When I work with couples in counseling, my very first “homework assignment” for them is almost always implementing weekly date nights. I’ve recognized the importance of regular one-on-one time in maintaining emotional closeness with your partner and it is a fairly simple first step to reconnecting. Some couples have difficulty finding babysitters or money may be a barrier to weekly date nights as well. I encourage them to be creative and come up with cheap date nights they can even do at home. Here is an idea that may seem silly at first glance, but actually has many benefits: spend a night at home coloring together.

The hobby of coloring is gaining popularity and coloring books designed for adults are available many places from Barnes and Noble and Costco to Amazon. You may be surprised at the benefits you can receive from coloring with your partner. The following are just a few of the positive results that can come from coloring together.

First, coloring can be stress reducing and calming. Coloring engages both sides of your brain, creativity from deciding the color designs and then tactic from the other side of your brain deciding how to implement your designs. The engagement of your whole brain will keep you from thinking about the laundry you still need to do, the bills that are coming up or the problems you are having at work, allowing you to relax and engage more with your partner.

Another benefit is an opportunity to bond with your partner. If you find a coloring book that has large pages, you can co-create a piece of art together. Another option is to color part of a page and then switch with your partner and see what happens to your work of art. Working together on the design and then coloring together can help you bond with your partner in a creative way.

Lastly, coloring together can bring back the carefree memories of being a child, creating a lighter atmosphere with your partner. Take the opportunity to reminisce about your childhood together, laughing and sharing those memories.

I’m a firm advocate of the need to continue dating your partner or spouse and I know there are many creative ways you can make a weekly date night happen. Coloring is a simple idea to get you started. Sit down with your partner and brainstorm some more ideas and make a commitment to never stop dating each other.