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M.A.S.H. Games With a Fun & Flirty TWist

Remember M.A.S.H.? That hilarious little game we used to scribble on notebook paper to predict our future house, spouse, and number of kids? (I always ended up living in a shack with a celebrity crush, LOL.)

Well… it’s BACK and way more fun now that we’re married. 🙌

I gave this nostalgic favorite a grown-up glow-up and turned it into a brand-new way to plan your next night with your spouse. Whether you want a fun, flirty night out or a steamy evening in, these printable D.A.T.E. games let fate do the choosing.

And yes… there are two versions.
💗 One for romantic date night planning: D.A.T.E.
🔥 And one with a spicy twist: D.A.T.E.S.

The Inspiration Behind This Date Night

This fun little date night idea was actually inspired by a real-life social media moment from one of our own! Our amazing social media gal, Megan, created a video of her and her husband participating in the viral trend where couples use the classic M.A.S.H. game template to plan their date night. Instead of Mansion, Apartment, Shack, and House this trend has you use Dinner, Activity, Treat, and Entertainment.

Their video totally took off, and I loved how playful and spontaneous it felt. It brought back all the nostalgic vibes and created something meaningful and memorable between the two of them.

After watching it (and smiling the whole way through), I knew I had to turn this idea into something just for our followers! Something a little more intentional, a little more flirty, and totally exclusive to our community. That’s how the D.A.T.E. Game and its spicy cousin, D.A.T.E.S., were born.

Whether you’re using the old-school M.A.S.H. or our customized printable versions, you’re going to love what happens when you let fate plan your night. 💘

Why This Updated M.A.S.H. Game Is Perfect for Date Night

I don’t know about you, but some nights we’re both just staring at each other like, “What do you wanna do?” … “I dunno, what do you wanna do?” 🙃 That’s where the D.A.T.E. game totally saves the day!

It makes decision-making fun, spontaneous, and honestly hilarious. We never know what we’ll end up doing, but that’s part of the charm. It’s simple enough to play with zero prep, brings back all the throwback vibes, and helps us break out of our same-old date night routines. We’ve laughed way more (and even argued over who “cheated” with the spiral count), and it just adds a little more joy to our relationship—which is exactly the point of dating your spouse, right?

How to Play the D.A.T.E. Game (Flirty + Fun Edition)

D.A.T.E. = Dinner, Activity, Time of Day, and Environment.

You fill in a few options under each category, then use the classic spiral trick (or a random number!) to cross things off one-by-one until fate reveals your next date night plan.

Example:

• D – Dinner: Pizza, Sushi, Tacos, Breakfast for Dinner
• A – Activity: Bowling, Board Games, Escape Room, Movie
• T – Time of Day: Morning, Afternoon, Sunset, Late Night
• E – Environment: At Home, Downtown, Outdoors, Surprise!

Once you have one answer left in each category… that’s your official D.A.T.E. Night!

How to Play the D.A.T.E.S. Game (Sexy Version)

D.A.T.E.S. = Dare, Attire, Touch, Environment, and Spice.

Same game, way steamier. You’ll fill in each category with flirty or sensual options, then let the universe pick your next sexy adventure. 😉

Example:

• D – Dare: Mirror Play, Sexy Voice Memo, Strip Tease, Try a New Toy

• A – Attire: Lingerie, Just His Shirt, Nothing At All, Blindfold + Robe

• T – Touch: Massage, Ice Cube Tease, Slow Make Out, Body Tracing

• E – Environment: Bedroom, Shower, Kitchen, Under the Stars

• S – Spice: Dirty Talk, Roleplay, Use a New App, Add Chocolate Sauce 🍫

Ready to play? Light a candle, pour something bubbly, and let this grown-up throwback lead the way. 😘

Want to Make It Even More Fun?

Once we started playing, I realized how easy it would be to turn this into a surprise. One night I printed the game out and left it on our bed with a handwritten note. Another time, I sent my husband a cheeky little textable invite that hinted at a flirty night ahead… and let’s just say he cleared his schedule. 😉

I created two printable versions of the game (one fun, one sexy) and two textable invites that are short, sweet, and perfect for sending a little surprise during the day.

