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  • Best Shared Calendar Apps for Couples in 2026

    Best Shared Calendar Apps for Couples in 2026

    If your relationship feels 90% logistics and 10% love, you’re not alone.

    Work, kids, travel, social plans, and long-distance dynamics mean couples are coordinating more than ever. That’s why shared calendar apps for couples have gone from “nice-to-have” to absolute relationship basic in 2026.

    Research on shared digital calendars shows they’re not just about logistics – they’re a form of “relationship work” that helps partners stay connected, accountable, and emotionally in sync [1]. And when couples actually protect time together with date nights and rituals, they report higher relationship satisfaction, stronger commitment, and even lower breakup/divorce risk [2]. 

    In this guide, we’ll break down the 6 best shared calendar apps for couples in 2026, how they compare, and why Cupla is our top pick overall if you want less chaos and more quality time together.

    Why Couples in 2026 Need a Shared Calendar App

    1. Shared calendars reduce stress and conflict

    Studies on shared online calendars show that couples use them to coordinate chores, logistics, and time together – and that this “calendar sharing” becomes part of how they maintain intimacy and fairness in the relationship. [3]

    Pew Research has also found that couples, particularly in that logistics-heavy mid-20s to mid-40s window, are increasingly turning to online shared calendars to manage life together. [4]

    A shared calendar means:

    • Fewer “Wait, did you tell me about that?” arguments
    • Less mental load on the “default planner” partner
    • More predictability and transparency about what’s coming up

    2. Planning couple time is strongly linked to relationship quality

    Multiple lines of research show that regular couple time and date nights are associated with:

    • Higher relationship satisfaction and intimacy [5]
    • Better communication and stronger commitment [6]
    • Lower risk of separation or divorce, especially for couples with kids [7]

    In other words, putting date night in the calendar isn’t just cute — it’s evidence-based relationship maintenance.

    3. Rituals and routines protect connection during stressful seasons

    Decades of work on family routines and rituals show they’re linked to better marital satisfaction and lower stress for couples and parents. [8]

    A shared calendar makes it easier to protect those rituals; weekly check-ins, Sunday walks, monthly date nights, even in the busiest seasons of life.

    At a Glance: The Best Shared Calendar Apps for Couples in 2026

    Here’s a quick comparison before we dive into each app.

    AppBest forPlatformsStandout features for couplesFree plan?Paid / upgrades*
    Cupla🏆 Overall best for couples & quality timeiOS, AndroidMerges both partners’ calendars, date night planner & goals, reminders, shared to-dos & WishlistsFree downloadOptional subscription for advanced features [8]
    TimeTreeBest for couples who also share with family/friendsiOS, Android, WebMultiple shared calendars, comments on events, group coordinationYes (with ads)Premium ad-free & extra features [9]
    RaftBest for social, visual planning with close friendsiOSPlayful shared calendar, event chat, photos/GIFs, “see what others are up to”YesOptional in-app upgrades [10]
    CoziBest for couples with kids & family logisticsiOS, Android, WebColor-coded family calendar, to-do & shopping lists, meal planningYes (ad-supported)Cozi Gold premium, ad-free features [11]
    BetweenBest for long-distance & private 1:1 spaceiOS, AndroidPrivate couple chat, shared memories, countdowns, built-in calendar for twoYesOptional premium plans [12]
    Google CalendarBest for minimalists & Google ecosystem loversiOS, Android, WebFree shared calendars, deep integration with Gmail/Meet, booking pagesYesGoogle Workspace for advanced features [13]

    *Pricing and plans change often; always check each app’s App Store / Play Store listing or website for the latest details.

    1. Cupla – Best Overall Shared Calendar App for Couples in 2026

    Best for: Busy couples who want less admin and more quality time
    Platforms: iOS & Android

    Cupla is built specifically for couples – not teams, not entire families, not departments. Just the two of you.

    Instead of forcing you to build a whole new calendar from scratch, Cupla syncs and merges all the calendars already on your phones (Google, Apple, Outlook, Microsoft and more) into a single, couple-friendly view. Google Play

    Standout features for couples

    • Unified shared calendar for two
      See work, personal, social, and shared events in one place, with clear visibility of when each partner is busy or free.
    • Date Night Planner & goals
      Set a goal for regular date nights, and Cupla nudges you to protect those evenings instead of letting them get swallowed by meetings and kids’ activities.
    • Shared to-dos & lists
      Coordinate chores, shopping, travel prep, or project planning with shared tasks designed for two people, not a whole team. 
    • Smart reminders & important dates
      Remember anniversaries, birthdays and key milestones – plus, get reminders that support the date-night and quality-time habits the relationship research talks about. 
    • Wishlists
      Create dreamy shared Wishlists of date ideas, travel inspiration, gifts and more. You can even save links directly from Tik Tok, Instagram and the web and Cupla will save all the key details.

    Cupla’s own user impact data echoes the academic research: around 75% of users report reduced stress, and 65% say they’re spending more quality time together after using the app.

    Pros

    • Purpose-built just for couples – everything is tuned to “two people managing life together”
    • Makes scheduling quality time a core feature, not an afterthought
    • Syncs with the calendars you already use
    • Great if one partner is more “organizer” and the other just wants to know where they need to be

    Cons

    • Not a full-blown project management tool (you’ll want other apps for work projects)
    • Designed for couples first, families second, though many parents happily use it alongside kids’ school calendars

    2. TimeTree – Best for Couples Who Also Coordinate with Family & Friends

    Best for: Couples syncing with roommates, extended family, or friend groups
    Platforms: iOS, Android, Web [14]

    TimeTree is a multi-user shared calendar loved by families and groups. You can create separate calendars (e.g., “Us Two,” “Family,” “Friends,” “Side Project”) and share each with different people.

    Key benefits:

    • Multiple shared calendars, all in one app
    • Event-based comments and notes (chat on the event itself) TimeTree+1
    • Good for couples who juggle lots of overlapping groups – kids, in-laws, housemates, social circles

    It’s not couple-specific like Cupla, but it’s a solid choice if your life is very group-oriented. You can compare Cupla and Timetree directly here.

    3. Raft – Best for Visual, Social Planning with Close Friends

    Best for: Couples who treat planning like part of the fun
    Platforms: iOS

    Raft positions itself as a calendar for couples, families, and close friends. It’s known for a more visual, playful vibe:

    • See your partner’s and friends’ calendars in an easy, social feed
    • Add images and GIFs to events
    • Chat inside events, react, and treat the calendar like a lightweight social network around your plans 

    If you like the idea of planning being colorful and social (versus purely functional), Raft is a fun option.

    4. Cozi – Best for Couples with Kids and Heavy Family Logistics

    Best for: Couples who also manage kids, meals, activities, and home admin
    Platforms: iOS, Android, Web

    Cozi is frequently called the #1 family organizer app, offering:

    • A shared, color-coded family calendar so you can see everyone’s schedule at a glance
    • Shared shopping lists and to-do lists
    • A meal planner and recipe box
    • “Cozi Today” – a daily agenda snapshot for the whole family 

    For couples who are deep in the parenting trenches, Cozi can be a lifesaver. If you do most of your organizing around kids and household logistics—and less around date-night goals—Cozi may be the better fit.

    5. Between – Best for Long-Distance Couples & Private 1:1 Space

    Best for: Couples (especially long-distance) who want an ultra-private shared space
    Platforms: iOS, Android 

    Between is more of a private space for two than a pure calendar app. Inside, you’ll find:

    • A one-to-one chat that feels like a private messenger just for your relationship
    • A shared photo feed and “memories”
    • Countdown timers and anniversary trackers
    • A shared calendar for two, great for putting in work schedules, time zones, and date plans

    For long-distance couples in particular, Between combines the emotional side (chat, memories) with practical planning.

    6. Google Calendar – Best Free, General-Purpose Option

    Best for: Minimalists and couples deep in the Google ecosystem
    Platforms: iOS, Android, Web

    If you want simple, free, and already on your devices, Google Calendar is still a strong option:

    • Create separate calendars (e.g., “Alex,” “Jordan,” “Us”) and share them with specific people via email
    • Control how much detail your partner sees (busy/free, full event details, etc.)
    • Works perfectly with Gmail, Google Meet and other Workspace tools
    • Recent updates add appointment booking pages and deeper scheduling smarts powered by Gemini AI

    However, it’s not designed uniquely for couples. There’s no native “date night goal,” no couple-specific dashboards, and no relationship-oriented features. It’s excellent as a backbone, but many couples end up layering Cupla on top of Google Calendar for a more relationship-centric experience. 

