77002 Run a 5k

John Gottman, in "Ten Principles for Making Marriage Work", writes that sharing interests with our partner, or taking the time to learn their interests, can really improve our relationships. Similarly, having a common goal can also strengthen our relationships. As partners work towards a common goal, they will find commonalities in one another. When they are able to achieve the goal, they will be able to share that success with one another.

One way that couples can fight towards a common goal is to train and participate in a 5k, half marathon, or full marathon. There are various events throughout Houston that you can choose to participate in! Taking the time to run together or go to the gym together in preparation for your event can also give you and your partner time to reconnect with one another. It gives you something to talk about, besides your every day stresses!

Need help starting? Check out this "Couch to 5K" article!

If you need help finding an event to participate in, here is a great start!

77002 Workout Date

Hit the gym together to lift some weights, do some pushups or run a mile side by side. Exercising is a great way to relax from the stress of the day. The YMCA offers many different exercise classes to attend. Tellepsen Family Downtown YMCA offers cycling, pilates, yoga, zumba, “BodyCombat” and many more. Grab your spouse and look through the schedule here. Pick a class you both seem interested in doing. Whether you are avid gym junkies or you feel like you unfamiliar with the concept of exercise; this could be a great date to bond with your spouse.

While you are working out, make sure you support and encourage your spouse. Whether that means a smile and a wink from across the room, or some words of strength to keep them going. Remember you are your spouse’s biggest cheerleader.

After burning all those calories, stop by Flow Juice Bar for a yummy smoothie and a healthy snack. While you’re eating discuss with your spouse your likes and dislikes of your exercise session. Talk about goals you had in the past, and goals you’d like to create for the future. Be accountable for each other. This is a great way to stay connected and help support your love.

Flow Juice Bar

214 Fairview Ste. 2

Houston, TX 77006

Tellepsen Family Downtown YMCA

808 Pease St

Houston, TX 77002

77056 Saturday Afternoon Picnic

Image Courtesy of
http://www.uptown-houston.com/news/page/water-wall-park

Picnics are so much fun! You get to be outside, with a little breeze and you can people watch. I also like these types of dates because they are on the cheaper side and it is just you and your date. You get to eat and hangout together, enjoy the sun and talk. The perfect backdrop for your picnic is the Water Wall Park. It is located at 2800 Post Oak Blvd, in Houston. There is a grass for you to spread out a blanket and relax the afternoon away. The Water Wall Park is a man made attraction. It is 2.77 acres and has a 64-foot semi-circular fountain that re-circulates 11,000 gallons of water per minute as it cascades down the  inner and outer walls.

Don't forget to bring:

• Picnic basket with a blanket
• Picnic food (cheese, crackers and a side of grapes)
• Drinks  
• Utensils/plates
• Cups
• Napkins
• Pen and paper for activity

You can plan a more romantic date by spicing up the things you bring. Make it a little more special by adding a little bit of good chocolate for dessert. For drinks, bring something sparkling! Leave your phones off or in the car so you can both focus on each other. A fun activity you can do is each take a pen and paper and write down 10 things you love about your partner. They can be things they do, their good attitude towards something, or their smile! Take turns sharing them with each other.

77058 Space Center Houston

Have you ever thought of outer space being so fascinating? Wondered what it is like to be an astronaut? At the Space Center Houston, you can learn more about it! Enjoy a fun and educational day with your date. They offer many different attractions including but not limited to Living in Space, The Tram Tour, Astronaut Gallery, and the Blast-Off-Theater, and the Level 9 Tour.

“The center features more than 400 space artifacts, permanent and traveling exhibits, attractions and theaters related to the exciting future and remarkable past of America’s human space-flight program.”

I recommend the Level 9 Tour to true science and space buffs. It is a VIP tour that last about four hours. The Level 9 Tour gives you all access to see the world of NASA up close and personal. You will see both historic and ISS Mission Control. You’ll eat where astronauts eat and see where they train. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

General admission tickets purchased online, will cost about $21.00 per person.

If you are interested in the Leven 9 Tour the tickets cost about $90.00 per person. Make sure you reserve the tickets in advance because they do have a limited number of openings per day.

The address is 1601 NASA Road One, Houston, TX 77058.

They are open Mon-Fri 9:00 am -5:00 pm. On the weekends they are open 10:00 am-7:00 pm

After the date, spend some time talking about what you learned. What were your favorite parts or attractions? Did anything surprise you? Did you enjoy the date? Make sure you both express gratitude toward each other for making the date happen and having fun! It is the simple things, such as acknowledging and   “thank you” that really help relationships stay strong.