Whether you print it out and tuck it into a lunchbox or send an invite while your spouse is at work, this game makes connecting feel playful again… just like it should. 💘

First dates can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. You’re meeting someone new, feeling those butterflies, and trying to gauge whether there’s chemistry. One question that often comes up is: should you kiss on the first date? While there’s no definitive answer, several factors can help you decide whether that first kiss is the right move.

Understanding the Context

1. Cultural Norms

Different cultures have varying attitudes toward physical affection on the first date. In some places, kissing on the first date is common and expected, while in others, it might be viewed as too forward. Understanding the cultural context can help you gauge what feels appropriate.

2. Personal Values

Reflect on your own beliefs and values regarding dating and intimacy. Are you comfortable with physical affection early on, or do you prefer to take things slow? It’s important to align your actions with your personal values.

3. Setting and Atmosphere:

The environment can significantly influence the mood of your date. A romantic setting, such as a candlelit dinner, might naturally lead to a kiss, while a more casual setting, like a coffee shop, may not feel as intimate. Pay attention to the atmosphere and how it affects your interactions.

Signs That a Kiss Might Be Appropriate

1. Strong Chemistry

If you feel a strong connection and chemistry with your date, it may be a sign that both of you are open to physical affection. Look for cues like prolonged eye contact, playful teasing, and body language that indicates comfort and attraction.

2. Flirty Banter

Engaging in playful, flirty conversation can create a light-hearted atmosphere that makes a kiss feel natural. If your date is mirroring your flirtation and responding positively, it could be a good sign that they’re open to a kiss.

3. Positive Body Language

Pay attention to your date’s body language. Are they leaning in closer, maintaining eye contact, and smiling? These signals suggest they might be interested in taking the relationship further, making a kiss more likely.

When to Hold Back

1. Uncertain Feelings

If you sense that your date is unsure or uncomfortable, it’s best to hold back. Respect their boundaries and give the relationship time to develop naturally. A first date should be about building trust and connection, not rushing into physical intimacy.

2. Different Expectations

Make sure that both of you are on the same page regarding your intentions for the date. If one person is looking for something serious while the other is just having fun, a kiss might complicate things. Communication is key.

3. Ending on a Good Note

Sometimes, it’s better to leave a little mystery and anticipation for the next date. If the date went well but you’re unsure about kissing, consider giving a warm hug instead. This can leave both of you excited for what’s to come.

Making the Moment Right

If you decide to go for the kiss, here are some tips to make it special:

1. Choose the Right Moment

Timing is crucial. Look for a moment when you both feel connected and comfortable. This could be at the end of a great conversation or when you’re sharing a laugh.

2. Read Their Signals

Before leaning in, make sure your date is receptive. Look for positive body language, like leaning in or tilting their head slightly. If they seem hesitant, it’s best to hold off.

3. Be Genuine

When you do go for the kiss, make it sincere. A gentle approach often feels more intimate. It’s not just about the act itself but also about the feelings behind it.

Conclusion

Deciding whether to kiss on the first date ultimately comes down to individual circumstances, comfort levels, and mutual interest. While there are no hard and fast rules, being attentive to your date’s cues and feelings is essential. Whether you end up sharing a kiss or not, focus on creating a genuine connection. After all, the most important part of dating is building a meaningful relationship, one step at a time.

Posted by Sandy Weiner in communication skills in dating, love after 40 | 0 comments

What’s a mistake couples make that ruins relationships, and how can we repair it? That’s what Zach Brittle is sharing on this episode!

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What’s the one big mistake that ruins relationships and how can we fix it? Zach Brittle  is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Certified Gottman Therapist, and Relational Life Therapist with nearly 20 years of experience. He hosts Marriage Therapy Radio and authored The Relationship Alphabet and The Marriage Therapy Journal. Zach lives in Seattle with his wife Rebecca and their two adult daughters.

In this episode of Last First Date Radio:

• What’s NSO and how might it show up early on in dating?
• What’s emotional neutrality, and how does it affect relationships?
• How to recognize subtle forms of contempt early on
• What singles can do to build connection, intimacy, and curiosity 
• How to recognize if you’re stuck in a negative cycle with a new partner

One Big Mistake That Ruins Relationships and How to Fix It

What is Negative Sentiment Override (NSO), and how might it quietly show up in any stage of dating?