    How to Choose the Right Shared Calendar App as a Couple

    When you’re choosing a couples calendar app for 2026, ask:

    1. Are we mostly managing us, or us + kids/family/friends?
      • Mostly the two of you → Cupla or Between
      • Lots of family logistics → Cozi or TimeTree
      • Big friend groups & social planning → Raft or TimeTree
    2. Do we just need visibility, or do we want help protecting quality time?
      • If you want date goals, reminders and relationship-first design, Cupla is your best bet.
    3. How integrated are we with Google already?
      • If you live in Gmail/Google Meet/Docs all day, starting with Google Calendar might make sense – but you may still want a couples-specific layer like Cupla for the relationship side. 
    4. Do we care about photos and memories in the same space?
      • Yes → Between, Raft, or Cupla
      • No → Any of the others, depending on your needs
    5. What’s our budget?
      • All apps above have free versions or free downloads, with optional paid tiers. Start free, then upgrade if you love it.

    The Bottom Line

    There are lots of great shared calendar apps for couples in 2026:

    • TimeTree, Raft, Cozi, Between, and Google Calendar each shine in different niches.
    • But if your main goal is to reduce stress and intentionally create more quality time together, Cupla is the standout choice: it’s designed from the ground up for couples who want their calendars to serve their relationship—not the other way around. 

    Try Cupla for free today on iOS and Android

    FAQs About Shared Calendar Apps for Couples

    1. What is a shared calendar app for couples?

    A shared calendar app for couples lets you:

    • See each other’s schedules (work, social, family, travel)
    • Create events and reminders for both of you
    • Coordinate logistics (who’s doing pick-up, who’s out that evening)
    • Protect time for date nights, trips, and rituals

    Research on shared online calendars shows couples use them to coordinate responsibilities, maintain intimacy, and stay accountable to the time they’ve promised each other. 

    2. Why not just text each other our plans?

    Text threads are terrible long-term memory. Events get buried, misunderstood, or forgotten.

    A shared calendar:

    • Gives you a single source of truth
    • Makes it easy to spot clashes early
    • Reduces the cognitive load on the “planner” partner
    • Turns vague “We should go on more dates” into specific, scheduled evenings – exactly the kind of “couple time” linked to stronger relationships and lower breakup risk. 

    3. Is it safe to share calendars with my partner?

    Sharing calendars with a romantic partner is increasingly common; research even notes that couples often share sensitive digital information, like passwords and calendars, as part of their intimacy norms. [15]

    That said:

    • Use reputable apps from official app stores
    • Turn off public links and limit sharing to specific people in tools like Google Calendar [16]
    • Be mindful of what you label events with if you’re worried about screenshots or shared devices

    Apps like Cupla, Cozi, TimeTree, and Raft are built with private, invitation-only sharing at their core.

    4. Which app is best for long-distance couples?

    For long-distance couples, you typically need both emotional connection and practical planning:

    • Between is ideal if you want a private messaging + memory space with a shared calendar built in. [17]
    • Cupla is excellent if you’re juggling time zones, busy careers, and want a clear view of when each of you is free, plus date-night goals for trips and visits. [18]

    5. Do we still need a couples app if we already use Google Calendar?

    You can run your life together just on Google Calendar:

    • Create shared calendars
    • Set up invites for events
    • Use booking links or appointment pages if you like the structured approach [19]

    But Google Calendar is general-purpose. It won’t:

    • Encourage weekly date nights
    • Show you relationship-oriented metrics (e.g., how often you’re booking quality time)
    • Provide couple-specific tools like a shared to-do space, date memories, or wishlists

    That’s where Cupla shines as a relationship-management layer on top of your existing calendars. [20]

    6. How often should we review our shared calendar as a couple?

    A good rhythm (and great ritual):

    • Weekly: 10–15 minute “logistics + love” check-in to review the week, look for clashes, and deliberately book at least one small moment of couple time
    • Monthly: Check in on bigger things—trips, projects, finances, big events
    • Seasonally: Re-set routines and rituals (e.g., “summer Friday dates,” “January planning date”)

    This kind of regular, intentional couple time is exactly what decades of research on rituals, routines, and date nights suggests supports long-term relationship quality. [21]

  • 19 brilliant double date activities for you and you and you and you

    19 brilliant double date activities for you and you and you and you

    No matter how long you’ve been in a relationship, grabbing a couple of friends (literally a couple) and heading out on a double date is the perfect way to relax and experience a new kind of quality time with the person you love most. 

    But while a double date sounds (and is) awesome, it can be tricky figuring out exactly what a “good double date idea” actually looks like. So we’ve done the hard work for you! Below you’ll find 19 of the best double date ideas and activities, perfect for any kind of group, whether you’re foodies, creatives, outdoorsy types or just want something chill and laid back.

    So what are you waiting for? Pick out your second favourite power couple (after yourselves, of course) and head out on one of these double dates!

    For the foodies

    • Cooking classes. Cooking as a double date is super fun, and getting the chance to learn a new recipe at the same time? Double win. There are heaps of options, including online, so don’t be afraid to break out the aprons.
    • Food tour. Do your double date partners have a favourite place they want to show off? Or maybe you’ve always wanted to show them around the restaurant where you and your partner had your first date. Food tours are a fabulous way to spend a double date and get to know everyone better.
    • Mixology class. What’s better than a cocktail? A cocktail with friends. Mixology classes, online or in-person, have all the hallmarks of an awesome double date: fun drinks, fun people, and a unique experience you’ll remember for years.
    • Wine/beer/spirit tour. If your local area has some fabulous breweries, bars, distilleries or vineyards, you should explore them on your double date! If you don’t, don’t despair. You can do your own version at home – head to the local liquor shop, grab some interesting bottles, and head back home for an easy (and frugal!) alternative to a traditional tour.
    • Baking day. Time to settle who really makes the best cookies. Or brioche. Or pizza dough! Baking together is always a great time on a double date. My advice is to avoid anything too complicated, or that takes too long to make – looking at you, croissants. 

    For the creatives

    • Drink & draw. Ever been to a drink & draw before? It’s a bohemian’s dream. Settle in with a paintbrush in one hand, and your preferred drink of choice in the other, and get creative to a theme. It’s a fabulous option for a double date too, and always interesting to see how the other members of your party interpret the material differently.
    • Ceramics class. Most people aren’t lucky enough to have a pottery studio at home, so a ceramics class gives you, your partner, and the other couple on your double date the chance to craft your very own tableware. Just don’t be tempted to recreate that one scene from Ghost…
    • Scavenger hunt. This requires some prep but it’s so fun! If you and the people you’re going on the double date with have some history, you can put together a special scavenger hunt to relive the glory days. Not sure where to start? Try adapting one of our date night challenge ideas for a larger group. The same principles all apply.
    • Art gallery or museum tour. One of the best things about double dates is that you have twice as many different takes – and for something like art or history, that can create some fascinating conversation. You can even do these tours virtually!

    For the explorers

    • Hiking. Blue sky above and green forest ahead – the only way to make hiking better is to do it with the people you like best! Hikes are an awesome choice for a double date, but just make sure that everybody is happy with the level of difficulty. Blisters are kind of a mood killer.
    • Ice or roller skating. Whether you’re a master of skate-bound pirouettes or prefer to slide your way with one hand firmly on the guard rail, ice, and roller skating make for awesome double dates. It gets the blood pumping, can create some very funny moments, and perhaps importantly, gives the two pairs of couples the opportunity to break away and enjoy some quality time together for a while.
    • Camping. If the idea of getting away from the city and replacing car horns with bird songs appeals, then camping could be a fabulous double date idea. Admittedly, it’s more of a couple of double date “days” rather than nights, but that’s just all the more time to enjoy yourselves.
    • Comedy club. Not all exploration has to be outdoors! Head to a comedy club for your double date (or an open mic night for the especially brave) and laugh it up all night long.

    For the thrillseekers

    • Laser tag. Not just for kids! Laser tag is all the fun of paintball with none of the pain or mess. On a double date, you can pair off with your partner to fight it out or try teaming up with one of your double dates and see who the true dream team is!
    • Escape room. Escape rooms have exploded in popularity among friends, families, couples – and double dates. It’s brilliant for working together to reach a common goal and, if you’re up for it, there can be some seriously scary escape rooms too. It’s a horror movie and an escape room in one!
    • Amusement park. Roller coasters, cotton candy, log flumes – man, amusement parks were super fun as a kid, huh? Well, one of the best ways to recapture that feeling is to head to an amusement park on a double date for a brand new experience.
    • Concert/karaoke. Bonding over a shared love of music is an easy way to make lifelong friends, and heading to a concert on a double date is taking that to the next level. No concerts you fancy in your area? Head to a karaoke bar instead and host your own sing-off!
    • Rock climbing. Hope you’re not scared of heights! Rock climbing is fun, simple, and a great workout all in one. On a double date, you get a built-in belay partner and the opportunity to race each other to the top. What’s not to love?
    • Go-kart racing. 3, 2, 1 – go! Go-kart racing is a time-honoured group activity and it makes for a great double date too. Time to find out who the real speed racer in your party is.

    Finding the best time for a regular date is tough. Doing a double date makes it twice as tough! That’s just maths. Cupla might be designed for couples, but its synced calendar and event management can be used for double dates too. Simply set up a date as usual and then invite the other couple to it, right in the app. Simple as that!