77005 Museum of Fine Arts Date

Visiting an art gallery can be different change of pace. If art is not usually your cup of tea, give it a try anyway, you might be surprised! Before you visit the museum look on the website to see the current exhibit. The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston is a great museum to visit. It is located at 1001 Bissonnet Street, Houston. General admission is $15.00 per adult. If you visit on Thursday, it’s free! Check the website for local deals and events currently going on.

The museum is open: Tuesday–Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday–Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, 12:15 to 7 p.m.

After you visit the museum, you can channel your inner artist and create something special for your date. Go home or to a local park and create something that was inspired by your visit. This could be as simple as a pencil sketch or as elaborate as a watercolor painting. Let your art be an expression of your love for your partner. I realize we are not all artist, just do your best. This does require a little bit of planning but a fun activity to do with each other. Trying something new could lead to a new hobby or interest that you could do together. 

77055 iFLY Date

Have you ever wanted to go skydiving but you were too nervous? You’re in luck! iFLY is a an indoor skydiving experience without jumping out of an airplane. No experience is necessary! iFLY’s 1000 hp vertical wind tunnel generates a wall-to-wall cushion of air, on which you safely float. A new location just opened at 9540 Katy Freeway, Located on I-10 Between Blalock and Bunker Hill in Houston. They offer different packages, you can also have pictures taken to remember your date. It costs about $75 per person, however if you are a Costco member there may be a better deal.  

This date may be a little pricey so to cut down on cost you can pack a picnic lunch for you and your date. Bear Creek Pioneers Park is close to the iFLY facility. Bring a snack or meal to the park, spread out a blanket on the grass and talk about the awesome experience you just shared. This could be a time where as a couple, you talk about some bucket list items that you want to accomplish together. You can also come up with a plan as to how you will prepare and execute your bucket list. As you complete your goals together, it will strengthen your relationship. 

77381 Free Concert in the Park

How about a free concert in the park for your next date night?  My favorite concerts have all been outdoors, there is just something so fun about bringing a blanket or some chairs and listening to good music under the sky.  The only thing that could make it better, is that it's free! North Shore Park in the Woodlands offers free concerts during the spring and fall.  Check out their calendar to see what bands are playing and when they are scheduled to plan your next date!

Get to the concert early and set up your chairs/blanket.  Take some time to talk to your spouse about their favorite music.  If you could go to any concert (past or present) what one would it be?  Or what was the first album that you ever remember buying? 

77285 Space Cadets

Channel your inner child and visit Space Cadets Collection for your next date.  At Space Cadets they have a variety of fun things to look at and games to play.  There are a number of fun things you could do on your date here.  They have hundreds and hundreds of comic books available to read through and purchase.  Look through some of them and make a little game out of it by splitting up and each of you choosing the comic that you think your spouse would be the most interested in, or a challenge to find the craziest book, or the one that you think has the best artwork. 

In their store you will find chess sets that are available to use anytime.  Play a round of chess with your spouse and then enjoy lunch at their full size café. 

They also have board games available for purchase or they even have some games that they let customers borrow for free.  Choose one that looks fun and take it home for a fun game night with treats!

77024 ComedySportz Houston

Looking for some clean entertainment? Head down to ComedySportz Houston, located at 901 Town and Country Blvd, Houston, TX 77024. ComedySportz is a fun, entertaining, and hilarious show filled with audience participation and improv comedy. Here's how it works: There are two teams battling against one another with a mediating referee. Team members pick a challenge, and the audience helps give ideas. Laughter ensues. We all know that laughter is the best medicine, and sharing this moment with your partner is even better!

77385 Bowlero

Bowlero is a great place to have a fun date with your spouse.  They have so many fun things to do including bowling, shuffleboard, vintage arcade, skee ball, corn hole, foosball and more.  They also have you covered for dinner. They have some original menu options like lava wings, the wonder dog (a 2 foot coney dog), and the behemoth burger (a ginormous, 5 lb burger).  So enjoy a fun night out at Bowlero with your spouse!

 Relationship Reconnection Idea:

For a fun activity to connect and learn more about your spouse, buy a bag of M&M's! For each color that you eat, answer the question that corresponds with that color in the picture to the right.  Hopefully as you do this, you will learn something new about each other!

