National Couple's Day 2023: History & How to Celebrate
We may already have Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, and birthdays, but every opportunity to celebrate your loved one is worth jumping at.
Even though Cupid may not be on the guest list, National Couple's Day is certainly a special day to mark in your calendars. Although it has not gained the status of a National holiday quite yet (we’re working on it) — it’s a great opportunity to arrange a special date night for your significant other.
“We might laugh at national days like this, but in reality, we often get stuck in routines, and having things to help us focus on just our relationship can be just the little nudge we need to feel brave to say something extra loving and vulnerable to the most important person in our lives,” says Moraya Seeger DeGeare, a licensed marriage and family therapist and In-House Expert at Paired.
At Paired, we celebrate all couples every day! We love National Couple's Day and we’ve put together some ideas on how to put this appreciation day on the map.
When is National Couple's Day?
So when should this special date night be scheduled? National Couple's Day takes place on August 18th every year — so it looks like a summer date night is on the cards.
If you like the idea of this kind of celebration, there are also a few other dates to keep in mind.
National Spouses Day - 26th January
National Girlfriend Day - August 1st
National Love People Day - September 30th
National Boyfriend Day - October 3rd
History of National Couple's Day
Unlike some other traditional days, National Couple's Day is only in its infancy.
In recent years though, there has been a lot of buzz about National Couple's Day on social media, with couples spending time together and celebrating their unique bond.
It may feel like there’s just a day for everything nowadays, but we like to see National Couple's Day as a chance to celebrate every couple — advocating for inclusivity for every relationship.
10 ways to celebrate National Couple's Day
Since it's only starting out, you hopefully won’t be competing with too many queues when organizing your National Couple's Day dates.
However, even though it’s fun to brainstorm some big-date ideas, taking the time to focus on the little things is also just as important. From romantic gestures to exciting date nights, we’ve got the planning covered.
1. Connect
On National Couples Day, take some time to reflect on your relationship and the significance of your partner in your life. Whether it's through a text, making a quick video, or simply sharing your thoughts as you roll over in bed.
Make sure to express your gratitude and appreciation for being together, and for choosing each other every single day. Even if don’t do anything else special, appreciate that this is special, and you taking the intentional moment to share with them. Make it a point to be fully present and connect with your partner, just like you would on any other day.
2. Flowers
Roses have already been claimed by Valentine’s Day, so why not have a little bit of fun with your flower selection?
Opt for a summer bouquet, filled to the brim with sunflowers and tulips to brighten your partner's day. Even though they are often reserved for girlfriends, everyone deserves the perfect bouquet — except maybe not our hayfever sufferers!
3. Plan a romantic getaway
If you’re a fan of the heat, August is the perfect time to plan a lover’s escape.
No matter your chosen romantic destination, make sure you’ve stowed away any gifts in your suitcase from your partner’s prying eyes! Or, call ahead to your hotel and arrange something special for National Couple's Day.
4. Make a mixtape
Now this one may seem a bit cheesy, but putting together the perfect playlist is quite the feat.
Dig out some songs that encapsulate your love story and press play on your next date night. Don’t forget to throw in a few songs that are perfect for a slow dance — even if you may have two left feet!
5. Classic date night
Old-school romance never fails to impress.
Hark back to the romantic days of our grandparents with this classic date night idea that won’t break the bank — dinner and a show. Even if the show in question includes a modern twist… Netflix and Chill.
It may sound cheesy or too simple, but making the effort to spend time with your partner is a romantic gesture in itself.
6. Share a selfie
When you’re in love, all you want to do is shout it from the rooftops!
The modern way may be more low-key, but sharing a few snaps of your special someone is a somewhat subtle (yet special) way to show how much you appreciate them. Make sure to use #NationalCouple'sDay to spread the word!
7. Write a love letter
It’s important to be aware of your partner’s love language. If they like words of appreciation, writing a love letter may be more important to them than an elaborate date night.
Take the time to express how much they mean to you and your strengths as a couple.
If you want to go the extra mile, pair your love letter with a homemade scrapbook of all your memories together. You could even make this a tradition — with a yearly round-up promised every August 18th.
8. Get crafty
While the world is flooded with Valentine's cards, there is a chance to get creative with your Couple's Day cards.
Break out the PVA glue and rise to the occasion by making your own card. Since Couple's Day may not be on everyone’s calendar, it’s fun to mess around by getting crafty and surprising your partner with something they can cherish forever.
9. Try Paired
We may be biased, but we think we’ve come up with the perfect present.
At Paired we believe in the practice of love — working on your relationship together every day. With the help of expertly crafted quizzes, games, and advice, it’s easy to sustain that spark in your love life in a fun and carefree way.
Purchase Paired for your partner for National Couple's Day to kickstart your next journey together as a couple.
10. Sunset stroll
Since it's summer, it would be rude not to take in the marvelous sunsets that the season brings.
If you’re looking for a romantic yet simple date idea for Couple's Day, grab your partner by the hand and go for a sunset stroll. When the sun sets, end the day by presenting your card and having a cuddle.
Sometimes it really is the simple things that help foster your connection.
Is it important to celebrate National Couple’s Day?
Even though you should always love and cherish your partner, sometimes it's easy to wrapped up in everyday life.
This is why it’s so important to celebrate milestones and appreciation days when they arise — any excuse to show your best friend and confidante how much they mean to you.