    And the best part is, the other couple doesn’t even need to buy the app. They (and you) can trial it now for free on iOS or Android.

  • 22 awesome long-distance date night ideas for 2025

    22 awesome long-distance date night ideas for 2025

    Long-distance relationships can be tough, but the good news is that a little creativity and the application of modern technology make it super easy to stay connected with your loved one, no matter how far away they are.

    Try one of these virtual date ideas for your long-distance relationship to keep the fire burning until you’re reunited!

    Read more: 11 must-have apps for long-distance couples

    Make Something—Creative Long-Distance Date Ideas

    Idea #1: Share music playlists

    Found a new local band that your partner just can’t miss out on? Or maybe you want a sample of the sounds in their new locale?

    Spend a date night making a playlist of songs that remind you of each other or discover new music together! For bonus points, dedicate songs to each other or create a playlist for a specific occasion or mood.

    This is cute and brings the intimacy you’re looking for.

    Handy tools:

    • Spotify. A popular music streaming service where you can create and share playlists with your partner.
    • Apple Music. Another well-known music streaming service with playlist-sharing features.
    • YouTube. You can create and share playlists of your favorite music videos or live performances.

    Idea #2: Share photos

    Roleplay as your own paparazzi and snap photos of your day, your surroundings, or just something funny you saw, then share them with each other.

    Even when you’re far apart, this lets you stay updated and feel more connected.

    Your “boring day” could be a fabulous lifeline for your distant partner and will give you interesting things to talk about on your next Facetime date. 

    Handy tools:

    • Google Photos. Offers shared albums feature where you and your partner can contribute photos.
    • Dropbox. A cloud storage service where you can create a shared folder to upload and view photos.
    • Flickr. A photo-sharing platform that allows you to create shared albums.

    Idea #3: Write a joint blog or diary

    Writing your feelings and thoughts has been a way to share your life with a distant loved one since letters became a whole ‘thing’.

    Nowadays, there’s no need for a stamp or an envelope. Just start up a free blog, share the account details, and write some stories together. When date night comes, both of you can open up the site and start exploring what each other has written. Bonus points if you narrate it as you read.

    Handy tools:

    • WordPress. A platform that allows you to create a blog where both of you can write posts.
    • Blogger. Another platform for creating a blog that you both can contribute to.
    • Waffle.  An online diary platform that offers a collaborative feature.

    Idea #4: Create a virtual scrapbook 

    Like the blog idea but not much of a wordsmith?

    That’s okay, you and your partner can spend some time collecting photos, videos and other digital mementos of your time together and create a virtual scrapbook.

    Keep adding to it as you go, and you’ve got a touching, chilled-out and easy long-distance date night ready to go.

    Handy tools:

    • Mixbook. Known for its customization tools for creating online scrapbooks.
    • Canva. Offers a free online scrapbook maker with beautifully designed templates.
    • Smilebox. Provides digital scrapbooking with a variety of layouts​.

    Idea #5: Do a virtual art class together

    Time to bare your soul through the power of art! Virtually, of course.

    There are plenty of online art classes that you and your partner can enjoy in all the same ways as a physical art class.

    Explore your creativity and learn a new skill together.

    Handy tools:

    • Paint and Sip Live. Offers virtual painting parties that you can attend from anywhere.
    • Skillshare. An online learning community with various art topics.
    • Creative Live. Provides online art courses where you can learn new skills.

    Idea #6: Cook Together/ Look Into Virtual Cooking

    Food just tastes better when you make it with someone you love, so cooking together is one of the best long-distance date ideas.

    With the power of the internet, you can now plan, cook and enjoy the same meal no matter how far away you are from one another.

    You could even exchange favorite recipes to get to know each other’s tastes even better.

    Or, why not attend a virtual cooking class together? That can make your time together feel more like an in-person date. 

    Handy tools:

    • Cozymeal. Offers online cooking classes for couples, guided by professional chefs​.
    • Classpop! Provides interactive online cooking classes, with a variety of cuisines to choose from​.
    • MasterClass. Learn from world-renowned chefs like Gordon Ramsay and Thomas Keller.

    Play Something

    Idea #7: Play online board games for game night

    Get ready to face off in a virtual game of your favorite board games! There are lots of games you can play out there. Why not get access to the classics like Settlers of Catan, Monopoly, Risk or Scrabble?

    It’s a fun way to stay connected and enjoy some healthy competition, and it can make a fun long-distance date idea. 

    Handy tools:

    • Tabletopia. This platform offers a wide variety of board games that you can play online with your partner. You can access Tabletopia from your web browser or through Steam, iOS, or Android applications.
    • Board Game Arena. This is another platform that allows you to play board games online. It supports real-time and turn-based gameplay.
    • Tabletop Simulator. Available on Steam, this simulator allows you to play virtually any board game with your partner. It provides a 3D environment where you can move pieces, just like in real life.

    Idea #8: Have a virtual trivia night

    There’s no distance great enough to put out the fires of competition! Put your partner to the test with a virtual trivia night.

    Take it to the next level by creating your own personal quiz – there are a lot of relationship quizzes you can use online.  Maybe throw in a few spicy ones, we won’t judge ;).

    Handy tools:

    • Kahoot! This platform allows you to create your own quizzes or use pre-made ones for a fun trivia night.
    • Sporcle. Here, you can find thousands of quizzes on various topics. You can compete to see who gets the highest score.
    • Trivia 360. This is a mobile app that allows you to compete in real-time with your partner on various trivia topics.

    Idea #9: Play an online escape room

    Just because you aren’t physically together doesn’t mean you can’t take part in an escape room!

    Escape rooms have exploded in popularity in the last few years, and now they’ve made the leap to the digital world, too.

    Work together to solve puzzles, uncover mysteries, and escape the room before it’s too late. Of all the long-distance virtual date ideas, this one is proving to be one of the most popular in 2025.

    Handy tools:

    • Escape Experience. Offers a selection of live-hosted ultra-realistic escape rooms to choose from.
    • Virtual Escaping. Provides an online escape room experience that you can enjoy from multiple devices, anytime and anywhere.
    • The Escape Game Remote Adventures. This platform allows you to work together on Zoom to solve puzzles and “escape the room.”

    Idea #10: Play virtual card games together

    How’s your poker face? See who folds under pressure and who can play the hand they’re dealt with a game of long-distance blackjack, Go Fish or another classic card game.

    For a particularly memorable long-distance date night, set up a video call and suggest a game of strip poker. That’s an online game you will likely want to play again!

    Handy tools:

    • PlayingCards.io. Provides online rooms to play a variety of card games with your partner.
    • VIP Games. Offers a platform to play card and board games online, both as a website and a mobile app.
    • CardzMania. Features over 50 card games that you can play online with your partner.

    Idea #11: Play a shared multiplayer game

    Whether you like swords and sorcery, shoot ‘em ups, puzzles or cozy farming games, there are heaps of video games out there that are practically designed to be enjoyed by long-distance couples.

    Our favorite pick? Stardew Valley.

    Handy tools:

    • Cross-Platform Games. Titles like Genshin Impact and Final Fantasy 14 allow players to play together regardless of the platform they are on.
    • Overcooked! 2. This is a fun and chaotic cooperative cooking game that can be played across multiple platforms, including Switch, Playstation, Xbox, and PC.
    • Dauntless. A cooperative action game heavily inspired by the Monster Hunter series, available on PS4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC.

    Experience Something Together on Video Call

    There are plenty of simple virtual date ideas for long-distance relationships that you can experience at home.

    Never look down on stay-home date ideas; these can be intimate and are a great way to spend the night together. 

    Idea #12: Have a virtual movie night

    Snuggle up with your favorite snacks and watch a movie or TV show together!

    It’s simple, fun and super easy to sync up with the apps listed in our guide to must-have apps for long-distance relationships. Quite literally, these provide the next best thing to meeting in person, to help keep the spark alive between you and your long-distance partner. 

    Handy tools:

    • Netflix Party (now Teleparty): This browser extension synchronizes video playback and adds group chat to Netflix, Disney, Hulu, and HBO. So, it will feel like you’re watching the latest Disney movie together. 
    • Kast: An app that allows you to watch movies or shows together and share your reactions in real time via voice or text chat

    Idea #13: Share a virtual tour via Facetime

    Go travelling without leaving the comfort of your own home.

    This is one of the most popular virtual date ideas for long-distance relationships, as you can take a virtual museum tour and explore the exhibits together.

    Or, why not head to a city that neither of you has ever been to and explore together on Google Maps? 

    Handy tools:

    • Google Arts & Culture: Explore museums, galleries, and landmarks virtually.
    • Zillow: Browse homes and dream about your future together, or even plan a virtual move​.

    Idea #14: Attend a virtual concert or show

    Virtual concerts really took off during COVID.

    There are still plenty of livestreams online that are perfect for long-distance couples who still crave a shared experience.

    Handy tools:

    • StageIt: An online venue for live performances.
    • VEEPS: Provides live streams of concerts and events.

