What Are Activities to Get Closer to Your Partner?

Co-authored by Susan Pazak, PhD and Aly Rusciano

Last Updated: October 27, 2023 References

Life can get hectic, and it can be hard to find time to spend with your partner—let alone finding fun ways to bond with them! You want to strengthen your relationship, but how can you do that in a fun way when you have so many other things to do? We know finding time to spend with your partner can be hard, so we’ve compiled a list to make things a little easier! Here are some activities and adventurous dating ideas you can add to your routine to get closer to your partner.

1

Get musical and make a playlist together.

There’s nothing more fun than dancing to a custom playlist with your S. O. Create a playlist with you and your partner’s favorite songs. ^{[1]
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Expert Source

Susan Pazak, PhD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist & Professional Life Coach

Expert Interview. 22 February 2022.} You can listen to the playlist when you’re together or when you’re apart. ^{[2]
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- Music reflects our feelings and is often a trip down memory lane. By listening to your partner’s favorite music, you’re learning more about who they are as a person.
- If possible, dance to the playlist to bring you both even more closer! ^{[3]
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  Expert Source
  
  Susan Pazak, PhD
  Licensed Clinical Psychologist & Professional Life Coach
  
  Expert Interview. 22 February 2022.}
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2

Play a game of 20 Questions to get to know your partner better.

Have fun and get silly together with a twist on a classic game. Changing up the game of 20 Questions can help you learn more about your partner. Instead of asking questions to guess a person, place, or thing, ask your partner questions about themselves. Here are some questions to get you started: ^{[4]
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- “How would you describe your perfect day?”
- “What’s the best question you’ve ever been asked?”
- “What was your dream job when you were a kid?”

3

Share your hobbies with your partner.

Let your partner into your world by showing them something you love. ^{[5]
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Expert Source

Susan Pazak, PhD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist & Professional Life Coach

Expert Interview. 22 February 2022.} You’re sharing a part of yourself with your partner when you let them be a part of your hobbies and interests. Let them share their hobbies with you in return, so you can both learn a new skill and something new about each other! ^{[6]
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- If you like reading, send them a copy of your favorite book so that you can talk about it one day.
- If you like crafting, buy some extra supplies so your partner can join in during craft nights.
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4

Play video games.

Video games = playful competition, lots of laughing, and hours of fun. ^{[7]
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Expert Source

Susan Pazak, PhD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist & Professional Life Coach

Expert Interview. 22 February 2022.} Playing video games can reduce stress and give you both something to look forward to. This is a great way to relax and escape together after a long day. ^{[8]
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- Play a variety of games with your partner to see what they’re interested in. Maybe they have a knack for first-person shooters or love Super Mario. Find what interests you both so you can both have fun.

5

Cook dinner together to show off your culinary skills.

Nothing will have you laughing more than having some fun in the kitchen. Schedule a night when you’re both free to try out a new recipe together. Cooking is a great way to reconnect after a busy day or long week, and the great part is you’ll have a delicious meal to eat together afterwards. ^{[9]
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- Not a cook? No worries! Although a tasty meal is always good, what’s important is the time you’re spending with your partner. Have fun making the meal and laugh at your mistakes!
- Try out a cooking class for an extra challenge. Turn the special night into a date, learning how to cook a favorite meal from a professional and ending the evening with a romantic walk.
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6

Go on an evening walk to end the day together.

It’s amazing that something so simple can strengthen your relationship. Be present in the moment and show your partner that you want to learn more about them. ^{[10]
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Expert Source

Susan Pazak, PhD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist & Professional Life Coach

Expert Interview. 22 February 2022.} Taking an evening walk to catch up on the day’s events will give you both time to slow down and unwind. ^{[11]
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Research source} Here are some questions you can ask your partner while walking:
- “What was the best part of your day?”
- “What was the worst part of your day?”
- “What did you have for lunch today?”

7

Challenge each other by working out with your partner.

