Relationships

The Summer Dating Bucket List Item To Check Off ASAP, Based On Your Relationship Status

by Rachel Shatto

You guys, summer's almost here and I'm so excited. There's just a special energy to this time of year, when it feels like adventure is waiting around every corner and my wanderlust hits an all-time high. There's something about the weather and the long, warm nights that make you want to try new things, have fresh experiences, and throw caution to the wind. That means it's time to dust off your bucket list — including your summer dating bucket list — and start checking off all the things you've always wanted to do.

Is all this starting to give you a case of summer fever? Great! But if you're not yet sure where to start, don't worry, I've got you covered. Below, several ideas of things to do with that special someone (even if that special someone is you) that would look great at the top of your must-do list this summer, depending on your relationship status. Because regardless of whether you're fully cuffed up and committed, living your best single life, or find yourself somewhere in-between, there are plenty of ways to embrace romance and have the best summer of your life... so far. So, with that being said, here are the summer dating bucket list items to add to (and then check off) your list ASAP.

In a committed relationship: Take an epic vacation

You work hard all year, so now is the time to take a much-deserved break with your sweetie and just get away from it all and soak in the sun. (Well, wear some SPF, but you get my drift.) Pick a location with a balance of activities and relaxation. All too often, we get so excited about going somewhere new that it's easy to get tempted to pack every minute of the day with activities, but some of the very best moments o a romantic getaway are just being together and really existing in the moment. So, make sure to schedule a solid block of hammock time.

Single & ready to mingle: An outdoorsy blind date.

If you’re not currently in a relationship, but you're single and dating, consider taking advantage of the warm weather by mixing it up, getting out of the coffee shops and bars, and taking a date to do something a little more summery, like a date at the beach or in a local park. To add some adventure into the spirit of the season, have your friends and family set you up on a blind date.

Single & loving it: Girls' weekend

If romance is just not on your radar at the moment, then I suggest “dating” your friends instead with an epic girls' weekend. Life gets busy, and sometimes you just need to take a break and reconnect with some quality time, deep conversations, and, of course, some fun. Plan a road trip, or book a mini-vacation in a local hotel suite. Then maybe grab an Uber to the nearest beer garden to have a few drinks and enjoy the warm summer nights.

It's complicated: An adventure date with your "situationship"

Is your relationship status a little less clearly defined? That can be really exciting (or frustrating, depending on your point of view), so in that case, why not add a little more thrill to your situationship with an adventure date? Pick an activity like rock climbing, river rafting, hiking, or even hitting up an escape room. Anything that gets your blood pumping and encourages you to work together. It's both a ton of fun, and may even give you the opportunity to connect in a new way that can give you insight into what you want to see the relationship evolve into.

Newly single: Take yourself on a romantic date

If you’re newly single, the idea of trying to date again, let alone have a dating bucket list, may sound like torture. But who said dating had to include someone else? That's right: For your dating bucket list this summer, pledge to make this season all about self love and taking yourself on date nights. To the movies, out to dinner to try that restaurant your ex was never willing to give a shot to, or even go away by yourself on a mini-vacay somewhere beautiful and relaxing where you can reconnect with yourself.

Are you starting to get as excited about summer as I am? I don't blame you, and I have a good feeling that this one is going to be amazing. It’s time to start checking off those bucket list items. Start today!