77380 Potteryland

Image courtesy of Photokanok at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

At Potteryland in The Woodlands, they provide all the materials you will need to design your own masterpiece.  For your date night, you and your spouse will choose a piece of pottery (they have plates, frames, mugs and more), decorate and paint it anyway you would like, and then come pick up your artwork in a few days after they have glazed and fired it for you.  Your piece of pottery will be a great reminder of fun night you had together!

Relationship Reconnection:
Have you ever heard of The 5 Love Languages?  Dr. Gary Chapman has come up with a quiz to determine what your "Love Language" is.  How do you like your spouse to show you they love they love you?  The different love languages are Words of Affirmation, Acts of Service, Receiving Gifts, Quality Time, or Physical Touch.  Head on over to their website and take the quiz with your spouse.  Once you find out what your spouse's love language is, strive to show you that you love them in the way that they want that to loved. 

77385 Adopt a Pet or Volunteer

Have you and your spouse ever considered adopting an animal?  Whether to make a cat or a dog a part of your family is a big decision, and a good way to start thinking about it is to visit an animal shelter and look at the animals they have available.  For a fun date night full of playful dogs and cute kittens visit Montgomery Animal Shelter.  You can go with your spouse and as you visit the different animal that can be adopted, talk about what kind of cat or dog you would like to have someday or share stories about animals that you may have had growing up.


 You can also volunteer at the animal shelter, which would be fun date with your spouse as well.  They love volunteers who will take the dogs on walks, play with and pet the cats, dog bathing, or greet and assist customers.  Go enjoy a fun date playing with the animals and doing some service together!

77001 Love Doesn't Cost a Thing

This date can be done in any zip code! It is all about taking the time to remember why you first fell in love. We all know that as our day to day lives get more hectic, it can be crazy to try and find time for one another. We also know that continually dating your partner is a crucial aspect to any relationship. How can we find time to do this? Where can we find the resources? For this date, take time to think of things that your spouse may enjoy. Think of free and simple ideas for dates. Come together and collaborate. Yes, a date planning date. Taking this time offers the opportunity for fun and simple conversation. It pulls the focus from every day life back onto your relationship. This blog is a great place for ideas as well! ;)

77380 Boxing

Pound 4 Pound Boxing in the Woodlands would be a great date night for you and your spouse to try something new and even get some exercise in as well. They can teach you the ins and out of boxing and since they offer small group fitness and boxing training, you and your spouse can take the class together. They provide all of the equipment needed and your first class is even free. So what have you got to lose? Give boxing a try for your next date night!

Relationship Application:

We all have experienced times of stress and tension. These times are not only hard on us, they are hard on those we are closest to as well. It can put a strain on our relationship with our spouse. Luckily, there are many ways to relieve some of that stress. According to the ADAA, Scientists have found that regular participation in aerobic exercise has been shown to decrease overall levels of tension, elevate and stabilize mood, improve sleep, and improve self-esteem. Even five minutes off aerobic exercise can stimulate anti-anxiety effects. So do something to relieve any tension that is leaking into your relationships by getting in some exercise at Pound 4 Pound.

77022 Yard Sale Diggin

Yard sales or garage sales are an awesome place to find great steals! Yard sales can be fun on their own, but here are a couple of tips to make yard sale-ing even more fun. You and your partner can take some time to plan a specific item to be looking for, and then see who can find a better deal on that particular item. Another tip would be to go in with a set budget, say five dollars, and see who can get the best steal, the funniest item, or the quirkiest. It is easy to find unexpected and even crazy items at yard sales, so this could be a really fun twist on yard sale searches. A final twist could be taking the time to pick out something that you think your partner would enjoy.

77375 Learn a New Skill Together

Learning a new skill with your spouse is a fantastic way to connect and learn more about each other.  Doing something new together is a memory that you will always remember and a way to feel in tune with your spouse.  At Lone Star College in Tomball, TX there are so many different classes available to the community.  Some of the classes they offer include ceramics, cooking, cupcake designs, painting, photography, belly dancing, bowling, dance, golf, scuba diving, motorcycle rider course and that is just to name a few! Go to their website and look through the various classes they have available and choose one that you and your spouse are both interested in attending for a series of date nights.  Or, if you can't decide on one you both like, each of you choose one you are most interested in and take both classes.  In a healthy relationships, each person will make an effort to show interest in each other's hobbies and interests.

