The Date Your Mate Challenge is a very exciting four week Facebook event to help strengthen your marriage and have fun in the process!
Are you interested in more fun times with your spouse? 
How about...
  • Improving your communication? 
  • Deepening your intimacy? 
  • Strengthening your commitment? 
  • Lessening your stress? 
Regularly dating your spouse can help with each and every one of these things. It can also help stir up more of those "falling in love" feelings you had when you were newly married.

Can you imagine still being head over heels in love with your spouse on your 75th wedding anniversary? 

Let me tell you about Lionel and Ellen Buxton who were recently recognized as one of England's oldest couples.

When Lionel celebrated his 100th birthday Ellen was also 100 years old. Having met 82 years earlier they had now been married for over 75 years and were still head over heels in love with each other.

When asked what the key to their happy marriage was Lionel had a very instructive answer.

Lionel shared, "We have been married happily because we have been good friends as well as husband and wife. We have always made sure we have had nice evenings out together whether it is going for a romantic meal or out to play bingo.”  

The key really is no secret. 

They kept their friendship strong and kept dating each other!
Click Here to Join the Date Your Mate Challenge Now
Or, keep reading to learn more...
Does dating really influence the quality of a couple's relationship?

Social scientists, W. Bradford Wilcox and Jeffrey Dew, found strong evidence that it does. They conducted an extensive review of social science literature in order to assess how date nights influence the quality of couple’s relationships. They shared their findings in a report written for the National Marriage Project called The Date Night Opportunity.

 What they found is that regular dating provides five specific benefits to married couples.

{ Benefit # 1 }

Better Communication

Dating is a way to prevent the “two ships passing in the night” syndrome. It can give you opportunities to talk without distraction. Conversations can happen when you are on a date that would not happen otherwise.

{ Benefit # 2 }

More Fun

Dating is an opportunity to do new things together. In marriage there is the danger of becoming too familiar with each other. Dating is a way to break out of the familiar and do the unusual. Step out of your routines and enjoy each other’s company doing something you have never done before.


{ Benefit # 3 }

Less Stress

Dating your spouse does not mean you have less stress in your life. Making dates happen can actually be stressful. But on the flip side, regularly going out on dates together helps to reduce stress. It gives couples the chance to extend emotional support to each other, especially during times of trial. Dating can become a buffer and provide an escape from the pressing concerns of regular life. 

{ Benefit # 4 }

Greater Commitment

Commitment is like a muscle that gets stronger with use. Dating takes commitment. It means that you have overcome obstacles, such as setting up child care, or making the time, or spending the money. When you make dates happen you are showing your spouse and others that you are committed to him or her, and to your relationship. 

{ Benefit # 5 }

More Romance

Feelings of romance are fleeting. A fire that is not fed or tended will soon die. So it is with the sense of passion between two people. Dating keeps the fires of desire alive and growing. It is a way to both feed the fire and fan the flame of romance. 

The "scientific" evidence is clear. Dating your mate has benefits! But wait, there is more...
I asked various marriage experts, marriage counselors, marriage ministers and marriage bloggers this question: “Why do you think it is important for married couples to keep dating?”
Here is what they had to say:

Perhaps one of the most important things a married couple can do to ensure that their relationship thrives is to date. Continued dating, even if it’s economical, still helps the couple feel like they matter to each other. 

Dr. Karen Sherman ‏
Author, Psychologist
No matter if it’s a quick coffee at Starbucks or an evening extravaganza take the time to nurture your marriage by taking the lead and planning a date for you and your spouse.
Toney and Alisa DiLorenzo
Marriage Coaches,
#1 Marriage podcast

Every marriage needs quality time and communication, the best connecting can be done while having fun together! Your kids are watching! 

Alan Meyers
Marriage Minister,
Lifegiving Marriage

Successful marriages require constant and continuous effort and care. Dating helps make working on your marriage a little bit more fun!

