20 epic date ideas based on your love language

Do you know your love language? It is said that we give love in the way we would like to receive it. However, your idea of romance and affection might be far different from what your partner values. This is why understanding each other’s language of love is important.

Dr. Gary Chapman, in his best-selling book “The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts”, explains there are five main ways people give and receive love:

1. Physical touch: People who speak this love language enjoy human contact, whether it is in the form of hugs, kisses, holding hands, or cuddles.
2. Words of affirmation: People with this love language place value on written or spoken expressions of love and appreciation.
3. Acts of service: To people with this love language, actions speak louder than words! They value it when their partner can lend a helping hand as a need arises, especially without being asked or reminded.
4. Gifts: People whose love language is a gift, appreciate the effort and thought behind a gift. The gift does not need to be expensive to be cherished: the more meaningful, the better.
5. Quality time: People with this love language, value spending time with their loved ones, free from distractions.

For instance, let’s say your partner’s primary love language is quality time. Showering them with gifts will not satisfy them if you do not spend time with them and give them your undivided attention.

With this in mind, explore your partner’s preferences and practice how to speak their language of love. Also, remember that your partner’s primary love language might change depending on the season of life they are going through.

To learn both your love languages, take Dr. Chapman’s quiz. Then use your results to determine which dates to plan based on the ideas below.

1. Get a massage. Book your partner for a spa session. Alternatively, set up a home spa: get massage oil, relaxing music, a massage tool, and a good YouTube tutorial. This is a great way to de-stress and unwind together.
2. Take a dance class. Take a couple’s dancing class, like Salsa or Tango, whether in person or online. Get closer as you navigate the footsteps together.
3. Go on a walking tour. Go for a stroll around a scenic location, holding hands as you discover the beautiful views.
4. Enjoy a day at an amusement park. Hold hands, sneak kisses, visit the game booths, and enjoy getting close on thrill rides.

1. Write each other love notes. Let your partner know how much they mean to you by pouring out your heart on pieces of paper. You could create “Open When” letters, or “20 reasons why I love you” notes. Add a twist to this date by hiding the notes for your partner to find!
2. Have a karaoke date night. Pick songs whose lyrics hold a special meaning for you. Ready for a serenade?
3. Answer relationship questions. Grab your favourite snacks, get comfy, and spend the date asking each other questions in a romantic setting. No matter how long you have been together, there is always something new to learn about your partner. Have a look at our conversation starters for couples.
4. Have a bookstore date. Visit a bookstore and pick out a book that you think your partner will enjoy. Gift it to them with a lovely, meaningful note. Take it up a notch with our fun challenges to do at a bookstore.

1. Have a DIT date. Embark on a Do-It-Together project. You could complete a chore they have been putting off, declutter the house, fix broken items, etc.
2. Become a butler for a day. Surprise your partner with a bubble bath, a face mask, and a massage after a long week. Cook (or take out) the dinner of their choice. Keep their drinks refilled and make sure they are comfortable.
3. Create some love coupons. Create a fun coupon book filled with favours and activities that your partner can redeem. You could make it a mix of sexy (“This coupon is good for one full body massage”), funny (“One-time pass on any chore of yours” ) and naughty (“Redeem for an evening of role-playing of your choice”).
4. Do random acts of kindness. Go around and do random acts of kindness for others. Check out this post for inspiration.

1. Think of 5 senses gifts. Create a personalised gift box for each other. The challenge? Get your partner a gift for each of the 5 senses (sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste). For example, buy a book for the sense of sight. Get tickets to a concert for the sense of sound. Shop for sexy pyjamas for the sense of touch. Buy some scented candles for the sense of smell. Include some chocolate for the sense of taste. Tip: Set a budget, go to the store together, and split up to shop. Afterwards, have fun exchanging gifts at home.
2. Make a time capsule. Decorate an airtight container and fill it with letters, photos, old movie tickets, a current newspaper, and other mementos. Decide on a future date to open the capsule.
3. Create a scrapbook. Curate your favourite photos and turn them into a beautiful story book.
4. Organise a scavenger hunt. Plan a scavenger hunt where you hide gifts across the house or the town, for your partner to find.

1. Take a trip down memory lane. Create a timeline of the most memorable events in your relationship and a map of their locations. Then schedule a date to visit those places. For instance, you could include the place where you met or had your first kiss, your favourite dating spot, your old hiking trail, the place where you got engaged, etc.
2. Have a picnic. Whether indoors or at a beautiful scenic location, set up a fancy dinner for the two of you. Put on a curated playlist of your favourite songs to set the mood. Check out our tips on how to create your ultimate couple’s playlist.
3. Plan a future vacation. Pick a destination on your bucket list and start planning the type of vacation you want. Look for accommodation and activities to do, research the best time of the year to visit, and set a budget.
4. Complete a jigsaw puzzle together. Shop together for a 250 pieces puzzle, or create a personalised puzzle with a picture that matters to you. Enjoy your favourite snacks while choosing which piece goes where.

Date nights can easily fall by the wayside. However, it’s important to make them a priority in your schedule. Draw from these ideas each week or monthly, and have fun with your partner. Now, it is your turn: tell us which one you look forward to trying.

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