77073 Dream Home Date.

Have you ever spent time walking through model homes? If you or your spouse loves homes and decor this could be the perfect date. Even though you may not have the money now to purchase a $600,000+ home, doesn’t mean you can’t walk through and admire them. There are plenty of builders that have model homes available so that you can walk through and see them. This could be a great date to talk about what things you like and don’t like about a home. Whether or not a home theater is practical for your family, or if you really need that shower the size of a room. Regardless of if you are in the market for a new home, it’s fun to walk through and decide which things you would keep, and which you would change.

Relationship Application:
While you’re touring the home, make an effort to get to know your spouses likes and dislikes. What you spouse liked 3 years ago can differ a lot from what they like now. Especially with new trends going in and out it’s fun to get to know your spouse better. Talk about what you would both do if you each had a million dollars to spent. Talk about goals and aspirations you both have for the future. If you could each purchase a dream home, what essentials would it need to have?

Dr. John Gottman talks about how it’s extremely important to get to know your spouse's world. (Their thoughts, opinions, dreams, feelings, and goals) Use this date to get to know more about your spouse while having fun! You can purchase John Gottman’s book, The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work here.

In Houston you’ll have to look around for model homes, but Lennar has some great options.

There is a Welcome Home Center at
19503 Shelby Ridge Lane
Houston, TX 77073
888-671-8175
Make sure to check for their open hours.

Also, if you check out their website you can find more model homes. You could maybe hit 2 or 3 collections during your date depending on where you live.

http://www.lennar.com/new-homes/texas/houston

Just make sure to have fun!!

77386 Gulf Coast Wing

Take a trip back in time to World War II at the Gulf Coast Wing.  They are dedicated to aviation history and to preserving combat aircrafts that have been used throughout history.  They currently have one of only eleven flyable B-17 Flying Fortresses in the world, the Texas Raiders.  A tour of the Texas Raiders would be fun date night, and an opportunity to see something you have probably never seen before.  For a small entrance price, you can tour the Texas Raider's or for a special date you can even book a chance to fly in it! 

 

This would be a fun time to talk about your own family's history.  While on your date or after, talk about what family stories you have heard from your grandparents, parents, or others.  Did any of your family serve in a war? What stories have they told you? Enjoy some time sharing these stories together.

 

77064 Sam Houston Race Park

Try something different for your date night this week and check out Sam Houston Race Park.  Admission is pretty cheap for general seating and there is food available such as nachos, hot dogs, etc. available.  You can also choose to sit down for dinner at the Winner's Circle where your table will have fabulous view of the finish line.  Occasionally, they also have fun races like camel, ostrich and wiener dog races.  Enjoy a fun day together at the race tracks!

Reconnect Activity:
Take some time to learn more about each other by doing The Gottman Island Survival Game.  This game will help you learn about compromise and how to accept your partners influence.  Follow the link above to learn more and include the activity on your next date together!

77380 Dosey Doe

Dosey Doe's is a fun place to have breakfast, lunch or dinner and even has live entertainment on the weekends.  They are located inside a big barn filled with fun artifacts from the late 1800's to early 1900's. Enjoy dinner (the huevos rancheros are said to be especially good) with your spouse and some of the best live music in Texas!

Relationship Reconnection:

While you are listening to the music, take this chance to hold onto your spouse and sway with the music or dance together. Dancing is a great way to connect as a couple.  Check out this fun article to see how dancing can improve your relationship. 

77005 Chocolate Taste Testing

Calling all chocolate lovers. Have you ever wondered which country makes the best chocolate? Why not do a chocolate taste test! This date will take some preparation. You will need to buy some chocolate bars that are from different countries around the world. Chocolat du Monde is a great place to find some. You can buy different flavors, different percentages of cocoa, and different brands. Mix it up a bit so you can see what kinds you really like.




Bring the chocolate home and share it with your spouse. For each different chocolate rate how much you liked it from 1 (meaning not very much) to 10 (a piece of heaven). Write down any thoughts or opinions you have. If it's helpful you can use this chart to record your answers. Then after you have tried each chocolate discuss with your spouse your findings. Which did you like best and why? Which did you like least? Where is the best chocolate made? If you could go anywhere in the world to buy chocolate, where would you go? What was the best chocolate you've ever had in your life?

It’s so important to get to know your spouse better. Whether you have been married 1 year, 10 years or 50 years, there is always more to learn about your spouse. John Gottman says "The simple truth is that happy marriages are based on a deep friendship”. Strengthening that friendships leads to a stronger marriage.