    Idea #15: Have a virtual picnic

    Set up a picnic blanket on the living room floor, set up a webcam, pop some bubbles and enjoy a long-distance picnic together.

    For bonus points, link up with your phone’s mobile hotspot and head out into nature with your loved one for a true long-distance al fresco experience. Just add “laptop” to your picnic checklist.

    Handy tools:

    • Zoom or Skype: Set a time, prepare some food, and have a virtual picnic via video call​.

    Idea #16: Have a virtual wine-tasting session

    One of the best long-distance relationship date ideas that will add a hint of romance to the occasion is to take part in a virtual wine-tasting event.

    Virtual wine tastings are exactly what they sound like.

    You book with a company that offers this, and they send samples of wine to your home. On the day, you will join an online session, and taste the wine via phone or facetime.

    If you and your partner are not fans of wine, you can still stick with the alcohol theme and take online mixology classes.

    Idea #17: Have a virtual workout session

    Fancy showing off your yoga moves? Get active together and participate in a virtual workout or yoga class.

    Make it a regular thing and you and your partner are guaranteed to be in fantastic shape when you’re finally back in touching distance.

    Handy tools:

    • Zoom or FaceTime: Set up a virtual workout session and exercise together.
    • FitXR: A VR fitness app for more engaging workouts​.

    Idea #18: Have a virtual happy hour

    There’s no barrier to a great bar, long-distance included. Pour your favorite drinks and enjoy each other’s company in an at-home cocktail experience.

    Bonus points for making your partner a personalized cocktail menu so they can grab ingredients beforehand. You can gossip, joke around, and catch up on your day while sipping your favorite beverages.

    Handy tools:

    • Drunk Pirate: Play interactive games while having a drink.

    Idea #19: Listen to podcasts together

    There’s a podcast for any interest. Share your favorite podcasts with your partner on your next date night, or go and discover a new shared ‘cast together.

    Don’t have time to get through a whole episode? Finish up in your own times and set up a time to chat about it – two date nights in one.

    Handy tools:

    • Spotify: Create listening sessions to enjoy podcasts together.

    Plan Something

    Idea #20: Plan your next date night

    This is a two-for-one. Planning your next date can be just as fun as actually going on them.

    It’s all about the anticipation! Take an evening and brainstorm ideas for your next virtual date night, and if you and your partner are Cupla users, add them to your To-do list. Good thing you’re already reading something with plenty of ideas to make your own 😉

    Handy tools:

    • Cupla. Found the perfect long distance activity but need to find the right time? Cupla has you covered with automatic scheduling suggestions and calendar synchronization. 

    Idea #21: Plan a virtual vacation

    What’s life without a little fantasy? One of the most cute long-distance date ideas is to dream up your perfect vacation and plan either a real or virtual version of it.

    Research your ideal destination, find out the cool activities you can do there, and make an itinerary.

    And don’t limit yourself to just boring old “real” places. Plan a trip to Westeros, Tatooine, Twin Peaks. Get creative with your long-distance date idea!

    Handy tools:

    Idea #22: Share your bucket list

    Even if you think you know everything about your partner, they might have something on their bucket list to surprise you.

    Share your wildest dreams and aspirations and figure out how to make them happen together.

    This is perfect for spending quality time together, it will be something that both you and your partner enjoy and, of course, it is something to look forward to. 

    Handy tools:

    • Cupla. Cupla has a handy To-Do List feature that can be shared between you and your partner, and works great as a bucket list organiser.
    • Trello: A collaboration tool that can be used to create and share bucket lists..

    Add all these ideas and discover more great date night plans for long-distance relationships through Cupla, the only shared calendar app designed exclusively for couples.

    Automatically find the best time for your next date no matter what timezone you’re each in, set reminders and notifications to ensure you always find time for one another via video chat, and fill up your in-app To Do lists with dates, gift ideas and more.

  • How to plan a surprise date night

    How to plan a surprise date night

    Making your next date night a surprise is a surefire way to delight your partner – but there are a few extra things you have to get right if you want a truly memorable evening. So hide your screen and go incognito; here’s how you can truly master a surprise date night for your partner.

    The Ultimate Picnic Date Checklist

    Read more

    1. Getting the timing right

    Timing is incredibly important for a date night and that goes double when it’s supposed to be a surprise. Even if you nail absolutely everything else on this list, it’ll all be wasted if your partner simply doesn’t have the mental space or the time to enjoy it properly.

    Here’s a few key points to keep in mind for timing your surprise date night.

    • Dont double book. Always double and triple check that you absolutely, 100%, do not have something else on for that slot. And check again closer to the time to ensure that your partner hasn’t made plans without mentioning it to you.
    • Try to avoid busy days. Long meetings and major events throughout the day can be very draining. You might find that if you try to head out on a surprise date night on a weekday evening, your partner will simply be too tired to enjoy it properly. Avoid busy days completely if you can.
    • Consider what’s happening afterwards. There’s nothing that kills a date night vibe more than knowing that you have to Do Something Important afterwards. Just like avoiding a busy day, try to avoid planning a surprise for a time when your partner has a commitment afterwards as well. Otherwise, they might spend more time thinking about that than the awesome surprise you’ve planned.

    Timing is one of the reasons why we designed Cupla as a shared calendar app! Sure, we provide tips, tricks and suggestions for date nights too, but if you don’t have the right timing with your partner, that’s all moot. 

    2. Getting the activity right

    When you’re planning a date night that you’ll both enjoy, communication with your partner is key. But when the date night is supposed to be a surprise, it’s not as easy as clearing the date with your partner first – all that will do is spoil it.

    Don’t fret! There are ways around this. Our suggestion is to plan your date night activities well ahead of time with your partner. Often, the whole point of a surprise date night isn’t the activity itself, but rather the timing of it. If you’ve already decided that, say, dinner and a movie is something you’d both enjoy, all you have to do is get the timing right and you’re golden.

    On that note, don’t be fooled into thinking that a date night has to be some enormous, creative, and incredible event. It certainly can be, and don’t let us clip your creative wings, but again: the surprise is often in the timing, not the activity. Sticking with something you know you and your partner will both enjoy will be just as successful.

    Related: Planning Date Night: The Busy Person’s Guide

    3. Plan and book ahead

    Ironically, lots of planning goes into spontaneity. Booking your surprise activities well ahead of time is absolutely mandatory. Nothing kills the vibe more than rolling up to the location and being turned away because the restaurant is full or the activity is at capacity.

    It’s also a good idea to pick a couple of different activities. Variety is the spice of life after all, and if, somehow, something does go awry for the evening, a secondary activity will ensure the date keeps going and your effort – and the surprise – isn’t wasted.

    Looking for a few ideas of what to do? Cupla has a bunch of awesome suggestions for date nights, surprise or otherwise.

    4. Get friends/family involved

    We get it. Planning a surprise date night is a lot of work. So don’t be afraid to ask for help from friends and family. In fact, getting them involved can make your surprise date night feel even more special!

    This can range from something simple like babysitting on the night (without running the risk of a hired babysitter showing up early and spoiling the surprise) to something more devious like dropping your partner off to your secret date location without spilling the beans.

    You’ll find that friends and family are often more than willing to help out, and it’ll free you up to concentrate on making your surprise date night truly memorable.

  • Discover your partner with these 50 date night conversation starters

    Discover your partner with these 50 date night conversation starters

    Here at Cupla, we are firm believers in the role that date night conversation starters can play in creating amazing date nights and keeping the spark alive in a partnership.

    They help partners communicate, connect, and bond on a deeper level. By having open and meaningful discussions, couples can deepen their understanding of each other and strengthen their emotional connection. Regularly engaging in new conversations on date night also helps couples to stay on the same page, work through challenges and keep their relationship fresh and exciting.

