Rekindling romance

By Ellie Hettel

During the COVID-19 pandemic, dating seemed impossible. With all the usual date night spots like restaurants, movie theaters, and malls closed, couples didn’t have many options. However, the one thing couples could do to keep the spark in their relationship was to go outside. During the height of the pandemic, walks in parks were at an all-time high as were picnics and camping.

Now that we are in a post-COVID world, couples are looking for new ways to date.

Date Nite Box (DNB) is hosting a special Pop-up Park Picnic event where couples can buy tickets to receive a self-guided mobile date night. It’s intended for couples to have a unique dating experience.

This date is self-guided, meaning that a couple can complete it any time, and at any park they choose. There are a series of activities to complete with your partner on the app that focuses on the 10 love styles.

Anna White and Liam Busch were one of the couples who took advantage of this event in Sawyer Park, despite the rainy weather.

White and Busch have been dating for two years and were good friends before they made it official.

“Sometimes when you’ve been dating for as long as we have, you get to know someone so well and the dates can get repetitive, which we love, but this was something new and we were excited to try it out,” Busch said.

Once you’ve bought your tickets, you receive an email with the code to your date box. The first activity is quality time. DNB gives you a promo code for GrubHub so that you can get food delivered directly to your picnic spot and spend quality time with your partner and your favorite meal.

Busch (Left) and White (Right) spend quality time cuddled up underneath the gazebo looking through their DNB on Saturday, April 30, 2023, at Sawyer Park Rochester, N.Y. (Photo/Ellie Hettel)

Another guided activity for couples was called words of affirmation. DNB supplied a digital jar where couple’s could fill out little love notes.

White and Busch did not hold back from teasing each other during this activity.

“Anna, I love how much you persevered to get up on time this morning,” said Busch. “Wow thank you.” White laughed.

White and Busch sharing words of affirmation and relentless teasing. (Photo/Ellie Hettel)

Another activity with guided questions was called communication. DNB provides three different talking points for each couple.

“That one is super important,” said White. “I think we have good communication. We always talk through any issues we have.”

Another category was wellness. In this activity couples are supposed to do a physical activity that gets their bodies moving. Yoga is suggested. White put her own spin on this activity. She challenged Busch to a race around the pond.

White beating Busch in their race. (Photo/Ellie Hettel)

These are just some of the activities and challenges intended for this perfect date night where couples can strengthen their relationship and learn more about each other.

White and Busch say they really enjoyed the DNB.

“I liked doing the words of affirmation. We got to talk about why we love each other and appreciate each other,” said White. “I liked physical touch,” said Busch, “I love holding your hand and hugging you,” he told White while he kissed her on the cheek.

These love birds said they will be on the lookout for more events like this and were glad they spent the time to rekindle their spark and fall in love all over again.

For couples looking to ignite to their relationship, Date Nite Box just might be the spark.