Rachel Thomasian
Marriage and Family Therapist

Dating keeps married couples engaged with the narrative that brought them together & upholds that being a couple is a priority. Also, it's fun! 

Lucy Rimalower
Marriage and Family Therapist

In nature and in life, when something stops growing, it begins to die. Same with marriage. Dating helps keep things fresh and alive.

Marianne Clyde
Marriage and Family Therapist
Continuing to date once you’re married may be the most important thing a couple can do to maintain their love and protect their relationship. 
Leslie Doares
Marriage Consultant, Coach and Author
I think it’s critical for married couples to continue to date.  It keeps things fun and exciting, and helps prevent boredom, fatigue and irritability.
Gaye Christmus
Blogger at Calm.Healthy.Sexy

Dating is like the kindling that keeps the fires of passion growing and going strong in the relationship. 

Beth Steffaniak
Life Coach, Counselor

Dating in marriage is one of many ways that we tell our spouse "I choose you, today and every day."

Brad and Kate Aldrich
Marriage Ministers, One Flesh Marriage
Dating is one of THE most important things you can do for your marriage!  It doesn’t have to be fancy or even away from home, but you MUST date your spouse if you want an awesome marriage and a love-filled home! 
Dustin Riechmann
Marriage Blogger, Engaged Marriage
Dating allows us time to focus on our spouse and to discover new things together. While it can provide some much needed couple-time away from family and friends, group dating with other couples, can also be a positive reinforcement for our marriage. 
Denise Charles
Marriage Coach, Counselor, Author

It's important for married couples to continue dating because it builds anticipation of together time and boosts excitement for the pleasure they will share.

Dr. Jane Greer
Author, Radio Host, Relationship Therapist

When the fireworks fizzle, couples must make time to enjoy the afterglow even if for a few stolen minutes of together time.

Suzy Ismail
Marriage Author, Counselor

It fosters more unity and togetherness and this brings longevity into the union. It helps them focus on each other more.

Amos Fenwa
Author, Marriage Counselor
You may be wondering,
"So, what is the Date Your Mate Challenge?"

It is the gamification of dating your spouse,  like a virtual Tough Mudder for your marriage. Including all the fun, challenge and camaraderie. But minus the mud, sweat and pain.

The Date Your Mate Challenge involves the following:
  • Four Dates 
  • Four Weeks
  • Lots of Fun
  • Weekly Challenges
  • Prize Giveaways
  • Accountability
  • Date Ideas
  • Encouragement
  • New Connects with Couples
  • And much ,more...
Click Here to Join the Date Your Mate Challenge Now
Or, keep reading to learn more...
Frequently Asked Questions
Q  Who is the Date Your Mate Challenge for?

It is for couples who believe dating is important but have a hard time actually making it happen.

It is for newlyweds who want to solidify the practice of dating as a married couple.

It is for couples who excel in the practice of dating and want to share their experiences to encourage other couples. 

It is for empty nesters who want to reconnect with each other through the practice of dating. 

It is for couples who want to connect with other married couples who also practice dating.

It is for parents of young children who struggle finding time and resources to date.

It is for couples who want to cut through the busyness of life and have fun dating each other.

It is for couples who just want to have fun!
Q  How does the Date Your Mate Challenge work?

During the four weeks couples go on one date per week. 

After each date they post a “check-in” to the private, members only Facebook Group. 

This “check-in” makes them eligible for the weekly prizes. 

Three prizes are awarded each week and will include: 

  1.   A gift certificate for date activity near where the couple lives via Groupon

  2.   A gift certificate for a restaurant near where the couple lives via Groupon

  3.   A marriage building book

Additional bonus points toward prize eligibility can be earned each week by completing various challenges and activities. 

Couples who post “check-ins” for all four weeks become eligible for the grand prize Jackpot at the end of event.

Q   How are prize winners chosen?
Prize winners are chosen randomly based on points. Think of the points like raffle tickets.

