DNI Thanks and Giving Insert

DATE GUIDE

W ELCO ME TO

thanks and giving

Warmest Greetings as we head into this holiday season. Tonight we have a Date Night In planned for you that not only took me out of my comfort zone, but was a blessing to our family as we grew to learn to incorporate intentional habits and practices into our daily lives.

Expressing gratitude to my partner is something I can do on a more frequent basis. As I began doing research for this date, I came to some powerful conclusions. If COVID-19 has taught me anything, it’s that as a couple we have taken on new roles, lifestyles, and perspectives. This has led to me being in awe of my husband but I was shocked to really sit down and ask myself if I had ever verbalized this sentiment. The answer was no and when I tried out the activities with him that you will experience tonight, it was truly magical.

A study of couples found that individuals who took the time to express gratitude for their partner not only felt more positive toward the other person, but also felt more comfortable expressing concerns about their relationship. The benefits of decades of research on expressing gratitude are overwhelmingly positive and I’m truly excited for you to take this journey tonight!

For this date, you will explore expressing gratitude, and, through a variety of activities, you will experience moments of “Thanks and Giving”.

We have been astounded at the amount of orders that have come in this holiday season. Thank you to ALL of you who help spread the word. Each month we give a FREE DATE to a couple who snaps a picture of themselves enjoying that month’s Date Night In Box. To qualify, simply post your photo to Instagram or Facebook using the hashtag #DateNightInBox. Now it’s time to let loose and enjoy your Thanks and Giving Date Night In Box experience!

Wishing you all the best,

Megan Pruitt Owner & Founder of Date Night In

DATE ACTIVITIES

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SET THE MOOD - CREATE YOUR OWN CANDLE GRATITUDE JOURNAL ENJOY YOUR “GIVING” TREAT LOVE NUDGE WAYS TO CONTINUE YOUR DATE

Set the Mood Supplies Needed Included Amber Glass Jar | Included Wick Included Wax | Microwave | Microwave Safe Container Metal Spoon to Stir | Pot Holder | Lighter

Take a moment to consider the space where your date will occur. To begin your evening, you’re going to make your own candle. This will be a great asset to the overall ambiance of your date!

Don’t forget to access your custom Thanks and Giving playlist and recipes to go along with your date at datenightinbox.com/thanks-and-giving.

Directions Using extreme caution, microwave the wax in a microwave safe container in one minute increments until completely melted. Between increments, use a pot holder to remove the container and then stir the wax.

Next, place the wick in the amber glass jar. Working as a team, hold onto the top of the wick and slowly pour the wax into the jar.

Place the candle in the refrigerator for 10 minutes.

Light your new candle and enjoy!

“The heart that gives thanks is a happy one, for we cannot feel thankful and unhappy at the same time.�

- Douglas Wood

Thanks and Giving Journal Supplies Needed Included Journal Prompts Bookmark Included Kraft Journal Notebook | Pen

Expressing gratitude and committing your thoughts to paper as a couple are powerful tools to instantly show how you are grateful for each other.

Gratitude journaling will help you to:

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Change a negative mindset into a more positive one by

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Appreciate the person who you call your partner in life

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Sleep better, increase happiness, and reduce stress in your

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Have more empathy for your partner.

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Notice and be mindful of your significant other’s efforts

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Strengthen and enhance intimacy in your relationship.

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Keep a record of all of the wonderful things you are

simply focusing your energy on looking for the good.

because you will see how important your partner is to you.

relationship.

and intentions.

grateful for as a couple.

Powerful stuff? We think so! We know time is valuable and some of you might be ready to write a novel and some might feel like they only have the ability to sneak in 5 minutes before they are unable to keep their eyes open. We get it either way!

On one side of your Thanks and Giving bookmark you will find simple yet powerful gratitude prompts and on the other side you will find an expanded version. Sit together and complete your first day of prompts. Ideally, you want to complete this activity for at least 30 consecutive days or 90 days if you want to develop it into a daily habit. The more consistent you are, the easier it will become!

Thanks an (Q u ic k P d G iv in g r o m p ts ) I was ha pp m y p a r tn y w h e n e r .. ..

M y p a r tn e r h e lp e d me by…

I n o ti c e d one of m p a r tn e r ’s s tr e n g y th s when…

Giving Snack

Next, take a moment for a quick break and enjoy your included delicious treat. In the spirit of gratitude and giving, your Date Night In Box will provide 3 meals to children and seniors in the Aiken, SC community, where our business is located, with the help of Golden Harvest Food Bank.

Love Nudge

Next, you will take a moment to partake in the app Love Nudge.

Part of really being able to connect with your partner is to truly understand their Love Languages®.

Love Nudge is a fun, habit-

forming app that helps you intentionally express love in ways that are most meaningful to your partner.

First, you and your partner will download the free Love Nudge app from the App Store or Google Play. Next, you will both take the official 5 Love Languages quiz on the app. This is how you determine your specific love language, such as whether you like receiving gifts, physical touch, or acts of service.

Next, you and your loved one will exchange encouraging and playful nudges, set and track activity goals, and monitor the levels of each other’s love tanks for better communication and intimacy. It’s like having a personal assistant…for your relationship.

Take some time to explore the app and invest in your relationship!

Gratitude Game Supplies Needed Included Pack of Straws

To end the night, you will play the Gratitude Game. Harness your retro skills of playing pick-up sticks and get ready to cultivate an attitude of gratitude.

The game is very simple to play. The gratitude chart will specify which color signifies which category you will talk about.

Red: Name a personality trait you are thankful for in your partner and tell why.

Orange: Name a moment in time you are truly thankful for that involves your partner.

Yellow: Discuss ways your significant other makes you feel loved and appreciated.

Brown: Name a tough moment in time that your partner was there for you.

Green: Name anything of your choice.

How to Play:

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Start by holding all of the included straws in your hand.

Drop the straws. Don’t worry if they fall randomly, that’s the point of the game.

Have each player take a turn pulling a straw from the pile.

An important rule is to not make any other straws move, otherwise you lose your turn and won’t get the straw.

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Every time that you pick up a straw, you must name what you

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The player that has the most straws at the end of the

are grateful for based on the color of the straw. game wins.

CO N T I N UE Y OU R

Date Night

Don’t let this experience be the end of your thanks and giving journey. Here are some ways to continue to show appreciation while improving the quality of your relationship. We challenge you to practice at least one of the following gratitude tips each day!

Show interest in your partner’s life.

Ask for specifics about your partner’s day. Use active listening by making eye contact, giving cues that you’re listening, and paraphrasing back what your partner says.

Give compliments.

Remember to compliment your partner just like you are two young kids in love.

Surprise them.

We all love surprises. Plan another date, give a small gift, pack their lunch with a loving note, or complete a chore that your partner usually does. Even a small gesture can show your appreciation.

Help them relax.

Gift an evening of relaxation. Draw a warm bath and light the candle you made. Offer a back rub without the expectation of getting anything in return.

Mind your manners.

“Thank you” and “please” are important, even when someone has been doing your laundry for 10+ years. Try to catch your partner being helpful just so you can express gratitude.

Give an evening off.

Many people cherish alone time, although it can be hard to come by. Surprise your partner with a personalized evening off. Get their favorite meal and some treats, rent a movie they love, and leave them be!

UNT I L NEXT

Month

Don’t forget to share pictures from your date with our hashtag #datenightinbox for a chance to win a FREE date.

#DATENIGHTINBOX @DATENIGHTINBOX