Long-term relationships sometimes need a little retooling to keep things interesting. If you think your romance deserves a much-needed spark, one study found that double dating may help you rekindle passion with your partner.
Turn Up the Heat With Deep Conversation
Researchers from Wayne State University wanted to know how friendships between couples could benefit their romantic relationships. So they studied nearly 150 couples in their 20s, 30s and 40s -- all dating for at least one year, ranging in ethnicity and almost all heterosexual. Couples were paired with other couples. Some pairs were asked to make small talk, while others were encouraged to go deeper and ask questions like, "What is the greatest accomplishment of your life?" and, "If you could go back in your life and change any one experience, what would it be and why?" In the surveys that followed, couples who had deeper life discussions with other couples during double dates scored higher for “passionate love” than couples who kept conversation light.
Researchers speculate that couples who reveal more about themselves to other couples may reinforce their closeness with each other. According to lead study author Keith Welker, PhD, having another couple respond positively to you and your partner may give you a fresh, positive view of your partner and relationship. But what couples get out of double dating may vary depending on the people they go out with, Welker noted. The study was presented at the Society for Personality and Social Psychology's annual meeting in Austin, Texas.
Date Night's Done, Now What?
Double dating with good friends may have its merits. But when date night is over, here are tips to ensure passion stays alive and well:
Avoid desire deal breakers. Take a look at 3 things that aren't doing your relationship any favors and start rekindling your romance now.
Be optimistic about your love. Learn how looking at your relationship in a positive light helps boost desire too.
Medically reviewed in January 2020.