Chocolat du Monde
2428 Times Blvd
Houston, TX 77005
713-520-5600

77380 Kayak with Riva Rowboat House

The Riva Row Boat House is located along The Woodlands Waterway and has kayaks, paddles and life jackets available to rent.  They will have everything that you need to enjoy a ride down the river with your spouse. 

 Relationship Reconnection:

After your Kayak ride, the Town Center is just a short tram ride away.  Stop at Burger Fi for natural angus burgers, fresh-cut fries, specialty beverages and frozen custard. While you enjoy your food, talk about a decision that you are currently trying to make.  One of Dr. John Gottman's "Principles for Making Marriage Work" is to let your partner influence you.  He highly recommends that couples make decisions together as much as possible.  Discuss any current decisions you are trying to make, and try to take into account both of your opinions as you come to a decision.   

77087 Frozen Yogurt and Positive Past Memories

Menchie’s offers self-serve frozen yogurt with a variety of flavors with custom toppings.. This date is not just about eating frozen yogurt together, in fact, thats just the cherry on top! (No pun intended ;) 

This date is about reminiscing about your past. While enjoying your frozen yogurt, or after, talk about the very beginning of your relationship. Where were you when you first met? Who spoke to who first? What were your first impressions of each other? Did those first impressions change? What emotions did you feel while dating/ recently married? What things stood out for both of you about each other? What was the most attractive feature of your spouse? What made you want to pursue a relationship? What is your fondest memory of each other? What did you do on the first couple dates?

According to Dr. John Gottman, "I've found that 94% of the time that couples who put a positive spin on their marriage’s history are likely to have a happy future as well.”

John Gottman is the author of “The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work” Click Here to learn more about his book.

Menchie's Frozen Yogurt.
Gulfgate Mall
2903 Woodridge Drive
Suite 140
Houston, TX 77087

77002 Culinary Tours

Explore Downtown Houston, the Heights, or Montrose! Take a culinary tour and discover what cuisine Houston has to offer. Either of those links should take you to the tour of your choice! Tickets do need to be bought in advance, and are a little bit pricey, around $60 a piece, but it can be a fun splurge experience. Enjoy beautiful sights and delicious food! Depending on which tour you choose to take, you can be tasting Tex-Mex, Traditional American, Italian, Modern American, etc. It has been recommended, however, that you pace yourself! So much yummy food. 

Relationship Reconnection:

This tour can be a wonderful experience to find out a little more about your spouse, without even having to ask questions! (Of course, talking is still important) Take this special opportunity to really pay attention to your partner. Try to pick up on the feel that they are giving out about the different food choices. Afterwards, take the time to share and discuss your observations. This can be a unique experience that can easily draw a couple closer together.

77098 Candylicious

Think back to when you were a child. What was better than going to visit the candy store? Your eyes light up as soon as you walk into the store full ofo colorful M&M’s, gum drops, gummy bears, and lollipops. Let’s be honest, we have the same reaction as adults. There is nothing better that that nostalgia that can be felt walking through a store with all of your childhood favorites right at your fingertips. Candylicious, located at 1837 West Alabama, Houston TX 77098, offers a large variety of sweets to satisfy. Some options include M&M’s in every color, retro favorites such as Zots or Big League Chews, and novelty items, like Bacon and Cheese crickets (Okay, maybe not the yummiest sounding).

Relationship Re-connection:

Taking this time to spend with your partner will give you an opportunity to reminisce on your childhood. You get that chance to remember the taste of your childhood favorites, like the Bacon and Cheese Crickets, but also the opportunity to get a glimpse into the childhood of your partner. Take turns talking about your favorites. Maybe even take on the challenge of guessing your love’s favorite.

Taking this time to reconnect with your partner can help you get through the everyday stress. According to Dr. Paul C. and Teri K. Reisser, ,the  authors of “Your Spouse Isn’t the Person You Married: Keeping Love Strong Through Life’s Changes”, remind us that in the dating stage we were so interested in our partner. We were “all ears”. These habits can go out the window after months and years of being in a relationship. Taking this time not only shows your partner that you care, but it is an awesome way to reconnect.