    So why not try incorporating these date night conversation starters into your relationship, and enjoy a strong and healthy relationship with greater intimacy and connection. Here are 50 of our favorites:

    1. What is the best vacation you’ve ever taken and why?
    2. If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be and why?
    3. What’s a hobby or interest of yours that you’ve been meaning to explore more?
    4. What’s something you wished you learned as a child?
    5. What is something you’re currently reading or watching that you’re really enjoying?
    6. If you could live anywhere in the world for a year, where would you go and why?
    7. If you could have any job in the world, what would it be and why?
    8. What’s a book, movie or TV show that you recently enjoyed and would recommend to me?
    9. What’s your favorite childhood memory and why it holds a special place in your heart?
    10. What’s something you’ve learned recently that you found interesting or surprising?
    11. If you were a natural disaster, what would you be and why?
    12. What’s your favorite memory from our relationship so far?
    13. If you could relive one moment from our relationship, which would it be?
    14. What’s one thing you’ve always wanted to try, but haven’t yet?
    15. What’s your favorite love song and why does it resonate with you?
    16. What’s your favorite hobby or pastime?
    17. If you could learn a new skill, what would it be?
    18. What’s your favorite food and why do you love it so much?
    19. If you could live in any time period, which would it be and why?
    20. What’s your favorite outdoor activity?
    21. What’s your favorite indoor activity?
    22. If you could have any pet, what would it be and why?
    23. If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
    24. If you could meet any famous person, who would it be and why?
    25. Would you ever have a ‘hall pass’ list? Why/ why not?
    26. Who would be on your ‘hall pass’ list?
    27. What was the last thing that made you laugh?
    28. What is one of your biggest life goals?
    29. What is your favorite thing about our relationship?
    30. What’s something you thought when we first met that you no longer believe to be true?
    31. If you were given a million dollars and had to spend it in one week, how would you spend it?
    32. How would that answer change if you had a year to spend it?
    33. What’s the best quality, attribute or value that you inherited from each of your parents?
    34. What’s the worst quality, attribute or value that you inherited from each of your parents??
    35. What’s the most illegal thing you’ve gotten away with?
    36. What’s something you believed as a child that makes you laugh now?
    37. What is one of your favorite things about our personal growth and self-improvement efforts?
    38. What is your favorite way to spend a day off work?
    39. What is your favorite way to spend a lazy Sunday?
    40. What is your favorite family tradition?
    41. What is one of your hidden talents?
    42. What is one thing you’re afraid of and why?
    43. If you could change any one of my habits which one would it be and why?
    44. What’s one thing that surprised you about me when you first got to know me?
    45. If you could only keep 5 possessions, what would they be and why?
    46. If you could witness any historical moment first hand what would it be and why?
    47. What is a piece of history, that upon learning it, has changed your perspective on humanity?
    48. If you could change one event from your past, what would it be and why?
    49. If you could have any job for just one day, what would it be and why?
    50. What is something you believe in strongly, even if others may not agree with you?

    Like one (or all!) of these date night conversation starters? Add them to your Cupla To-Do list to share it with your partner instantly and keep track of all the awesome that’s still to come. Or if you’re ready to book it a date night right now, use the app’s automatic date night time finder to set up a slot that works for both you and your partner instantly.

    What’s that? You’re not using Cupla yet? Well here’s a great excuse to try it. You can trial Cupla, the dedicated couple’s shared calendar app, for free on iOS or Android.

  • 3 practical tips for maintaining a healthy relationship

    3 practical tips for maintaining a healthy relationship

    Whether you have been together for one year or ten years – all relationships require effort from both sides to maintain your connection. Below are three tips on how you and your partner can maintain a healthy relationship together.

    Try new things together

    No matter how much you love your partner or value your relationship, it’s not uncommon to feel a little bored in your relationship from time to time! One study found that after about one year the honeymoon phase starts to fade and couples tend to need to actively start working to maintain their relationship and bring back the spark.

    The key? Trying new things together and communicating honestly and openly!     Studies show that when couples try new things together, they report being happier. That’s why we pulled together 34 Date Night Ideas for Every Kind of Couple.

    But there is a catch! Make sure that when you’re trying new things together, both you and your partner are on board with the idea.     Research that tracked American married couples over time found that when spouses engaged in activities that husbands liked but wives did not, spouses were more prone to relationship unhappiness even a decade later! 

    So… make sure you’re trying something new together that both you and your partner are excited about. 

    Spend quality time with your partner

    Why is it so important that we book quality time with our partners? After a few years in a long-term relationship, that initial electricity you had when you first met mellows out into a small sizzle. Passion starts to look less like grand gestures and weekends away and more like routine and comfortable complacency. But after spending weeks months and years with someone, it’s only natural that it doesn’t feel like Guy Fawkes every night and that’s okay. But there’s one really easy thing you can do to keep the fire alive. 

    Dating your long-term partner – whether it’s been 6 months or 16 years is one of the best and easiest things to do to maintain your relationship. It’s equally important in maintaining a healthy and lasting relationship as it is in kicking one off!

    Using two nationally representative samples of American couples, researchers found that, relative to couples who spend less quality time together, married couples who reported engaging in couple time with their partner at least once a week were 3.5 more likely to report they were very happy in their relationship. Yes, you read that right 3.5 times more likely! This effect was even stronger in non-married women who were living with their partners and was observed above and beyond other important factors that influence relationships like income, ethnicity, and age.

    So, how can you make sure you are maximizing the chances that date night will lead to a higher-quality relationship? Book more date nights, using tools like those on Cupla! 

    Time is the currency of relationships. Investing time in your relationship allows you to build memories together, strengthen bonds, and overall enrich your relationship with your partner. 

    Plan time together, regularly

    While the quality of time you spend with your partner is important, the other factor at play is how often you do so! While one great date night a year might work for some couples, others would prefer a weekly date night where they get to spend one one-on-one time together.

    First up, communicate with your partner to see what you both would ideally like in terms of your date night frequency! Many couples solve the problem by putting a ‘date night’ in their diary. Instead of leaving it up to fate, there are so many tools out there to help couples spend regular time together.     Cupla has a suite of tools to help you do this – including a shared calendar to help you plan time together, and a date planner to keep you on track with date night.

    But one size does not fit all! While an app like Cupla might work for busy couples who are looking for an easy solution on their phone while they’re on the go, perhaps a wall calendar works for you and your partner to keep track of your time together. 

    —-

    In conclusion, there is no one solution to maintaining your relationship with your partner. A million and one tips are floating around in books, TV, movies, magazines, social media…

    To wrap up my three tips for a healthy relationship: start by communicating your needs with your partner openly and honestly    , trying new things, and making sure that you’re spending regular, quality time together. 

  • How to have the perfect long distance movie date night

    How to have the perfect long distance movie date night

    Long distance movie nights are pretty much what it says on the packet. It’s you and your partner syncing up your preferred entertainment channel (Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, to name a few) and simultaneously watching the same TV show or movie together. Most couples also use a phone call, a video call, text messages, online messaging or a chat room to discuss the movie as they’re watching it.

    If you and your partner can’t be in the same physical movie theater together or curled up on the same couch, it’s the next best thing to a traditional movie date. 

    What are the benefits of a long distance movie night for couples?

    Long distance movie nights blew up during the COVID lockdowns, with friends, family and couples staying connected despite being apart through the Power of Technology. Now that COVID is pretty much business as usual, long-distance couples have kept up the trend.

    It’s easy to see why. The science says that couples who have a weekly date night are 3.5 times more likely to report being “very happy” in their relationship compared to those who didn’t have any specific ‘couple time’. Long-distance date nights can be tough to organize, especially if you’re in different time zones, but a long distance movie night is about as easy as it gets when it comes to virtual date nights. 

    While you might not be able to snuggle up under the same blanket, it’s a great way to stay connected and retain a taste of normalcy. Plus it’s a great excuse to break out the popcorn!

    How to make a long distance movie night work

    Organizing a simple long-distance movie night is straightforward:

    1. Get the same show or movie. Video streaming is your friend here! Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime – whatever your preferred streaming service is, make sure both you and your partner have access. Some services let multiple users on the same account stream on different devices/locations, but some don’t, so double check that before anything else. Some streaming services aren’t available in some countries. In this case, consider having one person rent the movie via iTunes or Google Movies or similar, and the other watch via subscription. Of course, this step leaves out the toughest part of the whole date – agreeing on what to watch – but we’ll leave that particular challenge for you to figure out yourselves!
    2. Pick a time for your movie night. Finding a time that works for you and your partner for a date night is hard enough when you’re in-person, but over long distance and possibly across time zones? It’s a real challenge. The ideal time for a movie date night is one where neither you nor your partner have anything booked in right after the movie ends. You don’t want to feel rushed – this is a date after all. We’re a bit biased, but we think that Cupla is a great solution to this issue. It’s a synced calendar app that can automatically find ideal date night times that work for both of you, regardless of time zone.
    3. Figure out how to chat. Nobody likes it when people are chatty at the movie theater – but you’re not at a movie theater! Hopping on a phone call, jumping on Zoom, texting, or messaging are all great options to connect with your partner about the movie. Without this important part, you’re not actually having a date night. You’re just watching the same thing at the same time. There’s a big difference!
    4. Make sure you are synced. Watching a movie that’s even a second or two out of step with your partner over long distance is super annoying. The punchline you’re only just hearing gets laughed over, the shock of a horror movie reveal gets spoiled, and the whole experience leaves you and your partner feeling out of sync. Literally. A simple countdown to hitting “play” can work, but that relies on your connections and computer speeds being similar.

    Sort those 4 steps and you’re on your way to an awesome long distance date night. The syncing is the hardest step, so we’ve hunted down some apps to make things a little easier.

    4 apps to help you with a long distance movie night

    Depending on what device/streaming service you’re using for your movie, there are a few different choices for apps that can sort out the syncing side for you and your partner. These include:

    Some of the above also include built-in text, video and/or audio chatting too, so no need to have a separate device for talking.

    Apps are super handy in long distance relationships. If you want to upgrade your LDR, check out our article on the must-have apps for long distance couples.

