In the first few years of a relationship, it’s easy to fall into a routine when it comes to dating. You know your partner so well that you have an idea of what they’ll say or do in just about any given situation. It’s not that you don’t care about them anymore; it's just that you’re likely spending so much time together that the sparks have fizzled out from lack of use. That kind of routine can be great for a relationship because it shows that both partners are secure and comfortable with each other. But after a while, even those positive qualities can stagnate without some new ideas for how to spend time together. If this sounds like your relationship, don’t worry! It happens to most couples at some point. Fortunately, there are all sorts of creative ways to rekindle the spark and put the passion back into your connection. Here are 5 intimacy-building date ideas that will put the passion back into your relationship

Go On An Unplanned Date

One of the best ways to put the passion in your relationship is to simply spend more time together. Even though you know your partner like the back of your hand, you’re still in a relationship and spending time together is crucial for keeping the connection strong and healthy. In fact, almost two-thirds of couples say that they don’t spend enough time together, according to a survey by the dating app Hinge. That’s a big problem, since spending time together helps you and your partner build trust and better understand each other’s needs. However, it can be hard to make time for each other. That’s why going on an unplanned date is a great way to reconnect. You don’t have to plan anything fancy or go somewhere far away; all you have to do is make time to spend together.

Go To A Show Or A Concert

Whether you like going to concerts or live shows or not, you don’t need to go on an expensive vacation or spend hours completing some elaborate project together to put the passion back in your relationship. A lot of relationships hit a lull when one person is going through a stressful time, like a big promotion at work or caring for a sick parent. And, unfortunately, that stress can bleed into your relationship, leaving both of you feeling stressed out, tired, and like there’s no time for each other. But you can use these events to bring you closer together by planning something fun together. Depending on the length of the show, you’ll have plenty of time to chat, mingle with others, and just be together. Plus, you can make it a really memorable experience by dressing up and going somewhere fancy!

Plan A Surprise Date

Surprise dates are one of the easiest ways to inject some fun and passion into your relationship. Nobody can resist a secret date, and they’re a great way to show someone that you really care about them. They’re also really easy to do. You can plan a surprise date any day of the week, and they don’t have to be expensive, either. If you’re stumped on what type of surprise date to go with, here are a few ideas to get you started.

- Out-of-the-box date: Take your date to an unusual place, like a pet store, a planetarium, or a workshop. These are places you wouldn’t normally go on a date, so it’s bound to be an experience neither of you will forget. And, best of all, you get to learn something new together.

- Romantic date: This doesn’t have to be sappy or over the top. Just make sure to be present and show your date that you care. Whether that’s bringing flowers to their office or surprising them with a homemade dinner at home, you can make your date as romantic as you want it to be.

- Surprise weekend getaway: If you have the time and money to spare, a weekend getaway is a great way to go. Whether you want to go close to home or plan a more extravagant trip, a surprise getaway is guaranteed to make your date’s day.

Go On A Physical Activity Date

People often think that you should talk about your feelings to build intimacy and closeness, but that’s not always the case. In fact, talking can sometimes lead to couples having “shirt-button conversations” that are full of unproductive and unnecessary details. The best way to build intimacy is to combine talking with physical activity. That allows you both to share what you care about and what’s important to you while having a good time and getting a little bit of exercise in at the same time. You can go on a physical activity date in many different ways. You can try a sport or activity that you both enjoy, or you can go on an adventure to a place that neither of you have been to before. The important thing is that you go on an experience that lets you both be together, learn from one another, and share what’s important to you.

Go on an adventure together

Adventure dates are one of the best ways to get to know each other while having fun and experiencing something new. Whether you go rock climbing, take a hiking trip, or visit a new museum, adventure dates allow you to see things through each other’s eyes while learning about each other. If you don’t have time to plan a big adventure, you can always try a low-key activity like going out for a walk together or taking a trip to the park. Even something as simple as going for a walk can build intimacy if you’re both open and honest with each other.

Have Dinner In The Dark

Dining in the dark is more than just another trend. It’s actually been proven to reduce stress and improve your mood. It can help you reconnect with your partner and focus on each other, rather than being distracted by what’s going on outside. Dining in the dark can be done anywhere, but it’s best to do it in a more intimate atmosphere where you’re less likely to be distracted by other customers. You can try restaurants that are either completely or partially in the dark or go out to your own backyard and have a picnic under the stars.

Bottom Line

There are many ways to put the passion back into your relationship. You just need to find the date idea that resonates with you and your partner. And remember, it’s not about planning the most elaborate date in the world; it’s about planning something that works with your schedules and your budget so you can make time for each other. It’s easy to fall into a routine when it comes to dating. You know your partner so well that you have an idea of what they’ll say or do in just about any given situation. It’s not that you don’t care about them anymore; it’s just that you’re likely spending so much time together that the sparks have fizzled out from lack of use. The best way to rekindle the spark is to just spend time together.