77027 Takeout and Paint

Relieve some creative energy! Grab some paint, some canvas, and some brushes. Take turns creating a masterpiece, either blindfolded or not. See what you and your partner can create together. If you would rather, you can just create your own masterpiece and share with your partner your artistic ability, or lack thereof. You can even try and create a portrait of your spouse! Before you start, go to http://ambassadorchinese.com/ and order some yummy Chinese takeout! Some customer favorites are the Kung Pao chicken, the Orange Chicken, or the homemade egg rolls.

Relationship Reconnection:
Working together or parallel in a creative setting allows the opportunity for quality interaction. It can enable you and your partner time to reconnect with one another; get to know each other better and remember what made you fall in love in the first place.

77003 Nerd Alert

Neil’s Bahr, located at 2006 Walker Street, Houston, Texas 77003, makes the claim to be good for all things nerd. From video games to comic books, Neil’s Bahr promises a fun time. You can follow them on Facebook at: Neils Bahr , where they post weekly events, which include TV show marathons, karaoke, and video game tournaments. Not only do they have video games and comic books, but there is a Foosball table as well as tables to bring your own card games or board games. There is food available, from “Pablo the Patio Chef”. He cooks anything from chicken to burgers, and serves steak on Monday nights.

         

 If you’re not huge on the nerd scene, you can always pull out your own gaming console at home, order some pizza, and have some stay-at-home fun with your partner!

Relationship Reconnection:   

Playing old video games can give you and your partner some time to relive your childhood. The friendly competition can be a great bonding time. Ask your partner questions about their childhood. Some suggestions for good questions are:

1. Favorite childhood game? Why?

2. Favorite cartoon character? Why?

77007 Fitzgerald’s

Image Courtesy of http://fitzlivemusic.com/index.php

 Are you and your partner music fans? Do you enjoy live, rocking, music? Head over to Fitzgeralds’s located at 2706 WHITE OAK DRIVE. HOUSTON, TX. 77007. Fitzgerald’s has been in business since 1977. Many of the bands are local, and the type of music played varies. You can find a list of the shows here: http://fitzlivemusic.com/index.php . The price per ticket varies, but they seem to be less expensive when bought in advance, as opposed to buying them at the door. Fitzgerald’s does not offer food, so after jamming out, you can head on over to BB’s café, a restaurant serving Cajun/creole dishes. BB’s café serves Cajun dishes with their own Texas inspiration. “Maw Maw’s Gumbo” is a hit, as well as the shrimp “po-boys”.

Relationship Reconnection:
While enjoying your Cajun dishes, take some time to reconnect with your spouse. Talk about your favorite song heard at Fitzgerald’s. Ask about your partner’s first live music experience. Catch up on your latest favorite artists, bands, and types of music. You could even take the time, afterwards, to enjoy each other's music on the car ride home. 

77380 Karaoke At Home

Find songs with lyrics on them on youtube.com and take turns singing. Add some dance moves and can be quite fun! Don’t forget to take pictures!

Image Courtesy of RC's NYC Pizza & Pasta

Order pizza from RC’s NYC Pizza & Pasta and you have the perfect at home date! Choose one of their New York Style pizzas to have delivered. Spending time together doing something crazy and fun will bring you closer together!

77375 Breakfast Date

Jane & John Dough Bakery is the perfect place for your morning breakfast date. They have coffee, muffins, yogurt and other yummy baked goods.

As you are enjoying your breakfast together discuss the following questions:

1)What do you enjoy doing with me, with the most enjoyable first?

2)What do you fear the most?

3)What are your 5 favorite desserts, with the most favorite first?

77037 Lunch Date

Sometimes you don’t have a lot of time for a date, but it is still important to go out with each other. Why not try a lunch date? Maine-ly Sandwiches is a great lunch spot. It is located at 10745 North Fwy. They have lobster rolls as well as other delicious sandwiches.

Relationship Reconnection:

During your lunch date discuss the following ideas:

I picture us old, sitting in a rocking chair and you looking over at me and saying, “Daggum it, we never…”

The world’s best anniversary trip would be to go to…

No matter how much time you have you can still make times for your dates.

77008 Picnic at Sunset

Grab a blanket and head over to Love Park (1000 W. 12th St.)  You can pack your own picnic or head over to Carter & Cooley Company Delicatessen located at  375 W 19th St and pick out sandwiches, chips, salad, and dessert for your picnic!  

Plan your picnic for just before sunset, enjoy your picnic dinner while you watch the sunset.  Ask each other the following questions:

Relationship Reconnection Conversation Starters:

If there was only one day you could capture, and repeat again in our marriage, which day would you choose?

