Relationships can get boring. After a while, things become routine and it may seem like there’s little to look forward to.

In some cases, people who have been together for a long time become comfortable to the point that they no longer date one another. This is common, yet absurd. Use this winter to keep the flame lit in your relationship by engaging in fun, relaxing activities with your partner.

Local coffee shops are not only for meeting with colleagues and studying, yet many people only go out for coffee for those purposes or when they initially meet their partner.

A great number of coffee shops provide a nice environment for dates simply because it allows people to talk to one another in a warm, quiet setting.

Unlike dates to the movies, where there’s no time to talk unless you want people to turn around and stare at you in annoyance, grab a hot cup of coffee, cocoa, tea or whatever you prefer, and get to know more about your partner during this holiday season.

In past relationships, you may have fallen on your face and had to pick yourself up and dust yourself off. Well this time, if you fall down you’ll have someone there to help you up. Ice skating is not only something enjoyable to do with your partner, but it also encourages affection as couples hold hands and grab on to each other to avoid falling.

Skating on ice can be very terrifying, but if you’re doing it with someone you care for it can be more eventful than frightening. Bundle up in your warm coat, hats, gloves, and cute scarf, find a local indoor or outdoor ice skating rink and just go.

You’re never too old to enjoy the things you took pleasure in when you were younger.

Disney on Ice and other performances, such as the circus, happen every year around the holiday season. Although the crowds may be filled with little children waving around their lit-up wands, these shows are for people of all ages.

There’s no shame in enjoying a date night out at the circus, or any live show that provides entertainment. Try to find inexpensive tickets that won’t put you in the nose bleed section but won’t burn a hole in your pocket either.

Window shopping, baking holiday treats, decorating and walking in the park are only a few inexpensive things that couples can do this winter. Having a good time with your partner doesn’t necessarily mean going out of the house and spending money.     

Being creative and discovering new activities to do together strengthens a relationship and makes everything more interesting. Using apps, such as Groupon, or even searching for coupons online can help couples find fun things to do for a low price.

Although the holiday season is about giving, remember that it’s more important to spend quality time with the people you love rather than spending tons of money.

Overspending happens easily when people tend to carry all the money they have with them at once. When planning dates with your significant other, give yourself a budget or let them assist you monetarily.

This is 2012, ladies; it’s okay for you to pay for a date, and sometimes there’s nothing wrong with going dutch ­— when each person pays for themselves.

Whatever the case may be, always remember to keep dating in a relationship because it keeps the flame lit and offers something new to look forward to.

Questions or comments to Ariana’s column can be sent to:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .