12 Dating & Marriage Building Activities

questions & activities relationships & communication Jun 03, 2025

If great relationships were easy, more people would have them. Strong relationships require effort—learning how to work through conflict, practicing patience, and truly listening. Relationships that last don’t happen by accident; they’re built through intentional effort from both people.

Whether you’re dating, engaged, or married, these 12 relationship-building activities can help you move your connection from average to extraordinary.

12 Great Dating & Marriage Building Activities

1. Schedule Fun

Make a list of 10 activities you enjoy. Decide on some activities that cost little to no money (e.g., going on a walk, playing card games, etc.). Exchange lists. Plug some of these activities into your schedule.

2. Encouragement Lists

Both you and your significant other make a list of 10 things the other person can do to encourage you. Now make sure you exchange lists. Consistently do what's on their list.

3. Create a Question Jar

Put relationship-building questions in a jar, pick one, and take turns answering it. This is a simple way to move past small talk and create conversations that are more honest, fun, and meaningful.

Want an easy place to start? Download my free PDF with 50 relationship-building questions, print them, cut them out, and place them in a jar at home.

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If you want an already-made version, check out The Legacy Jar, which includes 107 great questions designed to help you create deeper conversations with the people who matter most.

4. Exercise Together

As the saying goes, " a couple that works out together, stays together." I don't know if this is true, but what I do know is that exercise is great for your mindset and sense of well-being - traits that are part of a healthy relationship.

5. Learn about Healthy Relationships

You can read books on the subject together, attend a weekend retreat. You can see a counselor or relationship coach for a relational check-up. Opportunities to learn about having a healthy relationship abound if you look for them.

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6. Pray Together

If having faith in your relationships is important to you, this will bring you closer together. Maybe start by praying for each other's families, friends, and areas of stress. Give thanks for the blessings you have in your life. Push through the awkwardness.

7. Admiration Lists

Write down 7 things you admire, appreciate, and are thankful for about the other person. Then write down a few examples of items you noted on your list. Share what you have put down on your lists with each other.

8. Entertain Together

Entertaining magnifies the sense of team you have or don't have. If you don't have a strong sense of unity, having people over can help you learn to work together.

9. Hang Out With Healthy Married & Dating Couples

Spend time around other dating and married couples with healthy relationships. Observe how they positively interact and learn from them. The quality of your romantic relationship is influenced by the relationships in your circle of friends.

10. Set Marriage Goals Together

You can start by setting goals for the next 6 months together in 7 different life areas: health, social, intellectual, spiritual, financial, family, and career. Agree upon one goal in each area. Post these goals on your fridge.

11. Volunteer Together

Find a cause you both believe in and schedule time to serve. This could be through your church or a local charity. Getting your eyes off yourself and onto the needs of others is always a good thing.

12. Make a Budget

Yes, this CAN build your marriage. If you're in the more advanced stages of dating, then do a mock budget or a budget for one of you. For this activity to be successful, you must both share your thoughts openly on spending and saving. Creating a budget and sticking to it requires teamwork.

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