If you had a “do over” of any day in our marriage, which one would you choose?

What did you admire about the way your mother and father treated each other?

What would you do differently?

77008 Marriage Mission Statement

You may have heard about a creating a Family Mission Statement, but what about a Marriage Mission Statement?  Grab some paper and pens and head over to Just Mac at 2617 Yale St. Just Mac specializes in macaroni and cheese-they have a large variety of flavors!

Relationship Reconnection:

Just Mac specializes in macaroni and cheese-they have a large variety of flavors!  While you are waiting for your food and while you are eating think of those things that are important in your marriage- write them down.  Together come up with a Marriage Mission Statement which will keep you close to each other. Make a nice copy, frame it, and hang it in your bedroom where it will be a constant reminder of your commitment to your marriage. 

77091 Dollar Store Date

Each of you get $5 to spend at the dollar store.  Try Giant Dollar located at 5710 W Little York Rd. Here are the rules:

1.  You must pick out items you think your spouse would like.

2.  Your spouse must not see you pick out your items.

3.  You must not see the items your spouse is choosing for you!

4.  Set a certain amount of time to choose your items- 15 minutes or so.

Hide your bag until you get to the park.  First go to House of Fries  (5322 Antoine Dr.) and grab a burger, sandwich, or salad and of course some fries!  They have various topping and sauces for your fries- yum!

Head down the street to Aron Ledet Park (6323 Antoine Dr) and spread out a blanket and sit down.  While you are eating share with each other your purchases.  Tell each other why you chose each item.  Did your spouse pick items you would have picked for yourself?  Why or why not?

77041 Games & Hot Dogs

The Hot Dog Shop has more than just hot dogs.  They also have burgers, poboys, BBQ, and more!  The Hot Dog Shop is located at 6405 Brittmoore Road.  They have various specials and events going on so make sure you check their website for a complete list of events and specials.  They have a weekly karaoke and bingo nights.  They also have darts too!

Relationship Reconnection:

Married couples need to have one-on-one time.  It is vital for a healthy relationship!  What do each of you need to feel loved and closer to your spouse?  Do you want him to text you during the day?  Do you want her to give you a hug and a kiss when you come home?  Do you want him to bring flowers home every once in a while?  Whatever it is tell each other.  We want to do things for each other that they want.

77041 Laser Tag

Battlefield Houston is the place to go for Laser Tag! Located at 11755 W. Little York Ste 202 Battlefield Houston is a great place for date night. They also have an arcade as well. Check out their website for pricing and more information. 

Pappa Geno’s has super yummy cheese steaks, hoagies, burgers, and fries. After you have worked up an appetite from laser tag you are going to want to come to Pappa Geno’s for their delicious food! My mouth is watering from looking at the pictures on their website.

Relationship Reconnection:

“Great dates involve communicating with one another, reviving the spark that initially ignited your fire, and developing mutual interests and goals that are not focused on your careers or your children.” (David & Claudia Arp, authors of 10 Great Dates to Energize your marriage)

While you are enjoying your food avoid talking about work or your children. Talk about your laser tag experience, your dreams, or play 20 questions.

77041 Fun & Games

R House Bar & Grill, located at 12637 FM 529 Rd, has a lot to offer, not only to they have super yummy food, but they also have darts, a pool table, slots, and shuffleboard.  They also have a karaoke room!  So no matter what you are in the mood for R House Bar & Grill has got you covered!

Relationship Reconnection:

Every time you hit a ball into the pocket or hit a bullseye on the dart board give each other a kiss!  Sometimes we can go all day long without any physical touch between each other.

"It is so important to take the time, energy and effort to date our spouses!" (Cassie Celestain, Truly Agape Newlywed Blog)

77384 Shankz Blacklight Minigolf

Add a little bit of a twist on the usual miniature golf date by going to Shankz Blacklight Minigolf where the whole course is glow in the dark.  The course looks really great and the challenge of golfing in the dark under a black light will be a fun experience. Check out their address and hours on their website.

Relationship Reconnection: 

One of Dr. John Gottman's 7 Principles to Successful Relationships is to create shared meaning.  This means that it is important to create those big and small rituals that you do together as a couple. This might mean something as simple as going grocery shopping together every Tuesday or an annual vacation you guys go on each year.  As you go throughout your mini golf course, try to identify together the rituals that you already do together and try to think of some that you would like to start.