1. Make Dinner Together - Good cooking is an art… doing it together is a blast. Pick out a cookbook (or buy a new one), and flip to a page you both think looks good. Go to the supermarket, buy the ingredients, and cook it at home together. You get a good meal, and some quality time. Just make sure to leave room for desert!

2. Go Star Gazing - The immense night-sky is startling…. explore it together. Pick up an astronomy chart (either online or in a book), and drive to a place you can see the stars (remember to pack something to lie on). Try and pick out as many constellations as you can find, but remember to not get caught up in the game… it’s just as much about the big-picture – about appreciating the night sky, and appreciating each other.

3. Do a Workout – Exercise is about connecting to, and working with your body… it makes us feel good, and look good. It also makes a fun date: go for a run together, or rent some bikes and explore new roads. Even take an exercise class. Afterward, take a quick shower, and reward yourselves with a nice, big meal.

4. Buy Flowers – Flowers are beautiful. They’re a tangible representation of our pleasant emotions… both men and women can use them as a reminder (or a declaration) of how they feel for their lover. You can:

5. Bring home a bouquet. Classic.

6. Plant some in your yard (a rose bush, for instance).

7. Pick Some Wildflowers – This is a great one… not only because wildflowers often have more natural beauty than store-bought flowers, but because it takes time and effort to collect them. It shows… and they are, as a gift, more meaningful. Just make sure you aren’t picking any that are protected by law… it’s hard to have a relationship from jail.

8. Give One-a-Day - Instead if giving a bunch of flowers for a special day, spread them out. For instance, you could give one rose on the day before Valentine’s day, one on Valentine’s day, and one on the day after (each with notes). Or, you could give one on each of the 12 days leading up to an anniversary, and so on. You can even have fun putting the flowers in different places on different days (on the bed on day, on their towel the next. Even in their car or in their office).

9. Make Paper Flowers – If you don’t want to spend money on an expensive bouquet (or you do that often), try making flowers from folding paper (origami). With some practice, you’ll be able to make some pretty nice ones, and of course, there’s some added value. It’s something you made, and the intended message will come across all that more clear.

10. Or More. Flowers are great… almost a no-loss no matter what. Get creative and give often!

11. Play Monopoly… but with a twist. Instead of giving money when you land on your partner’s space, you have to give them what they request (a foot rub or a kiss for instance). This way, the game doesn’t end when one person runs out of money, it ends when… oh well, you get it.

12. Take Some Pictures – Photography is a very accessible art form… explore it together. Take a camera to anywhere you think might be interesting (out in your backyard, out onto a hike, even to a sports field or to the junkyard), and take a ton of pictures. Use the time to learn how your partner sees the world, and make sure to turn the camera on yourselves too. It’ll be a fun time, and you’ll get some good keepsakes.

13. Take a Picnic – A picnic is a unique way to enjoy a good meal. It can offer a calm (and connecting) feel that’s often hard to find at a restaurant (or at home). You can:

14. Take Lunch to Your Favorite Outdoor Spot - Find someplace of meaning (the lake where you first met, the tree under which you proposed, etc), and enjoy the afternoon.

15. Have a Picnic Inside – This one’s a lot of fun. Move your furniture out of the way (so you have a big open space), and create a picnic atmosphere. You can bring all your plants in (or buy some new ones) for a daytime, outdoor feel. Or stick glow-stars on your ceiling, and turn out the lights for night-time outdoor feel. Even make a fort (out of couch cushions), or another kind of shelter… get creative here! Then, enjoy the (somewhat) silly night together.

16. Have a Picnic Dinner at the Drive-in - Bring a blanket and some food to the closest drive-in, and enjoy a great (old-fashioned) dinner and a movie. Don’t forget to make-out during at least some of the film (of course).

17. Or anything else. As long as you take food away from the table, and to a new, unique spot, it’s a picnic. And, of course, it’s fun.

18. Go Gambling – Whether you win or not, the thrill of gambling is a blast… and it’s a great way to explore your risky side together. Travel to the closest casino, or buy some scratch tickets at the supermarket. Even design your own casino at home (with your own cards or dice), and play away! Just make sure not to make a habit of it ;).

19. Do Something You’re Really Good At – Make a date around your expertise, whether it be gymnastics, singing, or baseball. However, don’t just use the time to show off (though some is warranted)… use it to help and instruct your partner. You’ll enjoy sharing something you love, and they’ll enjoy learning about what makes you tick.

