Paint by Numbers kits can retail for as low as $10.Credit: Dion Georgopoulos
She says when both people are focusing on one activity together, it can help regulate the nervous system and create a bonding experience.
“If your partner is taking the time to do something that sparks you to feel seen or feel valued, it can create a powerful healing experience.”
“The romantic brain is not unlike the child brain around feeling soothed by a parent. It’s the same kind of concept when you’re in a romantic relationship,” Ferrari says.
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Outside advantage
Did you swipe right because you saw “enjoys the outdoors”? While the weather is still warm, consider taking a dip in one of Australia’s many ocean pools. They offer a more relaxed experience away from the sand and surf where you can enjoy a dip – and a quiet, get-to-know-you-better chat.
Dates involving activity could be more mentally and physically engaging – research shows that couples who engage in exciting leisure activities as opposed to familiar, comfortable ones typically experience greater satisfaction and closeness as a result.
Pickleball is booming in Australia, and can be played as either singles or doubles.Credit: Steven Siewert
Test the teamwork between you and your date with a low-stakes game like pickleball. Invented in the ’60s, the racquet game is America’s fastest-growing sport and has taken off in Australia. It has been embraced by tennis superstars Nick Kyrgios and Naomi Osaka, billionaire Bill Gates and Australian White Lotus actor Murray Bartlett.
It is relatively affordable to hire a pickleball court for an hour or two of play – some locations even come with no charge. Pickleball could also be a suitable option for first dates, as the practical activity keeps things light and breezy, creating the opportunity to break the ice while having a shared topic of conversation. And, of course, you’ll find out how your date handles winning or losing.
Go to the gallery
While the Sydney Opera House might not be realistic for those on a tight budget, heading to a free art exhibit or gallery opening could be just as enriching. Or, if you prefer more curated art, why not try an independent gallery? The Art Gallery of NSW and the National Gallery of Victoria both have free admission and also make for a great wet-weather option.
If you prefer to make art but can’t afford the classes right now, making objects out of air-dry clay at home could be a similar but more affordable option and a great way to connect with your date over shared interests.
Intention matters most
But no matter what you do, Ferrari says it’s about the thought, not the money.
“Everything is about intention, and this is why sometimes relationships will fail, or couples grow apart because they forget to do things with intention,” she says. “People can have the same hobbies and actually not even engage with it, so there has to be that feeling the excitement of doing things together.”
To forge deeper connections through meaningful experiences together, Ferrari says, “If you just slowed it down and really tuned into what your partner particularly likes, you’re going to get a lot more bang for your buck”.
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