7 Easy Ways To Heat Up Date Night

Changing up date night is essential and we're always sharing our best ideas for a special night with your sweetie, from the fun, non-cheesy activities to ones inspired by The Great Gatsby.

And now, we turn to you. We've asked you to share with us your secret ingredients for a hot date night. From wearing something sexy to powering down your iPhones, here are our favorite responses about heating it up on your alone time with your partner.

Have something to add to the list? Add your advice here.

1. Turn Off All Things Digital
"Nothing is worse than watching your partner interact with their smartphone instead of you." — Becca

It's a scary thought to pull yourself away from your smartphone, computer, or television, I mean you could miss something world-shattering that won't be the same if you look at it a few hours (gasp) after it happened. However, for the sake of your relationship and the chance to make your usual date night extra romantic, we suggest you power down. Use the extra free time your eyes and fingers have, now that they're not clinging to an electronic device, to stare sensually into your partner's eyes, or give your fingertips a chance to enjoy human-to-human contact for a change.

2. Look Sexy To Feel Sexy
"I like to feel great and look my best to make date night extra romantic; wearing something especially pretty and feminine is key — excellent excuse to wear high heels, jewelry and lingerie plus all the other trappings — from perfume to lipstick. Feeling that you look fabulous gives you extra confidence and an irresistible spark." — Andrea

Put on the outfit that makes you feel sexiest, put on those heels that you are always too self-conscious to wear to more causal events. We all know that when we are feeling like a sexpot, we act accordingly. Use date night to bring sexy back into the relationship and into your own persona.

3. Mix Old With The New
"Nothing fuels romance like a little nostalgia. Try recreating your first date, for example. In fact, romance itself is less of the point – it's more about creating joy, feeling playful, feeling energized – it's these feelings that translate into sexual energy." — Relationship expert Esther Perel 

Try to re-create moments or memories from the first dates that the two of you went on together. Careful not to tread too heavily on the past, make sure your partner sees a new side of you on date night — incorporate a new activity you've never tried together mixed with conversations reminiscing the first night you spent together.

4. Step Out Of The Comfort Zone
"Take turns surprising each other with date destinations. One night, you make the plans. Another night, he makes the plans. There's something exhilarating (and romantic!) about going on a mystery journey." — Kristine

This is your chance to mystify your partner, use date night to try things that are somewhat out of character for you — make reservations at that posh restaurant that is usually not your scene, or experiment with some sexy lingerie that you typically feel too embarrassed to strut. The thrill of doing something outside your comfort zone will leave both of you feeling exhilarated.

More date night ideas from YourTango:

• 25 Dates That Aren't Cheesy
• 5 Cheap Date Ideas

• How To Take Date Night From 'Meh' To Mind-Blowing

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5. Incorporate Surprise
"Make it out-of-the-ordinary. Surprise, particularly well-planned and thoughtful surprise, goes a long way towards letting that special someone know you really, really care." — Tom

Try to surprise your partner with something thoughtful, even if it's something seemingly small. Think about the things your partner mentioned in the past that he or she would like to try and attempt to make that happen. Does your partner have a sweet tooth? Well, pick up their favorite cherry-filled chocolates on your way home from work — a thoughtful surprise can go a long way in relationships, especially when it's not the norm.

6. Be Spontaneous
"Try not to have a big agenda or a set notion for what a perfectly romantic date night includes. spontaneity can make for a fun, romantic, memorable experience. plus if you're not attached to a certain program and are game for what your partner wants to do, s/he will in all likelihood be pleased that its about them." — Andrea

When it comes to making date night extra romantic, fight the urge to plan too much — it's great to have a little surprise planned or a general idea for the night, but try not to micromanage the whole night into a scheduled and forced event. Spontaneity makes for some of the most romantic, adventurous and memorable experiences, so leave a little bit up living in the moment and roll with it!

7. Be Happy
"Build some anticipation for the date, perhaps be a bit less in touch with him all day than you usually are so he can miss you! When you do contact him throughout the day, keep it to short, flirty conversations that make him think about what's to come later ..." — Sara

OK this seems like a no-brainer, but it's surprising how many times we fail to realize that a positive outlook and a sunny disposition can make or break the whole night. Prepare yourself for the excitement and romance of date night, but go into it with an open mind and an upbeat attitude so you're not disappointed if it's not exactly what you were expecting. This is a time to inject joy into your relationship, so smile, laugh and enjoy this precious time together.