20. Do something You’re Really Bad At – No fair always doing stuff you’re good at… now you have to do something you’re bad at. Same as before, it isn’t an opportunity for your partner to flaunt their superiority, it’s a time for you to reveal a little vulnerability, and show that you’re willing to try new things. Who knows… you even might discover a new talent.

21. Help Them With Their Job – It can be tough when one person’s job demands time normally reserved for the other (I think everyone’s gotten a few dates cancelled this way). Don’t resent your partner when it happens (as long as it’s not a habit), and try to be helpful… try to give them a hand (in whatever way) to finish what needs doing. You’ll get to see more of what they do, they’ll be appreciative for the help, and best of all… you can spend time together when the project’s done.

22. Work Around the House – Repairs and Cleaning can be a bummer… but you can make them fun too! Dig out some old clothes (you can even have an ugliest outfit contest), put on some loud music, and roll up your sleeves. Once you get into it, the work will feel fulfilling, and the time together will feel connecting. To top it off, reward yourselves by ordering out a good dinner (pizza definitely counts), and enjoying it in your newly cleaned, or fixed up place.

23. Go On a Cheap Date – It’s fun to be thrifty… just like a game (with a cash prize). So, even if you have money (and especially if you don’t), try going on a cheap date. You can:

24. Go to the grocery store, and buy dinner ingredients… but with one stipulation: everything has to be on sale. Go home, cook it up, and enjoy the simple life together.

25. Coupon Clip – Get a copy of the weekly shopper (or go online), and see how many good coupons you can find. Spend the morning looking for deals, then the rest of the day (and night) looking to get the most (for less). Eat a free candy-bar, go to the 2-dollar matinee, and eat a 2-for-1 diner. It’s fun, but without a doubt, the best coupon is the one you redeem when you get back home!

26. Do a $20 Night – Set a limit you’ll spend altogether on diner ($20 is a good one), and stick to it. Make a game out of finding the best food in town for the best price. It’s a literal scavenger hunt, and you’re in it together!

27. And there are more – tons of stuff to do for cheap. Just make it a game, and let the fun begin.

28. Go on an expensive date. Cheap dates can be fun, but if you only go on cheap dates, and that becomes the norm, you’ll just look broke (instead of romantic). So, mix it up with an expensive date. You can:

29. Go out to the town’s best restaurant (for dinner or brunch).

30. Buy dinner ingredients that you usually don’t have (the best cut of steak from the local butcher, for example), and cook it up together (or as a surprise). Make your dining room to look like a nice restaurant (candles are nice), and enjoy with a good bottle of wine.

31. Cook an Extravagant Breakfast – Collect good pastries from a local baker, different kinds of fresh fruit from the super market, and make pancakes from scratch. Make a top-notch meal, and serve in bed for maximum points.

32. Do a Special Activity – Spend some time (and money) planning a special trip. Like a ride in a hot-air balloon, or a white-water rafting trip, etc. Once a year (or once in a lifetime) type stuff.

33. And on… there are plenty of ways to spend money (and have a good time doing it together).

34. Make a Lunch Date – Relationships can fall into routines… break it up by meeting at a different time. Plan for one person to pick the other up from work (surprises can be fun too), and go out for a quick activity. Food, coffee, a walk, etc… anything as long as it’s time together.

35. An Unexpected Phone Call – When they’re at work, drop your partner a quick phone call… either sweet (“I love you”) or sexy (“I can’t wait until you get home”). There’s no need to talk long… there’ll be plenty of time to follow-up later.

36. Read a Book– Reading’s a great way to explore outside our daily lives, and explore our intellect…. so it’s too bad it’s almost always done alone. Break the trend, and read together. Try doing it cuddled up (especially if it’s in bed, or in front of a fire), and try reading the same thing (even out loud). If you pick the right book (hint, hint), it might even lead to more!

37. Read the Paper– Again, it’s fun to do something usually done separate… together. Flip open the paper on a big surface where you both can see it, get some orange juice (or coffee) and start reading. Check out the current events, the sports, and of course, the comics. Have fun making jokes about the politicians, or laughing at the comic characters… and even learn something if one of you has an expertise in a subject the other doesn’t.

38. Buy a Cheap Gift – Giving a gift to your partner is a great move – especially if there’s no occasion (just out of the blue). It lets them know you care, and are willing to take a little time (and money) to show it. However, it’s (mostly) the thought that matters, so you don’t have to break the bank each time. In fact, a cheap gift might actually be more fun. You can:

39. Make a Jar of Kisses – This one’s pretty easy (and cheap)… but it’s great too. Fill a glass jar with Hershey Kisses, and mix in little notes (‘I love you’ / ‘this coupon good for one (real) kiss,’ etc). It’s a gift that keeps on giving for both of you!

