The more time a couple spends dating, the happier and healthier the marriage seems to be. Now, admittedly there is a "chicken or egg" element to this equation. It's uncertain if the dating makes them happier, or if they date because they are so happy to begin with. But clearly, taking a couple who is having issues and letting them go out, relax, and have fun together can do wonders for the marriage morale.

As a husband, you may struggle form time to time with ideas on things to do when that free time does come along. So in this article, we offer 14 dating ideas, ranging from ambitious to sexy to relaxing, and most can be done in a few hours’ time. Some of these are weekend all-day dates, weeknight evening dates, day trips, or lazy afternoon activities. The more interesting and exciting dates may take a little preparation, but, as with most things in life, the better things are worth more effort.

Also, it’s fair to reveal that most women don’t think men like to date their wives. In fact, according to the mail we receive, most women believe that husbands like to do only three things:

1. Watch television

2. Have sex

3. Eat (food that someone else prepares)

We think there’s nothing wrong with that list of activities, but we’re also pretty confident that your list is a bit longer. However, to set you at ease, here are some activities that we’re NOT going to ask you to do with your wife.

• See an opera

• Spend an afternoon visiting antique stores

• Learn to swing dance

• Write her a poem

Sound good? Great, here we go!

Go Wine Tasting

Did you know that every state in the continental United States has a least two wineries? Visiting a vineyard and tasting their wines is down-to-earth, sophisticated, sexy, rural, simple, and great fun. Having wine knowledge is not necessary, either. Most wineries consist of a farm with a little building to showcase the wine. There’s nothing fancy about it. You generally pay a small fee (like $4) and sample up to five to eight wines.

Here’s a website that organizes US wineries by state:

www.allamericanwineries.com/AAWMain/locate.htm

Walk Through a Park

Park the car, put some cold drinks in a backpack, and stroll across your favorite park.

Go to a Ball Game (But not a game in which your child is playing)

We all live near some type of organized sports league, be it high school, college, minor league, or professional. The cost of tickets for most games beneath the professional level is very low, and even after you’ve added the cost of the peanuts and Cracker Jacks, it’s a relatively inexpensive way to hit the town. If you don’t already have a favorite team, flip a coin and make it your business to cheer them on.

Sing Karaoke

So many people are scared of karaoke. "I can’t sing," they yell, BUT THAT’S THE POINT! Karaoke is for regular people who can’t sing to have a little sake, pick an old Beatles song, and let loose.

Shoot Billiards

There’s nothing mystical about this. Find a great joint with a pool table in your town. Search for one at www.citysearch.com. Grab your gal and rack ‘em. To add an extra level of interest, wager that whoever loses must cook dinner or give the other a 20-minute massage.

Go to a College Theater Production (But not a production in which your child is performing)

The level of most college theater is good enough to pass the yawn test, and shows cover a wide range of styles, from Shakespeare to Broadway to avant garde, giving you lots of choices. Citysearch.com is a good resource.

Recreate Your First Date

This doesn’t have to be cheesy or overwrought. Just invite your wife to recreate your first date. You can take it as far as you like: Wear the same clothes chances are she remembers what you were both wearing). Pick her up or meet her at the same place. Eat the same meal, and try to remember what you thought about during that first evening together.

Visit a Bookstore Together

Today’s bookstores are date havens. Most have cafés with great coffee and pastries. They have chairs and couches for relaxing and reading, as well as thousands of books for browsing. To break your routine, agree to separate and reconvene in 30 minutes with three books that you think the other person would enjoy.

Listen to Live Music

Live music is one of the most available entertainment sources we have. Colleges have concerts. Cities have festivals. Bands that were hitting the charts when you were in high school still tour – playing the same songs! Many towns have small and thriving jazz scenes or rock clubs that allow you to hear unbelievable musicians for a $5 or $10 cover. The great thing with music clubs is that you can sit together holding hands, listening without talking, and leave whenever you like. Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com) can show you the big concerts in your area.

Go for a Bike Ride and a Picnic

They are in the garage. They are dusty. They are rusty. The tires need air. Take a little time to oil the chain, throw some food and drinks in a backpack, and pedal yourself in the direction of the nearest park. Of course, many bike stores also rent if yours are beyond repair.

Enjoy Tapas

Tapas are small Spanish dishes that can be eaten as a snack or a full meal. The ingredients can be widely varied but often include things like olives, cheeses, ham, and breads. Picking, swapping, and discussing tapas is a great and unusual way to spend the evening.

Ride in a Glider

Talk about shaking things up! It has gotten relatively easy to use Google to find local glider trips. You and your wife can go up with a pilot and spend 45 minutes or so silently gliding through the sky.

Grab a Cup of Coffee and a Decadent Treat

So simple. So perfect. Coffee cafés are everywhere, and there’s no better way to spend a simple evening than drinking some coffee and having a rich, sweet treat.