    Extra tips and tricks

    • Set up a recurring date night time. The power of long distance date nights is that you can have them from anywhere – the tricky part is organizing the time. The easiest solution is to decide on an hour or two every week that you dedicate to just time together. That way, you’ll always have an opportunity to connect.
    • Double check timing on the night. Communication is key in any relationship, but for LDRs, it’s even more important! Double check with your partner (and if they’re the forgetful sort, remind them) that the times still work for them on the day.
    • Be clear about your commitments. If you’re watching an especially long movie or a series, make sure you’re both clear about whether you’re watching it together or if you can “skip ahead” independently. We know, sometimes the call to watch just one more episode is super tempting! But the last thing either of you want to do is spoil the show you both love and have decided to make a core part of your dedicated time together.
    • Get creative with themes. If you want to take your movie night to the next level, fix up some themed food, drinks, lighting, maybe even costumes! That way, not only are you both watching the same thing together, but you can share even more of the experience and connect more deeply with each other (and the show/movie!). 

    A movie night is a simple way to connect with your partner no matter how far away they are. What’s not so simple is finding (or making) the time when you’re both living busy lives. Cupla can handle that for you, providing an easy way to sync your calendars and automatically find the perfect date night time for you (even across timezones!). Trial it now for free on iOS or Android.

  • Never run out of date ideas again with a date jar

    Never run out of date ideas again with a date jar

    Struggling for interesting date night ideas? A date night jar could be a fun – and easy – way to spice up your next batch of quality time with your partner.

    Read more: 34 Date Night Ideas for Every Kind of Couple

    What is a date night jar?

    A date night jar does exactly what it says on the tin – or jar, in this case. It’s a jar (or other container) filled with date night ideas. When the big night comes, you or your partner draw a date idea out for a fun surprise date – no peeking! – or when you just can’t decide on what you want to get up to. Whatever it says on the suggestion, you go out and do. 

    It’s a fantastic way to stop sticking with the tried-and-true dinner-and-a-movie and be more spontaneous. No more humming and hawing over what to do when you should be out dating and nighting.

    Sounds good? Here’s how to make & use one:

    Step 1: Get a jar

    Can’t have a date night jar without something to keep all your great date night ideas in. You can use something as simple as an old jam jar or ice cream container. If you’re the crafty type, you can jazz it up with some paint, some artwork, a fancy label – whatever floats your boat.

    Step 2: Think of some date ideas

    This is the fun bit. Grab a pen and some paper and sit down with your partner. Scribble as many cool date night ideas as you can, preferably individually, and tear them into strips. Then pop them into your date night jar and bam! One fresh jar of dates, made with love.

    If your jar starts running low, repeat the process. It can be great fun to make filling the date night jar a date night in itself – planning activities with your partner can be almost as fun as actually doing them. 

    Pro-tip: When you’re thinking of these ideas, don’t be afraid to get creative, but remember that these date night ideas have to actually be doable. We’ve left a few suggestions down below to get you started.

    Step 3: Make it pretty

    A jar full of scrap paper might not be the prettiest thing in the world, but if you want just functionality, it works. If you’re feeling creative, a lot of people choose to write their date night ideas onto popsicle sticks instead. You can color-code these, wrap them in coloured paper, paint them, draw on them; go wild. Some people even like to turn their scrap of paper into origami, or put them into tiny envelopes.

    That way, when you actually draw the date night out, you’re doing it with pizzazz. It makes a real event of it compared to just pulling out a scrap of paper.

    Step 4: Use it!

    When date night rolls around, draw an idea from the jar, then go do it. Easy, right?

    Most couples have a date night about once a week, and you can use the date night jar to pick the activity for you each week. Or just whenever you’re bored. There are really no hard and fast rules here – other than whatever you draw, you should do your best to follow through with; especially if it’s an idea your partner thought up.

    If you absolutely can’t do the date night idea in question for whatever reason, you just put it back in the jar for another day. Then draw another one instead!

    Ideas to add to a date night jar

    Considering Cupla is an app that’s dedicated almost entirely to great date nights, we like to think we’ve got a solid set of date night ideas for you to put in the jar if you’re drawing a blank.

    Here are a few tried and tested options:

    Another great source of ideas is friends and family. Every couple will have a romantic or memorable date night story that they’d love to share.

    If you’re really struggling? Start with something you already know works. Ask your partner what their favorite date nights have been and add those first. Add yours too! Once you get started, the ideas will flow much more easily.

    So you’ve got the date night jar – now you just need to find the right time to use it. Finding a slot for quality time with your partner can be tough, especially when you both have busy schedules. That’s why we created Cupla, a shared calendar app specifically designed to help you and your partner find the right time for a good time.

    All you have to do is download it, sync your calendars, set reminders or date night goals, and Cupla will handle the rest, automatically finding time slots that work for both of you. Combined with a date night jar (or one of the activities you can book right in the app), it’s the easiest way to find a great date night for you and your partner.Trial Cupla now for free on iOS and Android.

  • Get co-opetitive with your partner with these 5 date night challenges

    Get co-opetitive with your partner with these 5 date night challenges

    Date night challenges became popular most recently on TikTok, under the name “Target date night challenge” – but don’t be fooled. This isn’t your average social media trend. They’re a genuinely great date idea! 

    These date night challenges are a fun, novel way to get to know your partner better and engage in a little light competition to see who’s the real queen or king of the relationship.

    Read more: 34 Date Night Ideas for Every Kind of Couple

    What is a date night challenge?

    The idea of the original date night challenge on TikTok is simple; couples head to Target, separate off, and pick out gifts for each other based on different categories, like “favorite drink” or “favorite color”.

    Embed

    Once you’ve both completed the hunt, you checkout separately and reveal the choices at home, category by category. Whoever gets the most “correct” answers is the winner – but even if you don’t get the category answer quite right, you each get the chance to learn more about each other.

    And let’s face it, sometimes the wrong answer is better (funnier) than the correct one!

    If you want to try out the OG date night challenge, here are a few categories to get you started:

    • Favorite drink
    • Favorite snack
    • Favorite color
    • Something that reminds you of them
    • An everyday thing

    If you want to take it up another notch, try setting a specific budget and/or a time limit for finding the gifts. 30 minutes under $30 is a good place to start!

    @tai.noel

    Date night idea! 🥰 #fyp #fypシ #target #targetfinds #targetchallenge #datenight

    ♬ Hip Hop with impressive piano sound(793766) – Dusty Sky

    4 more date night challenge ideas

    If rushing around a Target isn’t your idea of fun, you can apply the same general idea of the OG date night challenge to other areas.

    1) Music Date Night Challenge

    If you and your partner are musically inclined, this is a great one to step up the tempo for your next date night.

    Just like the original date night challenge, you each separate off to fulfill your set of pre-chosen categories. But instead of finding gifts in a Target, you’re each building a playlist!

    Try these categories on for size:

    • Their favorite song
    • A song you think your partner thinks is your favorite.
    • A song they secretly like.
    • A song they’ve never heard before.
    • A song that reminds you of them.

    You can use Spotify or YouTube playlists to build these playlists for free. As a bonus, this is a great one for long-distance couples, as the playlists can be shared 100% digitally with no need for physical media.

    2) Food Date Night Challenge

    Fancy a date night challenge that provides both dinner and entertainment? Turn your evening into a gustatory delight with your partner and see who can outdo the other in the kitchen.

    For this one, you each design a menu based on a selection of category questions about your partner, just like the other date night challenges. You could leave it at just a theoretical menu (maybe designed up on Canva?), but it’s much more fun to actually deliver on the meal!

    Here are a few categories:

    • What your partner would order as a “last meal”.
    • An important recipe from your shared past.
    • Something your partner has never tried.
    • The worst food they’ve ever had – but made great.

    This is also a great one to combine with drinks. Break out a shaker and/or a bottle opener and use the same logic to build a set of cocktail categories instead.

    Pro-tip: This challenge takes a fair bit of work so it’s best to stick to smaller dishes where possible.

    3) Travel Date Night Challenge

    It’s said that you don’t really know your partner until you travel with them (especially once you bring traveling with a baby into the equation). This date night challenge puts that saying to the test by seeing which of you knows the other better when it comes to overseas adventures!

    The aim of this one is to build an itinerary of the “perfect holiday” for your partner. Each of you create a list of people, places and activities that fulfill categories based on your other half’s preferences. Get back together and share – not only will you get to learn more about your partner, but you might end up with a great holiday planned too.

    Here are a few categories:

    • Where they go. You could stick with just the country or state, or even pick out a specific hotel or bed & breakfast.
    • How they get there. Car, boat or plane might be traditional, but see if you can get creative.
    • Who they go with. The correct answer should always be their other half – but that might not be the most entertaining answer.
    • What they do once they’re there. The more specific, the better.

    For bonus points, you can combine this with the physical gift aspect of the original date night challenge, especially if you/your partner have gift giving as a Love Language. Find or buy an object that represents your answer. Think a mini Eiffel Tower if your itinerary for your partner includes Paris, for example.

    4) Hobby Date Night Challenge

    If you and your partner are fanatical about a hobby – either the same one or separate – this date night challenge is a great way to connect with one another over an activity or skill.