40. Buy Them a Children’s Book – Children’s books are silly, but they can be a great gift too… one that encourages you both to explore your playful side. Pick out one with a cute title (but one that has some depth too), and have fun reading it together.

41. Make a Piece of Art – Pick up some cheap materials (some silver wire, some modeling clay, even some construction paper), and craft something for your partner. You can find plenty of ideas online (or at various studios in-person)… let the inspiration guide you!

42. Create a ‘Journal of Love’ – A few months before you’d like to give a gift, start keeping a journal of your relationship. Write down songs that remind you of them, poems you see in different books, even write a poem of your own (or paste a favorite picture). If you do it consistently (shoot for one entry/day), you’ll have a great gift to give when the time comes.

43. $10 worth of Jokes – Go to a joke shop, and pick out $10 worth of fun stuff. Match-box cars, little puzzles, a new game… whatever strikes your fancy. Wrap them up in a nice bag or box, and spend a night playing (and exploring) together.

44. And much more. Get creative… find a unique (and cheap) way to show your love.

45. Go See a Movie (out) – This is an oldie, but still a goodie. No matter how highly-defined DVD’s get, there’s something special about the big screen. It’s still an event (just as it was in the days of Marilyn and Wayne)…. go be a part of it together. Just make sure to remember the Junior Mints.

46. Have a Movie In – OK… the theater is special. But it’s awfully nice to share a flick at home too. If you do this often, give a specific night a distinct date feel – set a real show time, and plan a nice dinner around it (don’t just eat in front of the TV).

47. Listen to the Radio – This one’s a lost art… but can actually be a blast. Plan some time, just between the two of you, to listen to the radio. Explore the whole dial… catch some country, some hip-hop, some oldies… maybe even a ballgame or a newscast on the AM. It’s a unique activity that’ll give you a chance to learn about each other… and maybe even an opportunity to do some slow-dancing.

48. Take a Drive – On a nice day, fill the tank, roll-down the windows, grab some of your favorite CD’s, and hit the road. To add something to the experience, you can:

49. Open the map, blindfold your partner, and let them pinpoint your destination. Even though the fun is in the getting there, going someplace predetermined (by them) adds some purpose (and some fun). You’ll always remember that place!

50. Take Down Directions Before You Look at the Map – ask your partner a set of left-right questions, and take down the answers (10 or so). Every once in awhile (10-20 minutes apart), consult the ‘directions’: take a left or right as they pre-decided. See where it leads, then enjoy some time at the place they ‘chose.’

51. And more… the freedom of the road is exciting (as is a trip to the back seat). Get out there, and see where the wind takes you.

52. Go Wine Tasting – Wine tasting (for some) is a complex science (and an art)… it’s fun too! Find a nearby tasting event (at a vineyard, a restaurant or even a museum), and explore your palate. Have fun learning what your partner likes, and take home a bottle or two of your favorites.

53. Use the Computer – More and more these days, we’re a computerized society. If you’re not careful, the your PC can come between you two (watch for that), but really, it can be a romantic tool too. You can:

54. Drop a midday email (just like a call). Send it to a work email, and there – amidst all the official stuff about meetings and deadlines – is your note…. a reminder of your love (or of the night to come).

55. Start a blog or website about your relationship. You can post pictures, poems, and links… just like the paper version (but more dynamic). Make sure to keep it somewhat private though!

56. Sneak onto their computer (when they’re not looking), and do some redesigning. Post “I Love You” stickies on their desktop, change the background to a picture of you, create a Word document about your love, and so on. It’ll lighten up their workday… but just make sure they don’t have to use it for a presentation that day!

57. Or more… computers can do endless things these days. Get creative (and get romantic).

58. Go to the Zoo – The zoo is flat-out fun… just a blast. Go see the different animals, and explore each other’s interests by reading the plaques. Try planning (fantasy) trips together to see the same animals in the wild, and you never know – maybe you’ll end up in the African safari sometime soon!

59. Go Fly a Kite – The act of flying a kite - running to launch it into flight, and watching it play in the wind - is quite a sight. So share it with that special someone. When you’re done, give the kite to one of the kids that’s sure to be watching in envy, and head to the nearest patch of grass for more-adult activities.

