In the whirlwind of daily life — work, kids, bills, routines — it’s easy for couples to slide into autopilot. The relationship still matters, but it starts to feel more like a to-do list than a love story.
The good news? You don’t need grand vacations or constant excitement to keep your relationship strong. Just a monthly habit of trying something new together can work wonders for your bond.
Here are 12 meaningful things to try with your spouse once a month — one for each month of the year — to reignite connection, laughter, intimacy, and joy.
1. Plan a Surprise Date Night
Take turns each month planning a surprise date for the other — it could be as simple as a picnic in the living room or a night at a new restaurant. The goal is to break the routine and make each other feel special.
📝 Pro tip: Set a monthly “date night budget” and get creative within that limit!
2. Try a New Recipe Together
Pick a recipe neither of you has tried, gather the ingredients, and cook it together — even if it ends up a little chaotic. It’s less about the food, more about the fun.
🍝 Bonus: Light candles, put on music, and make it a full dining experience at home.
3. Have a Tech-Free Night
Turn off your phones, tablets, and TVs for an entire evening. Just you two — talking, playing a board game, or lying under the stars.
💬 Real connection thrives when distractions disappear.
4. Write Each Other a Love Letter
Once a month, take 15 minutes to write a short note or letter expressing gratitude, admiration, or appreciation. Leave it somewhere unexpected — on the pillow, in a lunchbox, or on the mirror.
💌 Words from the heart often last longer than any gift.
5. Take a Day Trip Somewhere New
You don’t have to leave the country to explore. Find a nearby town, museum, hike, or café you’ve never visited and spend a day being tourists together.
🚗 Sometimes a change of scenery is all you need to recharge.
6. Ask Each Other Deep Questions
Take one night a month to talk about something beyond the surface. Use a deck of conversation starters or ask questions like:
- “What’s something you want to do before next year?”
- “What’s one thing I do that makes you feel loved?”
- “What dream did you have as a kid that you still think about?”
🧠 Emotional intimacy fuels romantic intimacy.
7. Volunteer Together
Find a local charity, community cleanup, or food bank and give a few hours of your time. Helping others as a couple is a powerful way to feel aligned and grateful.
❤️ Couples who give together, grow together.
8. Create a Monthly Ritual or Tradition
It could be “Wine & Waffles Sunday,” “Movie Marathon Friday,” or “First-Saturday Coffee Dates.” Having a predictable, fun ritual gives you both something to look forward to.
📅 Rituals create anchors in the busyness of life.
9. Recreate a Favorite Memory
Whether it’s your first date, your wedding day dessert, or a memorable trip — bring a piece of that memory to life. Nostalgia can stir up old feelings in a beautiful way.
📸 Look through old photos, share your favorite memories, and relive the magic.
10. Surprise Each Other With a Small Gift or Gesture
Take turns doing something thoughtful: leaving flowers, making coffee in bed, or picking up their favorite snack. Small surprises remind your partner they’re still worth the effort.
🎁 It’s the little things that say “I love you” without words.
11. Try a New Hobby Together
Whether it’s dancing, gardening, yoga, painting, or learning a language — exploring something new as a team builds teamwork, laughter, and curiosity.
🧩 Couples that play together, stay together.
12. Check In With Your Relationship Goals
Once a month, talk about your relationship itself:
- Are we communicating well?
- Is there something we’ve been avoiding?
- What’s one thing we can improve together?
📈 Think of it as a monthly tune-up — short, intentional, and full of growth.
Final Thoughts: Make Monthly Magic Together
Relationships thrive not on grand gestures, but on consistent effort and meaningful moments. Trying just one new thing a month can turn an average relationship into an extraordinary one — one month, one memory, one laugh at a time.
So… which one will you try this month?
Your Turn:
Do you have a monthly tradition with your spouse? Or is there something on this list you’d love to start? Share it in the comments — your ideas might inspire someone else’s next date night!