    For this challenge, the categories are based around a hobby that your partner enjoys. Think art, sports, entertainment – collections are always a good one. And like the original challenge, you go out and find an object that relates to the category; though unlike the original challenge, these categories are a little more directly practical.

    They might be:

    • Something they always need for their hobby.
    • Some they’ve always wanted for their hobby.
    • Something you’ve always wanted for their hobby (more storage so their stuff doesn’t end up everywhere is a good one!).

    If you want to go one step further, you can put together a date night gift basket with the new gear for your partner and then indulge in each other’s hobbies together. This is fantastic for building a stronger connection with your partner – you might even discover a new shared hobby!

    Date night challenges are great fun, but when both you and your partner live busy lives, it can be hard to find the time to do them. 

    Cupla is the shared calendar app designed exclusively for couples, helping you and your partner find a date night time that works for both of you, automatically. Combined with the dedicated To-Do list feature and in-app activity booking, it makes it easy to make quality time together.

    Trial it now for free on iOS and Android.

  • Booking Date Night is Key to Relationship Happiness

    Booking Date Night is Key to Relationship Happiness

    You don’t have to look far to find advice that date nights are important: Pinterest quotes, to famous actresses, and therapists, all advocate for the importance of date nights with your partner. Of course, here at Cupla we are inclined to agree! But don’t just take our word for it. Let’s dive deeper into some of the science to find out why scheduling your next date night is key to relationship success.

    We Need Quality Time Now More Than Ever

    In today’s society, many of us have high expectations for our relationships. Not only do we expect our partner will excel as a parent, as a lover, and as a career cheerleader, but we expect them to help us become a better version of ourselves.[1][2] That’s a lot of pressure on one relationship! With a lot riding on our romantic partnerships, we need to make sure we are making sufficient time to invest in them.

    Schedule in your date nights.

    The decline in time together '80s to '00s

    The 1980s might not conjure up ideas of romance (unless you love big hair and shoulder pads!), but couples were actually spending more time together in the 80s relative to more recent years.[1],[3] Compared to spouses in 1980, those in 2000 were 29% less likely to report that they almost always went out for leisure together, and 15% less likely to report that they almost always ate their main meal together. In other words, over just a few decades, there was a sharp decline in how much time married couples were naturally spending together in their day-to-day lives. This decline reflects our increasingly busy lives, and highlights the importance of intentionally carving out time with your partner by scheduling in date nights (which Cupla makes easy!). If we leave spending time with our partner up to chance, other priorities will get in the way.

    Quality time = Happier Relationship

    Why is it so important that we book in quality time with our partner? Using two nationally representative samples of American couples, researchers found that, relative to couples who spend less quality time together, married couples who reported engaging in couple time with their partner at least once a week were 3.5 more likely to report they were very happy in their relationship. Yes, you read that right 3.5 times more likely! This effect was even stronger in non-married women who were living with their partners and was observed to be above and beyond other important factors that influence relationships like income, ethnicity and age.[4]

    Now, if you aced a statistics class in the past, you may have noticed that finding a link between date nights and happy relationships can’t conclusively claim that date nights cause higher-quality relationships. But luckily, experimental interventions have confirmed that date nights do indeed lead to higher-quality relationships. For instance, one study assigned some couples to an exciting activity intervention for 4 weeks, where they were given tips and ideas for exciting date activities, and encouraged to do them for 90 min a week. Couples assigned to this intervention had higher positive mood, and reported their relationships were more exciting and satisfying than a control group of couples. In fact, the benefits of this date night intervention lasted 4 months! [5] Lucky for you, you don’t have to participate in a 4 week study to get exciting activity ideas we’ve got tons on our blog.

    A 2014 study of couples helps shed light on why date nights are so beneficial.[6] Couples reported that engaging in shared relationship activities (e.g., going on a run together, going out for dinner) helped them feel closer to their partner, and experiencing more closeness from these activities boosted their relationship happiness and commitment three months later. In fact, engaging in shared relationship activities was more important for relationship success over the three months than how partners responded to negative behaviors in their relationship. Thus, date night may be a unique way to foster intimacy.

    Get on the Same Page

    Okay, you get it: date nights are important. But how can you make sure you are maximizing the chances that date night will lead to a higher quality relationship? One key factor is making sure you and your partner are on the same page, and both enjoy and are committed to the activity you chose. If your regular date nights involve watching action movies at the cinema but one of you isn’t into action movies, you will not reap those benefits of quality time. Research that tracked American married couples over time found that when spouses engaged in activities that husbands liked, but wives didn’t spouses were more prone to relationship unhappiness even a decade later![7] Likewise, in the same study of kiwi couples mentioned earlier, couples felt more closeness and intimacy in their relationship when they felt their partner was more dedicated to the shared activities the couple engaged in.

    [1] Finkel, E. J., Hui, C. M., Carswell, K. L., & Larson, G. M. (2014). The suffocation of marriage: Climbing Mount Maslow without enough oxygen. Psychological Inquiry, 25(1), 1-41.

    [2] Perel, E. (2007). Mating in captivity: Unlocking erotic intelligence. New York, NY: HarperCollins

    [3]Amato, P. R., Booth, A., Johnson, D. R., & Rogers, S. J. (2009). Alone together: How marriage in America is changing. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press

    [4] Wilcox, W. B., & Dew, J. (2012). The date night opportunity: What does couple time tell us about the potential value of date nights? Charlottesville, VA: The National Marriage Project.

    [5] Coulter, K., & Malouff, J. M. (2013). Effects of an intervention designed to enhance romantic relationship excitement: A randomized-control trial. Couple and Family Psychology: Research and Practice, 2(1), 34-44.

    [6] Girme, Y. U., Overall, N. C., & Faingataa, S. (2014). Date nights take two: The maintenance function of shared relationship activities. Personal Relationships, 21(1), 125-149.

    [7] Crawford, D. W., Houts, R. M., Huston, T. L., & George, L. J. (2002). Compatibility, leisure, and satisfaction in marital relationships. Journal of Marriage and Family, 64(2), 433-449.

  • 14 romantic things to do for your long-distance partner

    14 romantic things to do for your long-distance partner

    Long-distance relationships can be challenging, but that doesn’t mean you can’t keep the romance alive. In fact, the distance can create opportunities for creative and meaningful gestures that show your partner how much you care. 

    Whether it’s your anniversary or just a regular day, surprising your long-distance partner can strengthen your bond and bring you closer together even when you’re apart. Let’s explore 14 romantic things you can do for your long-distance partner, from virtual date ideas to heartfelt gifts that will make them feel loved and cherished.

    Read more: 11 Must-Have Apps for Long Distance Couples

    Plan your future together

    Half of the fun of a relationship is the anticipation – and for long-distance couples, there’s a lot of anticipation to go around! Making a solid plan around the awesome things you’re going to get up to when you meet back up is a great way to relieve some of that tension and show your partner how much you care about them at the same time.

    Here are a few places to get you started.

    • Plan virtual date nights. Put together a menu you’ll cook together, cocktails you’ll try together, activities that you can follow when you next see each other. By doing all the planning for your next date night – whether that’s a virtual long-distance date night or one in person – you’re instantly giving your partner something to look forward to without them having to lift a finger.
    • Plan a surprise visit. Come on, you know you want to! You might have to be careful and ever-so-subtle to find the right time without giving the game away, but a surprise visit from the person your partner loves most is guaranteed to put a smile on their – and your – face. Try using a synced calendar app like Cupla to check on your timing options.
    • Plan future trips. Plan future trips together, and discuss all the fun things you will do and see. This can be a great way to create excitement and anticipation for the future.

    Send a surprise gift

    If there’s one thing better than getting a gift, it’s getting a gift that’s a surprise. When you’re in a long-distance relationship, it can be challenging to connect with your partner – particularly if you’re in different timezones.

    One of the best ways to show your partner that you’re thinking about them is to send a surprise gift, especially if you know your partner’s Love Language is gift giving. While what you send will be entirely personal to you and your partner, here are a few places you can get started:

    • Care package. Send your love a care package stuffed with their favorite snacks, a handwritten note, and other items that remind them of you. If you’re going with food, make sure you stick with dry goods and non-perishables.
    • Flowers. Flowers are always a winner for a reason! Send a bouquet of flowers to their home or, for big brownie points, to the office (everybody loves to show off their partner’s love <3). Florists local to your partner are best!
    • Love letters. There’s something so special about getting an actual letter in an actual envelope with an actual stamp. Write up something super cheesy, add a little gift or a photo, and send a letter through old-fashioned snail mail. We guarantee it’ll be a welcome surprise in the mailbox.
    • Favorite take-out or meal. At the end of a long, hard day, the last thing that most people want to do is cook dinner. Since you can’t cook for them yourself, order some food from a local restaurant and send it their way in your stead.
    • Personalized book. For the crafty types out there! Make a scrapbook filled with pictures and messages for your partner, telling your own personal love story, and send it through a courier. If you aren’t artistically inclined or can’t send a physical item so far, there are plenty of services online that will let you digitally design a book and they’ll sort printing it and getting it to your partner.
    • Custom puzzle. Now here’s a double surprise. Find a retailer with customisation options and have a puzzle made of a picture of the two of you together. Send it in a blank box and let your partner enjoy the first surprise of a mystery package, and the second surprise of figuring out what the puzzle is picturing!
    • Racy calendar. Long-distance is hard for a lot of reasons, and for some couples, physical intimacy is the toughest bit. Put a cheeky smile (you know the one) on your partner’s face every month by starring in your own racy calendar and sending it in the mail. Don’t want to do a whole month’s worth of photos? Pin-up style posters are a great one-off choice that will achieve the same effect 😉

    Share or relive a moment

    It’s the little moments in a relationship that are often the most memorable ones. When you’re long distance, it’s tough to find ways to share a romantic night or relive one through reminiscing. But with a little creativity (and some planning), there are ways to send a spark no matter how far away you are from each other. Try one (or all!) of these.