60. Play on the Playground – As long as kids aren’t around, the playground can be a great place to spend some time together. Swing on the swings, catch each other at the bottom of the slide… just let some of that exuberance out together (and have fun being playful).

61. Take a Hike Together – Going out into the woods can be a powerful experience - calming and energizing at the same time… so experience it together. To add a little fun, pick up a book of animal tracks or bird signs beforehand, and go see what you can find. You might be surprised what the wilderness (and each other) has to offer.

62. Go to the Museum – Art collections have a special feel… there’s nothing quite like standing in front of a real masterpiece. Even better, going together can be a great time to show your intellectual side (and see that of your partner). If the museum has a café, top off the day with a glass of wine (or a sandwich). If they don’t, find the closest one, and enjoy your time in high-society fashion.

63. Go to a Show - Go to the nearest big city, and hit the town for a classical concert, for an opera, or a play (even a musical). It’s a good opportunity to get dressed up, and enjoy some culture in an environment than you’re (probably) not used to.

64. Go to a Concert– Find an artist you both like, and get tickets when they come into town (extra points if it’s a surprise). To mix it up, pick up a pair of tickets to a type of music that your partner likes (but one you don’t)… if you don’t start to find some redeeming qualities to the music (I bet you will), the gesture is at least sweet (and revealing).

65. Discover (and Name) Something – Play Lewis and Clark, and go out exploring. If you have woods out your back yard, go there. If not, find the closest park (with some decent space). Then, go discover something. It may be a big flat rock, a nice cliff, or a pretty stream. Explore your new find, and name it (something romantic). You now have a spot of your own, and a place to come back to later.

66. Get up Early – There’s something especially peaceful about the early morning. So get up long before either one of you has to run out the door, and enjoy a leisurely couple hours together. Watching TV, having coffee, reading the paper… whatever sounds nice. Remember to soak up a couple kisses when you can though… they’ll set the tone for the time you spend together later.

67. Go to Lookout Point, and Make Out – Every town has one… a nice place to park, and a nice place to set the mood. Take your partner there (blindfold them until you get there for more fun), and enjoy the night (and each other, of course).

68. Go to Lookout Point, and Don’t Make Out - Sometimes, it’s romantic to show your partner that you’re interested in something other than kissing (and huggin’). So, take them out to the romantic spot in town (just like no. 67), but then just talk. They’ll appreciate you actually wanting to engage, and guaranteed, all the kisses you held back earlier will come out when you get home (with accrued interest).

69. Well, I figure you know what to do with this one. Enough said.

70. Wash their Car – A well-washed car is a happy car, and the owner of a car that’s just been washed by their lover is a very happy person. Take the time to do it, and neither of you will be sorry you did!

71. Do community Service Together – There’s a certain special feeling reserved for doing something nice for others. So, share in it together. You can:

72. Donate time at the nearest food bank (or homeless shelter). They can always use help, and some time preparing or serving food can go a long way.

73. Clean up a Mutual-Space – Take some time together to clean up a space closeby. That patch out at the end of your drive, the piece next to the highway, or the sidewalks downtown… all can use some work. Pack a couple trash bags, and fill them up. It’s a pretty fun thing to do together (just like #22), plus, you’ll think of each other every time you drive by.

74. Give Flowers to the Neighborhood – Buy (or pick) a bunch of flowers, and early one morning, distribute them around your neighborhood. You can put them under windshield wipers, put them on doorsteps… wherever you want. It’ll brighten a lot of people’s day, not even to mention your own!

75. And tons more. There are always ways to give back to your community. Use a little imagination, or just make a few calls… a fun date (and some good karma) is easier to find than you might think.

76. Go to the Dog Pound – If you have a dog of your own, you can spend a morning running around the dog park together. If you don’t though, plan time to head to the pound. Go look at the dogs up for adoption… even take a few out to play. Talk about which ones you like best, and direct some of the doggy-affection toward one another too. Just make sure you don’t take one home!

77. Buy Really Good Coffee – A lot of couples share coffee together as part of the morning routine… but you can break up the routine a little bit too. Go to the natural food store, and buy some really good (preferably flavored coffee). Without telling them, slip it in to the old container, and brew up a pot of the new stuff. It’ll be a welcome surprise in the morning… just make sure to capitalize on it once the night rolls around!

78. Dance – Frank Sinatra sang that ‘dancing is making love set to music’… you can’t go wrong here. You can:

79. Make a good CD mix, and have a dance party in your living room. As a plus… the bedroom is pretty close.

80. Go out to bar or a club, and dance like two 18 year-olds meeting for the first time. Get real close, and get into it… it’s exciting stuff.

