How to Get Your Spouse to Adventure with you
You’ve read the books and have been inspired by their stories. Voices on podcasts have captivated you by the journeys they have been on. You can’t see a mountain, or trail, or body of water without knowing where it is, and possibly adding it to your own adventure bucket list. YOU are ready to adventure, but, what about your spouse? Perhaps he’s most comfortable watching football on the couch, and doesn’t feel the urge (or excitement) to get out and explore with you. Here are some tips on how to get your spouse to adventure with you.
1. Start slowly
All good things take time. Don’t expect to drop an idea one day, and have him planning the excursion the next day (unless of course your spouse is an enneagram 7, then he probably had the trip planned yesterday!). Start by dropping the idea that you would like to do more adventures with the family. Then, gradually ask him what he thinks of that, and if it’s something he would be interested in doing. Plan a few day trips to start out, and then progress to longer, more adventurous excursions as he learns the thrill and excitement of adventures.
2. Include his likes
What does your spouse like to do? What would make it more enjoyable for him? Does he love learning about new things? Start with a place that has a historical background. Is he crazy about a really good brew? Research the best breweries or coffee shops to visit after your adventure. If he’s a night owl, don’t start off with a sunset hike. Better yet, make it a night hike! If he loves learning about foliage, wildlife, or weather, bring a book on those topics for the area you’re exploring.
3. Invite his buddies
There’s nothing like bringing a best friend along to make the adventure even sweeter! Maybe he wasn’t stoked about taking the whole family out to the beach, but invite your best buds, and it’s suddenly a party. Going on a hike as a couple? Invite another couple along and make it a double date. He’ll love having a buddy to talk to, and you’ll get some girl-chat in as well. If his buddies get stoked on an activity, there’s a much better chance that your spouse will too.
4. Embrace his adventures
As you convince him to go on adventures with you, make sure you take the time to invest in ‘his adventures.’ Maybe it looks quite different from yours. Perhaps it’s going to a football game, or a Nascar race, or maybe it’s learning fly fishing. Whatever it is, if you want him to adventure with you, then show him that you’re also interested in adventuring with him. Look for ways that your adventures can merge together too. You want to hike, and he wants to fish? Then hike to an awesome fishing spot.
5. Make it a Date
Some adventures can get hot, tiresome, and stressful with all the kids and so sometimes you just need to leave the kids at home! Turn your next adventure into a romantic getaway by doing some extra special things. Rent a nice room at an AirBnb or hotel after a day full of adventures. Or, make your camp set up more like glamping with lights, wine, and luxurious blankets. Throw him for a real surprise when you pull out some new lingerie;) The best tip yet? Do ‘the deed’ with him when he’s least expecting it. I promise you, he’ll always want to go on your adventures when you surprise him like that.
Conclusion
Whew, that got spicy real quick! But, now you know how to get your spouse to adventure with you! In conclusion, start with the idea slowly, and don’t forget to add his likes and adventures, and invite his buddies every now and again. Best yet, when time and circumstances allow, turn your next adventure into a spicy, romantic date. You’ll both be counting down the days until your next excursion together!
Get out, go adventure!