    • Watch the sunset/sunrise together. Use video chat to watch the sunset or sunrise together, and share the moment with your partner. This is especially great if you live in different timezones – sunrise for one person could be sunset for the other. It’s super cute to know that you’re both looking at the same sun at the same time.
    • Make a romantic video montage. Create a video montage of all your special moments together, set to your favorite love song. It’ll be a reminder to your partner (and you!) of all the awesome things waiting for you when you get back together.
    • Create a playlist. Make a playlist of songs that remind you of your partner, and share it with them. Spotify is a great option for this, though an “old-fashioned” mixtape can provide a personal touch. Want to really go all-out? Hire a musician to play a song that’s special to both of you in-person with your partner.
    • Create a virtual scavenger hunt. Scavenger hunts can be just as fun over long distances! Just jump on a zoom call and challenge each other to find something around the house that fits certain criteria. Try using some of the date night challenges here to get started.

    Looking for more ways to connect with your partner over long distance? Cupla is the shared calendar app designed exclusively for couples, providing a fast, easy way to organize date nights even over multiple time zones. Simply add your calendars and Cupla automatically finds the best date night times for both of you. Trial Cupla for free now on iOS and Android.

  • The Ultimate Picnic Date Checklist

    The Ultimate Picnic Date Checklist

    Fancy a picnic for your next date night? A little al fresco is a great, affordable date option, but do you know exactly what to bring to make it truly memorable? Follow this picnic date checklist to put a little razzmatazz into your pic-a-nic!

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    (TL;DR) Here’s our picnic date checklist. Everything you should bring to nail that next picnic date.

    • Something to eat
    • Plates and cutlery
    • Something bubbly to drink
    • Drink garnishes
    • Glassware
    • Water
    • A picnic basket

    • A cooler
    • A blanket
    • Napkins or wet wipes
    • Bottle openers and other tools
    • Bug spray
    • Lighting
    • Bluetooth speaker
    • Board game, playing cards, Frisbee or other fun activities

    Weather not behaving? Try one of our awesome ideas for a date night at home instead!

    Food – Here are some classic picnic date food ideas

    There’s no wrong food to bring on a picnic, but there are a few options that work especially well for al fresco dining. Finger foods are the order of the day – if you can eat it with one hand, its probably a good pick! Here are a few ideas that will make for the best food for a picnic date:

    Light Bites

    • Fresh summer fruit (strawberries, grapes, cherries & raspberries)
    • Sliced vegetables and a range of dips, like hummus
    • Cheese and crackers

    Sandwiches

    • Baguettes and your choice of filling (deli meats and cheeses are delicious)
    • Cucumber sandwiches (crusts optional!)
    • Crostinis with cream cheese and salmon

    Sweet Treats

    • Pastries from a local cafe
    • Cookies
    • Candy
    • Chocolate

    For bonus points, you could even try making picnic date food yourself. A simple salad or a home-baked brownie is all you need to make the picnic feel more intimate.

    Plates & Cutlery

    You have a few choices for your plates and cutlery, depending on your preferences and what you’re planning to serve. You could bring a nice wooden board for an outdoor charcuterie experience. Or you could stick with plates and bowls! Some great picnic date ideas that we’ve seen include using paper plates for the food on the blanket, but providing ceramic mini-plates to actually eat from. This ensures you aren’t lugging the entire kitchen cabinet around but still keep that sense of quality and luxury.

    For your knives, forks and spoons, use metal ones rather than plastic ones. These are better for the environment and make for a higher quality picnic date.

    One last post food item on the picnic date checklist! Remember to bring some rubbish bags with you to put your dirty dishes and cutlery in.

    Read more: 34 Date Night Ideas for Every Kind of Couple

    Drinks

    Something Bubbly

    Champagne is a great choice for a picnic, but it isn’t the only one. Consider bringing along some orange juice as well so you can make fresh mimosas for you and your date. And if one or both of you isn’t up for an alcoholic drink? There are plenty of non-alcoholic sparkling wines available these days and they work just as well.

    Drink Garnishes

    If you want to make your experience truly special, bring along some suitable fruits to add as garnishes to whatever you’re drinking. Think strawberries, raspberries, blackberries or cherries. These can add some pizazz to anything and make the date night truly memorable. If they’re frozen, they’ll even help to keep your drinks cold!

    Glassware

    While you can break out your finest crystal flutes for date night, its not always the safest option. Instead, we recommend finding the fanciest plastic wine glasses you can and using those instead. They’re safer, more durable, and you wont be worrying the whole time about breaking them when you should be enjoying your date.

    Water

    If you’re heading out on a hot day, make sure that you have plenty of water available. There’s nothing more romantic than proper hydration, right?

    Read more: 9 Of The Best Date Night Ideas For At Home

    Picnic Checklist – Essential Items

    Picnic Basket

    A classic picnic basket will not just help keep your food and drink protected, its also an essential part of setting the mood for your date. While you can just stuff everything on the picnic date checklist into a backpack, there’s something truly magical about having a real, old-school wicker picnic basket to set the scene.

    Cooler

    A cooler will help keep your perishables and cold food items at the ideal temperature – nobody wants to drink lukewarm champagne. If you don’t have a cooler, consider bringing a hydroflask or insulated bottle filled with ice to fill glasses with instead.

    Blanket

    The key to a good picnic blanket is to make sure that its large enough for you, your partner, and your food. There’s nothing worse than having to perch precariously on the corner of a picnic blanket because its a little too small. Go big or go home!

    Try to ensure that your blanket is waterproof, even if its a sunny day. Moisture can seep through the blanket from the ground and into you and your partners clothing.

    Napkins or Wet Wipes

    It’s not just the plates you’ll need to tidy up! Keep your fingers, faces and clothes free from crumbs and sticky fruit juices with some napkins or wet wipes. Its the small things like these that make the difference between a good picnic and a great one. Hot tip if this is your beach date checklist: taking napkins can be a great way to protect your food from wind and sand. There’s nothing worse than a gritty sandwich or meal!

    Bottle Opener & Other Tools

    There’s nothing worse than travelling all the way to your picnic spot and finding that you’ve forgotten a key piece of kit like a bottle opener. While a lot of wines these days are screw caps, if you’ve purchased an international wine, they often use a cork – so pack a bottle opener just in case.

    You might also find that some of the snack packs that you’ve brought along are hard to open. Some scissors can make life a lot easier, so bring some along just in case.

    Read more: 19 cheap date night ideas (that don’t suck) 

    Finishing Touches – Little Extras On Our Picnic Date Checklist

    Bug Spray

    The best time for a picnic date is unfortunately also prime time for ants, flies and mosquitos. It’s not the most romantic of items, but insect repellant is a must-bring on our picnic checklist. Nothing kills the mood more than slapping away uninvited guests while trying to enjoying time with your partner.

    Lighting

    Late night picnic date at the beach with some stargazing included? Yes please! But much better if you can actually see each other. Our recommendation? Those little electric tea lights. They don’t blow out, they don’t cause a fire hazard, and what could be more romantic than a candlelit picnic?

    Bluetooth Speaker

    A little ambient music to fill in the gaps is a great addition to a picnic date. Spotify has plenty of awesome playlists to peruse – or make a night of building a playlist with your partner! Just make sure that, when you’re actually on the date, that you keep other visitors in mind. Volume control is a must!

    Fun Stuff

    Picnics are way more fun when there’s something to do beyond just enjoying the food. Bring along a board game, playing cards, sports equipment (like a frisbee, baseball or cricket bat, even water guns if you don’t mind getting wet), or anything else that you and your partner can do together. Some creative couples even like to bring along a small set of paints so you can each capture the moment on canvas too. 

    If you’re planning to make this a surprise date night, make sure you have finding a good hiding spot for all of this on your checklist too!

    Looking for more outdoor date ideas? Check out the Cupla Instagram or trial the Cupla app on Android or iPhone for free to discover a slew of awesome hints, tips and inspiration to make your picnic date that much more special.