81. Go to a Dance Class – take the time to learn a dance together: salsa, swing, waltz… whatever you like. Then hit the town, and show off your new moves (to each other).

82. And More Too. Dance in the rain… dance in the car (keep a hand on the wheel though)… anything to get closer.

83. Go to a Sporting Event – Go check out your favorite team in person; either professionals or high school basketball. Get a hot dog together… sit back and enjoy. You can even make out underneath the bleachers (for old times sake, you know).

84. Play with some Sidewalk Chalk – This is another one regularly reserved for kids, but really, it’s a blast for adults too. You can pick up the chalk for a couple bucks at any department store, and spend the next couple of hours professing your love to the universe (or at least anyone that walks by). It’s playful, and it’s fun.

85. Go Camping – Camping is a wonderful activity… a way to experience the wilderness while keeping (some) of the comforts of home. Pack the car up for a weekend, and escape to the woods. Keep the cell phones off and in the car… there’s plenty to talk about around a campfire, and plenty to do in a tent (you can probably think of that one).

86. Go Camping (Inside) – This one takes a little less preparation… but it’s just as fun. If you can’t make it to the woods, set your tent up inside. Now, I don’t recommend having a campfire in your living room, but you can eat camping foods (hot dogs and beans for instance), and pretend. Best of all, no mosquitoes (or bears) to worry about!

87. Build a Fire – This one goes hand in hand with no. 85 (camping), but even if you’re around home (and if you have the room in your yard), make a fire together. Nothing gives off a romantic glow like flame, and there’s something about a fire that encourages people to let their guard down… it can be a great opportunity to get to know each other that much better.

88. Go Horseback Riding – A lot of ranches or stables offer weekend lessons… go take one. It’s cool to learn a new skill… and it’s great fun to play cowboy (or cowgirl) for a day.

89. Make the Most of a Rainy Day – Sometimes, bad weather can be a downer. But if you have time planned together, there are lots of things you can do to make it special. You can:

90. Take a Walk – walking (or skipping) can be a blast (as long as you don’t mind getting wet). Start a game out of making the biggest splashes in a puddle, or sliding down a muddy hill. And of course, enjoy the wet kisses!

91. Do a rainy-day movie marathon – rent some of your favorites, make some popcorn and some hot chocolate… you have the perfect rainy day.

92. Listen to the Rain – Find the closest tin roof (it’s best if you have a porch), and listen to the rain together. The sound of it is calming (and romantic) like little else. Enjoy it together, without saying a word (though a kiss or two is fine).

93. And More too. There’s something sexy (and calming) about the rain. You find any activity that fits the mood, and you’ve got it.

94. Make a Treasure Hunt for your Partner – Send them around the house, even around the block for awhile, before they get the treasure (which is you, of course). It’s fun, and the end satisfaction (from finding the treasure) will be worth the work for both of you.

95. Plan a Surprise Date (doing any of the things listed above)…. Just keep it a secret. Tell your partner what to wear, but nothing more. They’ll find out soon enough (when it’s time to do the activity), and you’ll both have more fun when the time comes.

96. Hold Hands – This one’s simple, but if you use it right, it can be powerful too. When they don’t expect it – out at diner or even while watching TV, take your partner’s hand. It can really spark a physical connection… who knows where that’ll lead!

97. Kiss – Another simple (but effective one). Kiss them unexpectedly – over the table in a restaurant, in a taxi cab, even in mid-sentence. Do it deeply and passionately too… it’ll work (guaranteed). Same sort of spark (and same result).

98. And some General Ones:

99. Mix it Up – Whichever idea you use, and whatever activities you do together, remember to mix it up. Everything, no matter how special (or fun) gets boring if it’s repeated. So, keep it fresh and new. There are 101 to choose form here… that shouldn’t be a problem!

100. Have it Come From the Heart – There are good ideas here, but no idea (by itself) can do anything. The best ‘romantic’ situation means nothing if there’s no genuine emotion behind it. And by the same token, something you wouldn’t consider romantic can sizzle if you both feel it. That’s really where it is… that’s where romance comes from – a genuine (and shared) emotional experience.

So, whether you pick something from this list (or make up ones on your own), it doesn’t matter. All that matters, of course, is feeling it. Let it come from your heart, and if it does… if you really feel it, it’ll work. It’ll be romantic… and you’ll score.

101. That’s it really. You’ve got all you can from a list. Now go out there, and try it out. Enjoy!

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