Did you know healthy relationships can actually increase longevity? They can support stress management, the immune system, and emotional regulation, all of which are important to overall health and wellbeing.
And one of those types of relationships? Romantic ones!
Summer can be a wonderful time to nurture a romantic relationship; among commitments, responsibilities, parties, travel, and the like – it can be needed! Making space for such love can provide opportunity to be present with each other, talk freely, and share new memories.
Some ways to do this are:
Trying something new together
Whether it’s learning the latest craze or stepping outside one’s comfort zone, experiencing novel things together can stimulate fresh conversation and be downright fun!
Ideas:
- playing a new board game
- trying a new ethnic restaurant
- pickleball, tennis, golf, pottery, fly fishing, tai chi, qi gong classes or lessons
- walking the Royal Gorge Bridge
- renting an electric bike and riding the Recpath loop around Dillon Reservoir
- riding a Colorado Alpine Slide and enjoying a mountainside picnic
- taking a couples cooking classes at Uncorked Kitchen
- a morning tube ride down the Yampa River in Steamboat Springs followed by a causal lunch at Taco Cabo on the river
- a ride up the Vail Summer Gondola for a hike and then a browse through the Vail Farmers’ Market and Art Show
Exploring together
Discovering new sights and experiences can help relationships grow and, in Colorado, there’s much to explore!
Ideas:
- selecting a new trail to hike or bike
- camping in or near a state or national park
- birding
- a French lunch at La Baguette in Old Colorado City followed by a self-paced walking tour and tasting of mineral spring waters in Manitou Springs (don’t forget a cup or water bottle!)
- a day road trip on Trail Ridge Road, Independence Pass, or Peak to Peak Scenic Byway
- A tour of Cave of the Winds Mountain Park
- Spending an evening at Chamberlain Observatory
- touring The Wild Animal Sanctuary
- a drive or train ride up Pikes Peak
Relaxing together
Slowing down can calm nervous systems and foster space for closeness and communication.
Ideas:
- browsing a local farmers’ market for fresh fruits and vegetables and having fondue with it at home
- taking a yoga class together followed by conversation at a local coffee shop
- getting foot and reflexology massages
- an evening of music at Cherokee Castle and Ranch
- attending a performance at the Central City Opera
- a day trip or stay at Mount Princeton Hot Springs
- watching an independent film at the Landmark Mayan Theatre
- a dinner train ride on the Royal Gorge Route Railroad
- a picnic at the Denver Botanic Gardens or Hudson Gardens
- mineral soaking at SunWater Spa
It can also be important to make space for intimacy. Seeking alone time, turning off electronics, and engaging in affectionate touch and sex can support healthy romantic relationships.
These ideas are for inspirational purposes only (CNMA does not endorse any location, activity, business, website, or company) to get you thinking about how you can spend quality time with your significant other. Whether a quiet meal at home or a local sight-seeing day, just taking time to dedicate to one another can foster love and support health!
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