You get points for your date "check-in" each week. Only couples who "check-in" for their date that week are eligible for that week's prize.

You get bonus points by completing various challenges during the week.  

Points accumulate through the four weeks toward the Grand Prize Jackpot.

Only couples who "check-in" for all four dates are eligible for the Grand Prize Jackpot.
Q   What is the Grand Prize Jackpot?
The Grand Prize Jackpot has yet to be determined and will be announced during the event. 

However, it will be a prize valued at $250.
Q  Where does the Date Your Mate Challenge take place?
The Date Your Mate Challenge is a virtual Facebook event, which basically makes this a location independent event.

Couples can participate from anywhere in the world. (Digital substitutions will be made for prize winners who live outside the US Groupon service area.)

Where each couple goes on their dates is up to them.

All group interaction occurs in a private, members only Facebook Group created specifically for this event.
Q  When is it?
The Date Your Mate Challenge begins on Monday August 15th and ends on Sunday September 11th, 2016. 

It begins in:
Are you ready to have some fun dating your spouse?
Join us for the Date Your Mate Challenge!
Click Here to Join the Date Your Mate Challenge Now
Or, keep reading to learn more...
The Date Your Mate Challenge has facilitated over 300 dates so far. Here is how actual participants describe it:
  • It is a fun way to breathe life into your relationship!

  • It is a place to get ideas and be held accountable for embracing and pursuing your marriage while having a blast!
  • It's a good way to focus on your marriage.

  • Have fun dating your spouse and be inspired by other couples' ideas.

  • It is a great way to get back in the groove of dating.

  • It's a fun way to get reconnected and out of a rut with your spouse.

  • It is a creative and fun way to connect with your mate and focus on each other to keep your marriage relationship fresh and alive.

  • Exciting event to keep the sparks going.

  • A great way to be intentional about strengthening your marriage.

  • It's a fantastic way to spend more time with your spouse, invest in your marriage, and deepen intimacy.

  • It's so fun to "have to" go on dates every week. And doing it alongside a group of people who are doing the same makes it even better.

  • It helped us become closer together in our marriage and more intentional about spending time together.

  • Challenging way to have fun with your spouse and maybe win a prize!
Oh, you may be wondering "How much does this cost?"
Great question! 
Anyone regardless of their means can participate in the Cleveland Date Your Mate Challenge.

In terms of money, due to other's generosity, there is no upfront cost to you. However, you will have the opportunity to "pay it forward" at the completion of the challenge.  When that time comes, you can pay as much or as little as you want! 
Lets have some fun together!
Join the Date Your Mate Challenge today!
Here are the 3 steps to join the Date Your Mate Challenge:
  1. ENTER EMAIL** - Provide your email below for us to send you the application. Look for an email titled "Date Your Mate Challenge Application" from steve@spousedates.com.
  2. COMPLETE APPLICATION - Click the application link in the email we send you. Fill out the application completely then submit it.
  3. ACCEPT INVITATION - Once you submit your application you will get a link request to join the Private Members Only Facebook Group. Click the link and request to join. We will approve your membership within 24 hours. 
**CONTEST BONUS: Challenges are always more fun with friends! Once you submit your email you will be provided with your own unique link to share this web page with your friends. As your friends join through your link you will get points! The three participants with the most points when the doors close will each get a $20 gift certificate for a date near you!
THE CHALLENGE BEGINS IN:
Send Me The Application
Thank you!
About me: My name is Steve Pare. I am the creator of the Date Your Mate Challenge and the website spousedates.com, as well as the author of Build a Better Marriage [ One Date at a Time ]. My wife Chrissy and I have been married for over 24 years and have 4 adult children. We currently live in Cleveland Ohio.

Please feel free to contact me with any further questions you may have about the Date Your Mate Challenge.
  • email: spousedates@gmail.com 
  • phone: (810) DATEFUN (328-3386)
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