Staying in or Going Out: The Nuances of Married Dating

Head out on the town or head for the couch? Here's what works and why

For most married couples, keeping a healthy dating routine where there is just alone time for the couple is essential to keeping the romance going. One question that keeps popping up is how and how often should married couples date? Is a night at home in the living room watching Netflix as good for the relationship as heading out to dinner and the movie theatre? let's take a look to see what the advantages of each are:

Making you feel sexy

Advantage: Heading out

In general, going on a formal date will lead to a couple feeling more sexy. Surveys show that someone going on a date on the town will invest more time into making a good appearance as opposed to simply putting on sweatpants for a cuddle session on the sofa. Couples are more likely to make the effort to put on makeup, perfume / cologne, take care of personal grooming and wear more flattering attire (sexier underwear included), which gives a confidence boost and makes you look more attractive to your partner who will lavish you with attention and compliments.

Dating frequency

Advantage: Staying in

Whether it be for financial reasons (eating out), logistical (finding a babysitter) or just plain convenience, couples that plan more informal dates at home will have a higher frequency of alone time than those that only do formal dates out of the house. So although you won't be able to get away from it all, you will spend more time with your partner be it by candlelight dinner after the kids are asleep or watching your favorite horror movie while sharing a bowl of popcorn.

 

Probability of post-date sex

Advantage: It's a draw

The good news is regardless of the date being at home or outside, the chances that your partner may want to take it to the bedroom after is about the same. While a formal date may include more natural aphrodisiac activities like holding hands or sharing a bottle of wine, staying in cannot be beat for sheer convenience.

One-on-One communication

Advantage: Heading out

Want to have a serious conversation with less distraction? Chances are you'll be better off out of the house and away from the things that get in the way on a regular basis. Cellphones and noisy patrons may still get in the way but it's nothing compared to the on-going distractions by being in your usual home setting.


So whether it's staying in or going out, dating as a couple is something that can only bring good things to your relationship. Pick one, or both, but just be sure to do it!

-BSYNH