For the last few months, I’ve been an avid viewer of 19 Kids and Counting. I admire how strongly the family views relationships and togetherness and how intentional they are in pursuit of marriage.
In one of their new episodes this week, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar took Jill, Derick, Jessa and Ben on a one-of-a-kind date. Each couple was handcuffed together and asked to complete tasks such as making lunch, going through an obstacle course and shooting a bow and arrow. While difficult, it taught the couples the importance of teamwork and communication, and it also showed them how well they work together.
When we plan dates, we usually think first of the fun factor. What if we looked for fun ways to incorporate teamwork and communication into our plans? It is a good way to add intentionality back into the way we approach relationships and date with a purpose. Here are a few ideas!
1. Go apple picking and bake a pie. Apple picking is a fun seasonal activity, and it’s a great date idea. Once you finish working together to pick the best apples, take them home and bake an apple pie from scratch. Baking encourages teamwork, plus you get to enjoy a tangible result along with a stronger relationship. In marriage, you’ll have to learn to do a lot of things together, including sharing the kitchen.
2. Carve or decorate pumpkins. Everyone loves a good competition, and this is a fun way to practice being a good sport. You can do this activity with a group of couples and judge each other, or take photos and ask your Facebook friends to be the judges (without disclosing who decorated which pumpkin!). You can see how your date responds when they either win or come in second place.
3. Get lost in a corn maze. If it’s a big one, it will take some teamwork to find your way out. You’ll learn to strategize together and work toward a common goal, and you’ll get a glimpse of how well you complement each other. Have fun making wrong turns and starting over with patience. You’ll get to see how your significant other approaches difficult situations and being frustrated or scared. It’s also a good opportunity to encourage your significant other, whether they are taking charge and leading the way or excelling at moral support. Turn it into a trust exercise by blindfolding your date (only if they’re comfortable with this) and guiding them through the maze.
What other seasonal date ideas do you have that strengthen relationships?
