Happiness expert Yasemin Trollope, shows us the funnest (and cheapest!) ways to take your dating happiness to the next level. As the saying goes, ‘Make Love not War!’
by Yasemin Trollope
I don’t know about you, but sometimes planning a weekly date night leaves you shooting blanks in the fresh, fun ideas department. Movie? Boring. Dinner? Just eaten. Where’s the happiness in that?
They say spontaneity is the spice of life, so here are four date nights (and days) to get you and your spouse in the mood for bonding. No couches allowed!
1. The ‘Relaxing Dinner and Massage’ Date
I guarantee this is one of the most relaxing dates you’ll ever have – a massage and dinner! Book into your local thai massage joint (mine is Siam Cabana in Bondi) and then float out of there to have dinner and talk about how relaxed you are. There’s nothing that screams romance quite like hearing your partner getting pulled and pummelled into a pretzel. Ah, bliss.
Cost: $60 each for a massage and a cheap and cheerful dinner for, say, $30. TOTAL: $150
2. The ‘Exercise Veiled in Love’ Date
Love walking? Why not pack your backpacks and take yourselves along your nearest foreshore (or into the woods) for a few hours on a weekend. One of my favourites in Sydney is from Rushcutters Bay around through Vaucluse, up to Dover Heights, over the back to Bondi and then home. Phew! To make the date all the more romantic, pack a picnic and stop to munch along the way.
Cost: Free, aside from lunch. TOTAL: $10-$20
3. The ‘Laughing Gets You Lucky’ Date
To me, there’s nothing better than a good belly laugh. Especially when it’s with someone you love. Agree? Then skip over to your nearest comedy club to laugh along to live acts and enjoy a wine or two while you’re there. Most states have a comedy club and if you check the schedule, it’s surprising how many good acts come through. You’ll be talking about it for days after and the laughs just keep on coming.
Cost: Anywhere from $10 – $40 a ticket. Plus wine. TOTAL: $60
4. The ‘Ride of Your Life’ Date
If you’re into the great outdoor there’s little more fun to be had than on a bike. Head for the hills or hire a bike in the city and make your way around on two wheels. Bonus points if your bike has a basket – it can hold your baguettes and brie for a touch of Parisian chic!
Cost: Bike hire $20 hr and baguette and brie, $10. TOTAL: $50+
Even if you don’t have a partner, any of these ideas are wonderful for sharing with friends and family. It’s so important to balance ‘life life’ with ‘fun, adventurous, real life’, so make it a priority to get out there and start living more and doing less.
Stay Happy,
Yaz xx