Exercise is a great way to get your heart and relationship pumping. When you workout with your partner, you’re both leaning on each other for support. You need to be there for your partner physically and mentally, helping them adjust their weights and encouraging them to push themselves. Try taking an exercise class or going to the gym together to see how much stronger you and your relationship can get. ^{[12]
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- Show up for your partner no matter what. ^{[13]
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  Research source} Exercising with your partner will give you quality time with them while also proving to them that you will be there when they need you.
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8

Volunteer together.

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Expert Source

Susan Pazak, PhD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist & Professional Life Coach

Expert Interview. 22 February 2022.} Volunteering is a great way to strengthen your relationship as it gives you an allotted time to spend with your partner. You can bond with each other all while helping others. ^{[15]
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9

Unwind together with some yoga.

A daily yoga practice can enhance your drive for each other spiritually and sexually. Sign up for a virtual lesson, go to a yoga studio, or follow an at-home yoga video to get in the mood. ^{[16]
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10

Up the romance with a mystery date.

Keep your partner on their toes with a surprise outing. Be bold and take wild turns when it comes to planning dates. Let them know the dress code, but don’t give them too many details to ruin the surprise. ^{[17]
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Research source} Here are some date ideas you can try: ^{[18]
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- Bring them to a showing of their favorite musical.
- Go wine tasting under the stars.
- Get retro and take them to a drive-in movie.

11

Schedule a couple’s massage for added intimacy.

A massage can make you both feeling good and can strengthen the sexual energy between you. Try giving each other massages at home or schedule a couple’s massage at a local spa. ^{[19]
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12

Rock out together by going to a music festival.

Nothing beats the energy of seeing your favorite band or musician live in concert. Take a weekend together to bond over music. If you and your partner have different music tastes, share them with each other! Music venues are a great way for you to learn more about them while dancing, eating, and socializing. ^{[20]
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- See if your partner’s favorite band or musician is playing near you sometime soon. Tickets to a concert or music event is a great surprise and activity that will be naming you partner of the year!

13

Bond with your partner on a road trip.

Regular vacations are great, but there’s something intimately exciting about road trips. It’s just you, your partner, and the open road. You can go anywhere at any pace you’d like! What are your common interests? Do you both love barbeque? Have you both always wanted to visit a specific national park? Make your dreams a reality and create lasting memories with each other. ^{[21]
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- Going on a road trip with your partner can be a big step, but don’t be afraid to be bold! Show your partner how much you care about them by taking a leap of action. ^{[22]
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14

Wake your partner up with a kiss.

Bring the romance to your partner each morning with a gentle kiss. Your partner will feel like they’re in a fairytale with you being there to wake them each morning. Remind them how much you love them with a gentle kiss on the lips to spark a connection first thing.
- Even the smallest thing can help you grow closer to your partner. Nothing is too small when it comes to love. ^{[23]
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15

Text your partner when you think about them.

Sending a quick message to your partner is a great way to show you care. Texting is the equivalent of love letters these days. Let them know you think about them even when you’re not together. Send them your feelings, excitements, and things that make you think of them. This will strengthen your emotional connection and show them they’re important to you. ^{[24]
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- When you see something at the store that makes you think of them, send them a picture. Whether it be from an inside joke or a favorite food of theirs, let them know that they’re on your mind.
- Send them a quick text saying you’re excited to see them later like, “I’m looking forward to seeing you tonight!” or “Can’t wait till the movie!”
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Expert Q&A

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Question

What are some relationship building activities?

Susan Pazak, PhD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist & Professional Life Coach
Dr. Susan Pazak is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist & Professional Life Coach. With more than 21 years of experience, she specializes in treating adolescents and adults with psychological issues using cognitive behavioral therapy, symptom reduction skills, and behavior modification techniques. She has been featured in numerous media outlets and shows, including “My Strange Addiction". Dr. Pazak holds a BA in Psychology with a minor in Communications from The University of Pittsburgh, an MA in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University, and a PhD in Clinical Psychology from Alliant International University.

Susan Pazak, PhD

Licensed Clinical Psychologist & Professional Life Coach

Expert Answer

Doing things that express emotion really helps with bonding in a relationship. Emotional activities lead to emotional intimacy, which enhances physical intimacy. Activities that involve laughter or tears are especially good for bonding!

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