Hands up who spends most of their time with their partner crashed on the sofa? Maybe a movie or dinner if you’re feeling adventurous? Time to make some memories with Alphabet Dating, says Helen Farmer
“Shall we just see what’s on Netflix?” I asked for the tenth night in a row. And by the time we’d decided what to watch, it was bedtime, we’d bickered, and it felt like another wasted evening. I’d seen a friend of a friend on Instagram posting about something called Alphabet Dating that sounded like it might be the solution to our boredom-inducing routine.
The premise is simple: for each date night, think of an activity that starts with A, then B, C, and so on, so by the end of all 26, you’ll have tried some new things, been to places that wouldn’t have normally occurred to you, and (hopefully) have some fun along the way.
We decided to go for it, committing to a date (evening or weekend afternoon) twice a month, alternating which person oversaw organising it. We started keeping notes on our phones whenever an idea presented itself and got started.
Here in the UAE, we’re lucky that there are lots of choices, but you might need to get a bit creative depending on time, budget and the letter you’re on.
Some of our favourites included fragrance making, a hot air balloon ride, trekking at Showka Dam, virtual reality night, jet skiing, painting kits at home and sailing. It all sounds very active and adventurous, but we also had a few more low-key dates (a beach day, Christmas movie night, quarter-pounders in the car park at High Joint and J is for jigsaws, when I was unwell one night, for example!).
Looking back, it was one of the best things we’ve done as a couple – we got to know our city, and each other, really well. I learned that my husband truly doesn’t like heights, and I love him for trying ziplining, and with the upper body strength of a toddler, I can safely say I will never try bouldering again. But even a bad date can be a great memory.
Here are my top tips for alphabet dating…
1 Put it in the diary! It’s too easy to push back a date because you’re tired or there’s a clash.
2 Make sure the organising is shared equally, or one person could end up getting resentful of the admin.
3 Keep your eyes open to new openings and events – an exhibition or concert might just work perfectly.
4 Ask friends for recommendations, or search for #alphabetdating on Instagram for inspiration.
5 Keep a list of ideas on your phone so you don’t forget a good one.
6 Get outside of your comfort zone – you can watch TV on every other night.
7 Take pictures!
I have to say, I’m tempted to do it again and sometimes find myself sending links to my husband. Ceramics, escape rooms, improv, learning to cook, horse riding, kayaking, a theme park… And if anyone has some good ideas for X, let me know because an X-ray is not on the list.
