What is a date night rut? A date night rut is when you try to have date night each week, or on a regular basis, but find yourself lacking for ideas, and thus end up doing the same activities over and over, and usually these are either not very stimulating, or do not provide enough of a platform for the purpose of a date night, which is getting to know each other better, and enjoying time spent together. If you find that your date nights are all looking extremely familiar, you may be in a date night rut.

Why do you get in date night ruts? One of the main reasons is that it is easy. You have had a long day at work, you get home, and you have a sitter coming so you can go on a date, nothing comes to mind, so you look up local movie times, and head to a restaurant before your movie starts. It is kind of the no fail plan, there is always a movie going, or whatever activity you find yourself doing for your date nights on a regular basis. The other reason why people get in date night ruts is a general lack of creativity.

How to get out: Getting out of a date night rut can do wonders for your relationship. The following is a few tips for how you can break your date night rut, regardless of the reasons why you have one.

Planning. Planning is the key to a successful date night. If you put some effort in, you will get results out. It does not take much effort to go to a movie and get a meal. There are theaters everywhere, restaurants open 24 hours a day, etc. However, planning something like seeing a concert, going to a play, or roasting marshmallows around a campfire can take some planning. So, start thinking about your date night at least a couple of days in advance and plan for it. Do not get in the car to leave for your date and ask each other what you want to do.

Getting out of comfort zone. The next step is not just doing what is easy and comfortable. Get out of your comfort zone some. Next week, instead of seeing a movie, try taking a ballroom dance class together, or heading over to a local rock climbing gym, and have some one teach you the basics of rock climbing. No matter where you live, there is something you have not tried, so expand your horizons and try it for your date night.

Being creative with money. One of the obstacles of getting out of a date night rut is funds. If you are limited in your money, it can feel like your date options are limited as well. However, they are really only limited by your creativity. If you can't afford to go to a symphony, consider a cheaper date. You can give each of you a budget, go to a grocery store, and set a time limit that you have to meet back, and whatever ingredients you end up with, becomes what you eat for dinner. It is fun and gives you a chance to spend time together. You can get creative with your money, and find ways to have great dates on small budgets.

Overcoming obstacles, like babysitters, etc. One last obstacle that creates the date night rut is problems like having to work late, thus options for things to do being limited, not getting a sitter, etc. Overcome these by thinking outside the box. If everything is closed when you get off work, then consider in your home dates where you play games, make a movie, prepare a meal together, or even redecorate a room. If you can't find a sitter, put your kids to bed early, and have a late night date in your living room. Or, trade babysitting with other couple.