Dinner and dancing, or dancing and a late night snack, are classic dates; yet, I must confess that dancing is not my thing. However, enough people on this planet have gone dancing with a friend or sweetheart that I am fully aware couples do this as a dating activity. ~smile~
One of these days, I may say “Who cares how I look!?” and jump on the dance floor at a wedding; but, I do not believe that day is fast approaching. ~smile~ (Sorry, Eric!) The closest I have been to public dancing recently is doing the YMCA movements at a Harlem Globetrotters basketball game. (That was even a stretch for me!)
Connecting while Dancing
You don’t have to watch too many episodes of Dancing with the Stars to see that dancing can be incredibly exciting and exhilarating. Therefore, if you and your sweetie (or friend) enjoys dancing, I say, “Go for it!” Let your hair down and hit the dance floor!
Dancing together can involve several love languages and a lot of closeness. It should involve respectful touching, a lot of quality face-to-face time, laughter, and often words of affirmation. It gives you both an activity to focus on so that you are not constantly stressed out about what to say next. From what I have observed, dancing seems to relax inhibitions – not so much that you make a fool of yourself, but enough that you are able to loosen up and enjoy each other more.
Due to the presence of many others, more serious, seasoned couples can enjoy being close, can share a private conversation, and can experience emotional intimacy without all the other temptations that come from being completely alone. Have you ever watched a couple in-love dancing? Does it not seem like they are in a completely different world?
Whether you are on your first date or your fiftieth, if you find yourself out dancing, make eye contact, laugh at your mistakes, talk as you dance, and don’t be afraid to have a good time. ~smile~
Connecting with a Late Night Snack
Imagine you have already had a blast dancing. Your conversation lines are likely wide open by this point with your partner. Chances are you are starving (or, at least hungry) and ready for a bite to eat. Maybe you do not want a full meal, but at least something to replenish you.
This could be a good time to talk about some deeper topics. Your guard is probably down a bit – and if you trust the person you are with, you may want to venture off the surface and talk about slightly deeper subjects (e.g., lessons you have learned from a book you are reading, career aspirations, what you would do with a day of time free from any responsibilities, etc.).
As you are enjoying your late night snack together, have a goal of connecting with your date in at least one area before the date is over. Make it your goal to find something in common with him or her on which you can build. Even finding that you both enjoy a certain genre of movie or a certain style of music can strengthen your bond.
Connecting After the Night is Over
Just as you would at the end of a Dinner and Movie date, end the night with a “Sweet Dreams” phone call. It is nice to hear your sweetie’s voice before you lie down to sleep. If you are just beginning to see someone, hold off on this step until you are exclusively dating; otherwise, such a step may encourage moving forward too quickly. Let your relationship grow naturally and enjoy each relational stage. ~smile~
After you try it, let us know how you enjoyed dancing with your date or sweetie! Is it a date you would recommend to others? Why or why not? Whether you WOW them on the dance floor or create quite a stir with your “unique” dance moves, you and your date can still have a delightful and meaningful evening. You can take almost any opportunity to be together and make it a connecting experience!
Have you ever found dancing to be a great way to let your hair down and get to know someone?