By comparison with how people lived only a generation or two ago, most of us lead great lives. The digital revolution, in particular, has profoundly changed our access to information, entertainment and connection. The downside is that it is easy to have the digital world dominate our lives in ways that require lots of maintenance and attention, without the kind of emotional rewards we can gain from simpler pleasures, like nature, live music and cultural events, or simply a relaxed conversation with interesting people.

The irony here is that fun and good times mostly require planning these days. Often it is easier just to default to the couch and, perhaps, a drink to unwind. When overused as a coping strategy this can, over time, have negative effects on our relationships and well-being.

Or maybe it is just that your work is really demanding right now, you may be responsible for children, keeping up a household, a big list of errands and chores. All of which makes it even more important to find the space to renew your intimate connection and be regularly nourished by time together.

FOLLOW THE LEADER COUPLES DATE NIGHT RETREAT

A great way develop your connection as a couple is to take turns planning dates. One of you takes leadership in creating a perfect date night. The other one goes cheerfully along, modelling the kind of enthusiastic following you would like when it is your turn to be the leader.

If you have children or other family members at home, you may wish to also include them in this activity. I still vividly remember expeditions our kids planned, like the evening we went on an alpine slide and to a professional hockey game. That was epic.

Planning dates with other couples is also great. Especially if there is an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversation (think walks, dinner, or baseball games). And do also have dates with just the two of you.

This is a chance to expand your horizons and to experience your partner in a new, and possibly enlightening, way. Take a moment and block off your calendar. Ideally one date per week or two per month at a minimum. To help stimulate your thinking, some useful local Colorado date resources are listed below.

Attending a FREE Prelude is a great way to kick off some quality time together.

This 2.5 hour retreat will bring you closer together and set a positive and connected vibe for the rest of your date.

You can count on it.

ATTRACTIONS AND EVENTS

DENVER
thecrazytourist.com/25-best-things-denver-colorado
rmpbs.org/calendar
denver.org/things-to-do
denver.org/events

BOULDER
bouldercoloradousa.com/events
dailycamera.com/events-calendar

LONGMONT
timescall.com/events-calendar
downtownlongmont.com/calendar
visitlongmont.org/events

LOUISVILLE
downtownlouisvilleco.com/events
louisvilleco.gov/residents/arts-events/arts-events-calendar

LAFAYETTE
http://cityoflafayette.com/calendar

LOVELAND
reporterherald.com/events/things-to-do

FORT COLLINS
visitftcollins.com/things-to-do/arts-entertainment
visitftcollins.com/events

CONCERT GUIDE
marqueemag.com
marqueemag.com/calendar

RED ROCKS
redrocksonline.com/concerts-events/calendar

COLORADO
colorado.com
wikido.com/us/co Have fun and let us know if something great happens!

Relating can be a hassle
Even though you love them a passel
You start off real nice
But then you think twice:
Did I make a mistake?
Is there no give and take?

Joy’s hard to find
When you’re losing your mind
It’s hard to know
Which way to go
Things are so fraught
My efforts are naught
How can I make things better?

I heard about this class
And figured… I would pass
But then, I thought again
If there’s any chance to win
I oughta give it a try
There’s lots of reasons why

Much to my surprise
I found love in my partner’s eyes
Now our life’s so sweet
At last I feel complete