This year, my husband and I will celebrate ten years of marriage. In honor of our anniversary, I thought I’d share ten of my favorite dates. These are not in any particular order.

1. The old stand-by: Dinner and a movie at the theater. Eating together is one of the most important things we do. There is just something about sitting around a table together with food that helps us start talking. Our local theater has the seats with the retractable arm, so we can sit close together just like we’re on the couch at home.

2. We put the kids to bed, then watch a movie together while we eat a dessert. This tends to be less expensive than #1. The other thing I like about this date is that we can curl up on the couch and snuggle under a blanket together. I love a quiet night at home!

3. Bowling. My husband and I enjoy a little competition every now and then (as some of the other dates suggest). He definitely enjoys bowling more than I do, but I enjoy spending time with him. Plus, watching one another bowl provides lots of laughs. Our bowling alley has an…

4. Arcade. Yes, we actually have fun playing those games from our childhood.

5. Concerts. When we can, a financial splurge on concert tickets is always a fun date. It took a little extra work on my husband’s part, but he kept his purchase of concert tickets to one of my favorite performers a secret until the night of the concert. All I knew was what I needed to wear. It was such a great surprise!

6. Museums. I have sweet memories of strolling through museums, holding my husband’s hand, and talking about everything we saw. I think my husband is one of the most interesting people I’ve ever met. I love asking him what he thinks. Our museum visits have always provided so much to discuss and share.

7. Invite another couple over for some games. We have some great friends who enjoy playing games as much as we do. Our evenings together have been hilarious!

8. State parks. We spent a day walking trails, visiting a wildlife refuge, and looking at the beautiful scenery.

9. A lunch date. These are rare, so they are extra special. Seeing my husband in the middle of his busy day is so much fun. He always has a lunch break, but I don’t always have a lunchtime sitter. However, when I do the planning it’s easy to do a lunch date. He loves to hear, “I’ve got a sitter for lunch. Let’s get together.”

10. Mini-golf. It’s not expensive. It’s outdoors. Like bowling, mini-golf provides lots of laughs for us.

Most of the time, I am not concerned with what we’re doing. I just love being with my husband. It’s important to me to show him that he’s still the one with whom I choose to spend my life. And I love knowing that I’m the one for him.