You may have seen the recent headlines that state couples who drink together, stay together. This summation of findings based on research conducted by the University of Michigan only gives you half of the story. So don't worry if you and your partner are teetotallers. You don't have to suddenly develop a taste for wine in order to keep the romance alive. What the headlines failed to tell you is that compatibility is key. So if both parties in a couple drink, then they are likely to stay together and if both parties in a couple don't drink, then they're likely to stay together. So yes, couples that drink together, stay together but so do couples that don't drink and at an even higher rate.
Whether you and your partner decide to drink responsibly or not at all, it's great to organise a date night where drinking isn't a part of it.
Head to an outdoor cinema This might not be a date activity that you can do all year round, but novelty cinemas pop up all over the place during the summer. If you opt for drive in over rooftop or ground level outdoor, then one of you will have to be the designated driver so it's the perfect opportunity for both of you to give drink a miss. Swap your regular alcoholic beverages for retro snacks like popcorn and candy floss.
Sober bars Alcohol-free dates tend to make our minds switch to daytime activities but if you still want the date night experience, then why not try one of the increasingly popular teetotal bars. You'll get the music, the atmosphere and the opportunity to dress up without having to worry about a hangover. If there's nowhere nearby that offers a menu solely showcasing a wide selection of trendy mocktails, then you can always opt to satisfy your sweet tooth by going to a dessert bar. These dessert-only restaurants are great for an evening date. They don't tend to serve mocktails but you'll have no problem getting your hands on a milkshake.
A meal with a twist Instead of going to your regular date night restaurant or choosing a predictable chain, think outside the box and try a supper club instead. Or if you fancy yourself an undiscovered masterchef, you can treat your husband or wife to a homemade meal for two. Add candles, a playlist and even make a carpet picnic so it feels slightly different to where you eat day in day out. If your cooking is as good as you think it is, your partner will no doubt appreciate you making the time and effort to whip them up something from scratch.
*Do not attempt if no one has ever complimented your culinary skills as this could be a recipe for disaster.
Go climbing If you're both, and I stress both, the outdoorsy type then an outdoor hike or indoor rock climbing session is one way to reenergise your body and your date life. A climbing date will require you to work together to encourage one another in order for it to be a success. And rock climbing has the added trust-building element. The bonus of an outdoor hike is that it won't cost you a thing, leaving you with cash to splurge on the post-trek treats.
