Tell us YOUR romantically unusual  Dates!

 Yes, this blog post is about the Secret to the Unusual Date, but in preparation for Valentines Day, we’d love to get some real life examples of your romantically unusual Valentine’s Day dates! Please email your Best or Worst unusual Valentine’s Date to  romance@outoftheboxdates.com. Your submission will remain anonymous!

So what do we mean by unusual?

Truly, there are some unusual dates out there. Don’t have the stomach to take tango lessons together?  Not considering the tandem sky diving lessons that have popped up?  Whether your partner is married to you, or you are planning a date with someone new, it is courageous to desire to create the unusual date!  Dinner and a Movie couldn’t be more passé, not to mention you don’t get to converse while watching a movie!

 So how do you make it unusual without making it a turn-off?

The key is in unlocking your observational skills and looking for unique things you have noticed about your date or spouse. Think about his/her interests or hobbies or a chance remark about travel. A personalized approach to date planning is endearingly appreciated by the recipient! 

Need some suggestions to get you started?  Well, here are a few unusual date ideas:

•  S/he nurtures a desire to paint? Try an art school where you can enroll together for a workshop – include a kit of some painting supplies as your invite!
• Does S/he love reading?  Ask at your local bookstore about an author- reading coming up.  You could tuck the invitation inside a copy of a book by that author.
• Perhaps cooking is a favorite? Try looking for a local high-end cooking store. Many of them offer “event” classes, like a couples cooking class, or a special menu preparation class (you just watch & eat) combined with live music or a classic film.  You could copy off a description of the class event registration and slide it in a basket of cooking goodies.
• A fashion guru?  Do some googling or check with local boutiques asking about any upcoming fashion galas (could be only once a year – so planning required!)
• You uncover that s/he loves the idea of a trip to Africa or the Amazon. It may not be the same, but s/he will appreciate your surprise visit to a zoo. Many zoo’s offer special events for new members – buy her/him a membership and see!
• And of course, not all of us can create something out of thin air – and that is why Out Of The Box Dates is such a great idea! Check it out! http://www.outoftheboxdates.com/romantic-adventure-shop.php

Once you think of something that you are sure s/he is interested, work through your friends – connections- brainstorm- to create a truly unique and personal date. It’s a great romantic gesture, practically guaranteed to be not only an Unusual Date, but a success! And the key to their heart!

I do believe there is a secret to keeping your relationship strong. Many of you may doubt this?

 Well, admittedly, there are probably many amazingly unique and great relationships. And undoubtedly they have many similar factors. And you would probably agree they include the ability to:

• Communicate
• Empathize
• Dedicate time to the relationship
• Listen

 But still – there is another truth dangling out there. It is elusive, but there is a secret to a great relationship.

 A tiny little secret.

The SECRET is:  Do a good turn daily. 

 You see? It is tiny, and simple. But sometimes elusive…to remember.   Do something kind for your spouse/significant other, each day. Sometimes it comes easily. Sometimes you may have to work at it. 

 How do you get there? How do you achieve a great relationship using this secret? It can be in the tiniest changes.  Here are a few suggestions on where to look:  

• When you pour yourself coffee, or make a cup of tea or cocoa, make one for him/her too
• When the toilet paper roll finishes, replace it before leaving the bathroom
• If you stop to pick up groceries, get a tiny treat s/he likes
• Do one of the chores you don’t usually do – like collect the trash or hang a picture
• Get your kids in on it – they’ll think of great ideas!

 Take baby steps. Just try it for a week.  Watch for your spouse’s reaction.  It may amaze you!