This is a term that John Gottman came up with. One of the things couples who divorce have in common is the Negative Sentiment Override. When you’re in NSO, things are harder. There’s a drive to raise your score and improve your relationship. Early in a relationship, it’s pretty rare. If you have more negative than positive, you leave. 

If the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse are present and not being offset by gratitude, generosity, and affection, relationships can fail. Early on, we might call these red flags to look out for.

You say that emotional neutrality is the first step out of NSO. What do you mean by that?

Both people need to want to change the pattern that’s not working in the relationship. Learn how to identify and change the pattern. Once you realize the pattern, you can interrupt it. You have three choices when in conflict in relationships: stay neutral and take a pause, make it worse, or make it better. Emotional neutrality is really helpful when you’re flooded and need a break. Think about what you want to happen. Then choose to make the relationship better.

Contempt can quietly destroy relationships, and you say it also fuels NSO. How can someone recognize subtle forms of contempt in themselves or in others in long-term relationships or when dating?

Contempt can show up early on in a relationship as “I’m better than you”, which leaves no room for intimacy. You can’t expect things to be healthy when you’re in contempt of one another. Be on the lookout for signs from yourself and your partner. To get out of contempt, look for the best in your partner, not the worst.

Make up that your partner is amazing, and they look great, and you’re so proud of them, and they add value to your life. This increases intimacy and decreases contempt. Let your partner know you have their back and care about them.

What are some things singles or dating partners can use to build connection, intimacy, and curiosity early on?

When dating, embrace the parts of you that you’re proud of and the parts that you lack, and get curious about the other person and what they have that you don’t when you’re dating. Be the best partner instead of just looking for the best partner.

How can someone tell if they’re stuck in a negative cycle with a new partner, or if they’re just being cautious from past hurt?

Evaluate why you act a certain way. Assess whether it’s you, them, or the two of you together. If your response is outsized, evaluate why that is. Share that information with your partner when you’re dating. 

What are your final words of advice for anyone who wants to go on their last first date?

Prioritize curiosity, and see if this is a relationship where you both can learn.

Connect with Zach

Watch this episode on YouTube

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Get a copy of Sandy’s books, Becoming a Woman of Value; How to Thrive in Life and Love and Choice Points in Dating; Empowering Women to Make Healthier Decisions in Love and Love at Last: True Stories of Falling in Love Later in Life

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Let’s get one thing straight – every relationship will face seasons of distance. It’s not always fireworks and Sunday morning cuddles. Work, stress, children, health, and life in general can all chip away at the intimacy between two people. But when that connection starts to fade, it begs the question:

Can A Relationship Survive A Lack Of Intimacy?

 

Here’s the truth: yes, a relationship can survive a lack of intimacy – for a time. But it won’t thrive. It becomes like a beautiful house with no heat. It might stand, but eventually it gets cold, brittle, and empty.

What Exactly Is Intimacy?

 

Many people hear “intimacy” and immediately think of sex. But intimacy is so much more than that. It’s about closeness, vulnerability, touch, trust, shared emotional safety, and feeling truly seen. It’s that sacred bond that makes two people feel like they’re a team, not just two flatmates sharing a Netflix account.

There are different forms of intimacy:

• Emotional intimacy – Feeling understood, supported, and safe enough to be vulnerable.

• Physical intimacy – Holding hands, cuddling, non-sexual touch that communicates affection.

• Sexual intimacy – Desire, sensuality, and physical pleasure.

• Intellectual intimacy – Sharing ideas, dreams, and values.

• Experiential intimacy – Connecting through shared experiences and quality time.

 

When one or more of these is missing, you start to feel that “something’s off.” You’re not arguing, but you’re not connecting. You’re existing, not engaging.

And if it’s left unspoken for too long, that disconnection can quietly corrode your relationship.

Why Intimacy Fades

 

Before we talk about fixing it, let’s talk about why it goes. It’s rarely malicious. Often, it’s subtle and unintentional. Some of the most common causes include:

• Routine and busyness – When life becomes a to-do list, connection slips down the priority ladder.

