, do it for him before he gets home. These small examples of love can go a long way.

Get Involved Together

Pick a cause close to both of your hearts, and find ways to volunteer together. Help the organization on the weekends or team up to plan a fundraiser. Making a difference in the lives of others can be a powerful experience, and sharing this goal can bring you closer as a couple.

Focus On Collective Interests

Rediscover an activity that you both love, but can’t seem to find the time for anymore. Whether you love kayaking or surfing, have interest in art museums or theater, or used to go bowling every Wednesday night, find whatever holds that spark of fun and make time for it. If you love taking pictures, bring cameras on a date and take photos for a scrapbook, or sort through old pictures and have fun reminiscing as you put them into albums. For avid readers, spend the day exploring the library, picking up old favorites, discussing novels you’ve both read, and selecting titles for your “to read” list. For music buffs, do the same in a record store. Whatever your interests, make a day of it by taking turns picking activities from breakfast to nightlife that you know you’ll both love. 

Relax Together

Simply taking the time to slow down together can bring you closer together. Turn off your cell phones, claim time without the kids, and forget about work for a while. Cuddle up on the couch and read together, whether with separate books or aloud to each other. Or indulge in a couple’s massage for the ultimate relaxing experience for two. Consider going away for the weekend to a comfortable bed and breakfast or quiet resort for some alone time — the more secluded the better.

Date At Home

A weekend getaway can be very romantic, but don’t forget about the potential fun and romance that can happen right in your own home. Break out a bottle of wine, light candles, turn on some music, and enjoy the experience of leisurely preparing dinner together. Enjoy each other’s company and conversation. Take a dip in the hot tub, play a game, or dance in the moonlight. The possibilities are endless and can be directly suited to your interests and desires.

Whatever you do this Valentine’s Day, enjoy the time you spend with your significant other, mix in some romance, and find ways to show how much you really care.   RINA VAN ORDEN