6 Things Every Couple Should Do Together
Getting to know someone isn’t something that happens over the course of one texting game of 20 questions. It takes time and effort to learn who someone is — everything from what irks them to what excites them, and what they really care about.
Experiencing the world together is one of the greatest parts of a relationship, because you’re slowly revealing your innermost thoughts to your partner, while they do the same to you – and (hopefully) you’re having fun doing it. If you want to really get to know your partner on an intimate level, here are several activities you ought to experience hand-in-hand:
1. Study
Studying and learning together is a great way to kill two birds with one stone: you’re preparing for that stressful final or paper while getting to spend time with your significant other (SO). In doing this, you’ll figure out how your partner thinks, what they excel at, and what some of their weaknesses are. Plus, studying for the class you have together is a great way to break the ice with a low-cost first date!
2. Travel
Who better to see the world with than someone you really care about? Traveling is one of the hardest tests on a relationship, because you end up with a lot of down time, unfamiliar situations, and possibly even a language barrier. Watching your SO overcome these things shows a lot about their character, and you can spend the lengthy car or plane ride asking them those deep questions that you’ve been dying to know the answers to. Seeing the world with someone adds a whole new perspective to your views about them, so this is exciting whether it’s your first date or your hundredth.
3. Get Lost (Literally)
You can learn a lot about a person by watching them struggle — and being lost is certainly a challenge. While you can’t exactly plan this one, it is likely that this will eventually happen to you and your SO. Instead of being upset or frustrated at the unfortunate situation, think of it as a learning experience. How does your partner react to a challenge? What about you?
4. Celebrate Holidays
Holidays are the perfect excuse to dress up, meet your partner’s family, and maybe even experience a custom that you’ve never seen before. Perhaps you celebrate different holidays each December, and you get to learn all about their religion, or maybe their family does a huge 4th of July celebration each summer. Don’t be afraid to look silly — make the most of each gathering by dressing up in couple’s costumes for Halloween, counting down the New Year together, or just generally enjoying each other’s company, all while learning first-hand their special traditions.
5. Read
Reading is an intimate activity that is different for everyone. See the world (either real or imaginary) through your partner’s eyes by reading a book together, whether that means reading aloud to each other every evening or simply working through the same book and discussing it together. You can adapt this activity to fit your busy schedule, or simply save it for a rainy day.
6. Try Something New
Maybe neither of you has ever spent much time in the kitchen — but that doesn&rsquorsquo;t mean you can’t learn to cook! Spend a little time each month trying something new with your SO. There are a myriad of possibilities: hike to the top of a mountain, visit an amusement park, or even go to a local arcade and play laser tag. The point is that you’re experiencing a new part of the world together, and learning all about each other in the process.
Over the course of your relationship, you will probably end up spending a lot of time with your significant other — so make it count! Experience the world together with these activities, and you’re sure to have a successful, happy, and loving partnership.