• Unresolved conflict or resentment – When issues go unaddressed, emotional walls go up.

• Stress and fatigue – Physical or emotional exhaustion can dim desire and reduce patience.

• Body image or self-esteem issues – When you don’t feel good in yourself, it’s hard to open up.

• Hormonal shifts or illness – Both partners’ libidos can be affected by age, health, or medication.

• Parenting pressures – Kids take energy, time, and emotional bandwidth – sometimes leaving little for each other.

 

No one wakes up one day and decides to disconnect. But it happens, and it happens quietly.

Can a Relationship Be Saved With A Lack Of Intimacy?

 

It’s possible to stay in a relationship without intimacy – some couples do, often for practical reasons like children or finances. But it’s important to ask: Are you surviving, or are you fulfilled?

When there is a lack of intimacy, couples often begin to experience:

• A sense of loneliness, even when together

• Less affection, humour, and fun

• Lower self-worth or desirability

• Resentment or emotional shutdown

• Temptation to seek connection elsewhere (emotionally or physically)

So while you can power through for a while, the deeper question is: Do you want to live that way?

And if the answer is no – here’s the good news: intimacy can be rebuilt.

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How to Rebuild Intimacy: Practical Tips That Work

 

Restoring closeness takes intention. But it doesn’t have to be awkward, forced, or overwhelming. It starts with a mindset of curiosity, empathy, and courage.

Here’s how to get started:

1. Talk About It – But Do It With Care

 

The first step is to acknowledge the elephant in the room – with kindness, not blame.

Say things like:

• “I’ve really missed feeling close to you.”

• “I’d love for us to reconnect a bit more.”

• “How are you feeling about us lately?”

Avoid criticism. This isn’t a performance review – it’s a gentle invitation to rebuild.

2. Revisit Each Other’s Love Language

 

One of the most powerful (and overlooked) tools for intimacy is understanding how your partner receives love. You might be giving words of affirmation while they crave physical touch or acts of service.

Ask each other:

Sometimes it’s not that the love is gone – it’s just not being communicated in the right language. A lack of intimacy is the end result of this.

3. Bring Back Non-Sexual Touch

 

Sex might feel like a big leap if you’ve grown distant, so start simple. A warm hug in the kitchen. A hand on their knee during a chat. A back rub. Skin-to-skin contact without expectation builds safety.

Remember: physical connection is often the pathway back to desire, not the reward for it.

4. Create Space for Intimacy

 

I know – scheduling romance sounds dull. But if you’re waiting for a “perfect moment,” you’ll be waiting a long time. Real relationships need intentional time carved out for each other.

That could be:

• A regular date night (even if it’s at home)

• An afternoon walk with no phones

• Going to bed at the same time to talk, cuddle, or just be

Connection needs consistency, not extravagance.

️ 5. Ditch the Digital Clutter

 

Phones are often a culprit for a serious lack of intimacy. If you’re lying in bed facing two separate screens, you’re silently saying, this rectangle is more interesting than you. Ouch.

Try this:

Reclaim attention. That’s where intimacy lives.

6. Be Emotionally Curious Again

 

Ask each other thoughtful, open questions:

• “What’s something you’ve been dreaming about lately?”

• “When did you last feel really happy with me?”

• “What would help you feel more connected to me?”

People evolve. Don’t assume you know everything about your partner. Let them surprise you again.

7. Don’t Force It – Invite It

 

Pressure kills passion. If one partner feels emotionally cornered into “fixing” things, they’ll withdraw further. Let the process unfold. Be patient. Focus on small, daily acts of love and closeness, and let desire come back in its own time.

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Final Thoughts: Real Intimacy Is Built, Not Found

 

There’s no shame in hitting a rough patch. Every couple does. What matters is what you do about it.

If you’re in a relationship where intimacy has faded, don’t give up – but don’t brush it under the rug either.
Be the one who starts the conversation.
Be the one who reaches out.
Be the one who dares to reconnect.

Because when two people choose to rebuild, a deeper, more resilient love often emerges on the other side.

You deserve a relationship where you feel seen, wanted, and cherished. Don’t settle for less.

If you’d like some help, please book your free dating coaching discovery call with me using the link at the top of this page.

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