TOOL #1: ONE WAY DATES



Over time, couples can easily develop routines that become ruts. Does this sound familiar? Partner #1: ?What do you want to do??

Partner #2: ?I don't know, what do YOU want to do??

Then they end up doing pretty much the same thing they have done before. Couples can also fall into ?compromise ruts,? where each gives up what they really want to do in order to find something they can both agree upon. For example, in choosing movies, he might love action-adventure, she might love drama, and they might routinely compromise on comedies. After awhile, this might get old! (True story- happened to me!) What's the alternative? How can couples keep dating each other fresh and exciting? Try rotating the following four ONE-WAY DATES:

TYPE 1: Partner #1 creates an experience for partner #2

The purpose of this date is to give a gift and please partner #2 one hundred percent. This doesn't have to cost anything, and doesn't even require going anywhere, as long as the time and activities are creatively focused on what would please partner #2.

TYPE 2: Switch; partner #2 creates an experience for partner #1

TYPE 3: Partner #1 creates a self-centered experience

The purpose of this date is for partner #1 to please themselves 100%, to have fun exactly the way they want, sharing the experience with partner #2 in the way they wish, but not worrying about partner #2's experience at all. TYPE 4: Switch; partner #2 creates a self-centered experience To work, this requires planning and coordination. I suggest couples plan their dates and one-way types on a calendar a year in advance. This may sacrifice the spontaneity that some prefer but often can't sustain, for intentionality that can continue to create romantic closeness and excitement for decades to come. I have found that trying to reach agreement on everything can hinder creativity and dilute the possibilities. Using these One Way Dates allows for each partner to freely and creatively choose activities that would truly please themselves or their partner, without eliminating exciting choices trying to please both.

TOOL #2: ONE-WAY DECISION MAKING

As much as we value mutuality and agreement, wouldn't it be nice to get your way sometimes, even when your partner disagrees? Similar to the ?One Way Date? is the GIMME.

A ?Gimme? is a request one partner makes of another, when there is something they would really like to have or do that the partner disagrees with. Let's say that partner #1 really wants to go to the opera, but partner #2 hates the opera. Partner #1 really wants to go, but doesn't want to go alone or with someone else, they want to go with their partner! Partner #1 could ask for a ?gimme? which means ?please do this as a gift for me, not because you agree or want to, but give this to me because you love me and want me to be happy.? Ground rules:

1. A gimme is not asked for lightly or often

2. When asked for a gimme, try your best to say ?Yes?

3. When delivering a gimme, do so with a positive attitude

4. The gimme is a gift, delivered with unconditional love, without expectation of a quid pro quo

Sometimes in a relationship, ONE way is the BEST way!