Alone time with your partner is always something to look forward to. Something you giddily anticipate. As much as you enjoy it though, sometimes you just can't find anything to do to relax. can get you in a rut where you might be close together physically. You might be sitting close to each other but you find you're not really that together in any meaningful way. Sure, he's next to you, but your attention isn't on each other. That can feel even more lonely. So next time, instead of looking for old movies, try some of these games to play with your boyfriend to liven things up.
1. Board Games
Bring back a bit of childhood joy. Put down that cell phone for a change and dust off a real, honest to a goodness board game. Remember Life? Monopoly? Board games can make for a fun, retro date night for you and your boyfriend. If you're too young to remember these games, even better. Go shopping for some of the classics. There's something far more intimate in playing a game not attached to a TV screen that'll make for a more enjoyable night.
2. Never Have I Ever
For a slightly more mature evening, how about a game of Never Have I Ever? Okay, well mature may be a stretch, but it is a drinking game. So at least we can call it an adult evening. It's a rather simple game to master. You just take turns saying "Never have I ever" followed by something you've never done. Your partner has to take a drink if they have done whatever it is that you haven't. This is one of the great games to play with your partner for many reasons: The potential for a risque round of questions is always there; no one is likely to go thirsty; and, a bonus, you'll probably learn all kinds of intimate details about your boyfriend.
3. Twister
Remember Twister as a kid? Well, you'll be surprised how different the game can be when played with your partner. You'll be less focused on turning your body into a pretzel and more interested in where the game will have you bumping into each other next. This is a great game to set the mood for more personal fun later in the night... or even immediately. After all, you're the adults now. Consider the living room fair game.
4. Cards
Never underestimate a girl on a mission or the usefulness of a deck of cards. A deck of cards is like the Swiss Army knife of entertainment. It offers no end of games to play with boyfriend. For starters, you have endless card games you can play. Want to work on something together? Try a game of couples solitaire. Want something more head to head? There is gin or hearts. Feeling a bit more frisky? Then there is always an exciting game of strip poker. You could be anteing up kisses by the time those socks are gone. That's not all for the humble deck of cards either. You can also build with them (house of cards, anyone?) or even play a game of toss at the paper bin.
5. Puzzles
This isn't as high on the racy scale, but is certainly high on the team building. Couples grow together by doing things together. What better way to do that than by problem solving together towards a common goal? Puzzles are a great way to do something mentally and visually stimulating together. It's fun plus relationship building. That should put this high on your list of games to play with your boyfriend.
6. Video Games
Guys love to compete – especially in team events. You don't need to get tackled in the mud to participate either. If your guy is into video games, ask him what his favorite two-player games are and tell him you want to give it a try. You might be amazed at how quickly he jumps at the opportunity. As a bonus, this is another relationship building activity. After all, the forge of combat creates lasting bonds. You might have only watched each other's "six" in the comfort of your living room, but he'll not forget the achievements you win together. Plus, next time he wants to sit down and play a game, you may find you're invited to join in.
7. Read a Book Out Loud
You may think of reading as a solo activity, but it can also make for a relaxing, intimate evening together. Instead of reading to yourself, test both your skills out as a bard and take turns dramatically reading a book aloud. Reading aloud lets you and your boyfriend experience the story together. It keeps the two of you more focused on one another in the shared story - way more than a TV ever will.
You can follow the twists and turns of a gripping whodunit and try to guess who the villain is; lose yourselves in a good fantasy novel, or maybe you can introduce him to that steamy romance novel you've been reading. You may find he's far more interested than you'd expect. As a bonus, a good romance novel can inspire some fun times in bed as the evening rolls on. But remember, this isn't just reading – it's a reading game. So the more flourish the better. Make up your own accents for characters. Maybe add some sound effects during the action. Make it a contest to see who can weave the most gripping or scandalous tale.
8. Play Camping in the Backyard
What is play camping you ask? It's camping without all the hassles, preparation, bad food, sleeping on the ground, being eaten by bugs, and outdoor bathrooms of real camping. The wilderness is as close as the backyard. So grab your boyfriend and head out back after packing a cooler of drinks and something to eat. Get your guy to make a campfire when the sun goes down. No one will tell if he uses charcoal fluid to get the fire going and he'll feel all manly when he finally manages to get a roaring blaze going. You can get as involved as you like. You can even pitch a tent to snuggle up in. To cap off the evening, once the s'mores are gone you can both race back inside to your own bed and the happy hum of the air conditioner.
9. Have Your Very Own Frozen Chef's Tasting
You can't go out every night, but you can certainly pretend to. Here's a fun game to play with your partner. Go to the grocery store and pick out a ridiculous collection of frozen foods you've never tried. Make sure they are all easy to make – preferably just a quick heating up in the microwave or oven. Then, cover the living room or dining room table with all your purchased treats. You and your partner can now spend the night being the expert food critics. There are no reservations necessary and you can show up in your favorite pajamas for this meal.
10. Play a Game of Truth or Lies
Not only is this a fun game, it's also a great way to learn more about your partner. The rules of the game are simple. Both you and your boyfriend list six true statements about yourself and six lies. Make sure and mix up the statements so they are randomly true or lies. Each of you tries to guess which of the other's statements are true and which are false. The winner is the one who gets the most right. It's a clever and fun way to get some of those nagging questions finally answered as well. Be careful what you wish for though. Sometimes we can truly know too much about someone. To up the fun, you can even raise the stakes. Perhaps the loser owes the winner a back rub or something even more fun.
Enjoy Something New
When thinking of games to play with your boyfriend, be creative and fun. Set the mood. Decide whether you want romance, excitement or non-stop laughs or even some measure of all the above. Just make sure you two are the center of attention, avoid falling into too much of a routine and let the games begin.