
Your Template for A Relaxing Night In

Some of the best date nights I have ever had were at home with my guy. There are huge benefits to a night in. You control everything from the room temperature to the evening activities, wink, wink. But, these can also be some of the most disappointing nights if they are not done right. If an overly ambitious menu is planned, leaving little time for connection or if the ambiance leaves something to be desired. I will save you. Here is the perfect template for designing a perfect night in. You do not even have to give me credit.
Step One: Know your partner. This is the most important step. If you do not know anything about your partner, your night in is going to be an amalgamation of things you love and your assumption about the things your partner loves. That could be great, or a disaster. So, find out when your partner goes to bed, when they get off of work, their favorite foods, favorite activities, and what a relaxing night looks like for them.
Step Two: Layer the ambiance. It doesn’t matter if you have been married for twenty years or if you just started dating, clean your place as if your life depends on it. There are very few people who can relax completely if they feel like they are surrounded by clutter, chaos, and dirt. When your place is clean, add a layer of welcoming and relaxing scent using candles or incense. Then consider your lighting. I am partial to well-placed candles or lamps. Sometimes, even twinkle lights can add an intimate and festive feeling to your night in. If you are watching a movie, be sure to consider how the lighting may affect that visual experience.
Step Three: Make a meal that makes sense and is easy. For most nights in, I opt for a well-curated charcuterie board. Throw in some ice-cold Topo Chico and a bottle of red and dinner is done. Whatever you decide to eat, make sure it doesn’t require exact timing or precise temperature control unless your night in is a culinary experience presented to your partner. Food can take more time and effort than we realize. Sometimes, a pizza and a few beers is just what the night calls for.
Step Four: Plan out your activities. Even if you are just watching a movie, have a well-made plan that accounts for an over-tired or unfocused partner. If you have a plan to screen your favorite movie of all time and will demand your partner’s attention, you might want to make sure that you preface the invitation with that information, otherwise, you might end the night disappointed and frustrated. Also, have a plan B. If it seems like the energy is taking a dive, you will be able to offer options for the rest of the night.
Step Five: Leave room for conversation. Maybe you strike a date night goldmine and have an amazing conversation with your partner. That is great! Keep that going by delaying the rest of the night’s activities if that is amicable to you both. Intimacy is the ultimate goal for a night in, so don’t stop a good conversation. Also, and this is huge, do not begin the night with an intense focus on sex while disallowing the option for no sex. Sex may happen, or it may not feel right for one or both people. This should not derail a night in.
Try This: Next time you are speaking with your partner, have them describe their perfect night in. Then, you can be the genie that fulfills their every wish!
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