Who’s That Again?
Choose an actor whose name you can’t remember and have your partner try to guess who you’re thinking of. Throughout the day, offer vague clues, such as “he did the voice-over in a car commercial ten years ago” and “she was in the new ‘Matrix’ movie but didn’t have a speaking role.”
Synonymous Tip
Take a word that your significant other overuses, such as “literally” or “epic,” and brainstorm alternatives. During dinner, try to get your partner to switch up their vocabulary—or at least use the word “ironic” in the correct context.
Shopping Listle
Make a list of groceries that you need. After your partner unpacks the bags, circle the items on the list that they forgot to get. Plan meals for the week that you could’ve made if only they’d remembered the bouillon cubes.
Code Crackers
Install an alarm system for your home, then immediately forget what the security code is. Take turns guessing four-digit numbers until the pulsating shrieks subside or the fire department shows up.
Name-Up
Write down a common name for a person. Have your partner change or add at least three letters to make the name unpronounceable. A great baby-name generator for couples!
Four-Letter Wordle
You get six attempts to guess a four-letter word. If you guess a letter and it’s in the correct spot, it will turn green. If it’s in the word but in the wrong spot, it’ll turn yellow. If you use the word after you’ve spilled nail polish on your in-laws’ couch or when you forget to bring your vax card to Carla’s wedding, all of the letters (and your face) will turn red.
Finish Line
Compile ten of your most commonly used expressions, then share only the first half of each expression with your partner. The person who is able to correctly finish more of the other’s sentences wins. Or loses, depending on whether predictability is a cute romantic quirk or a sign of deep-seated emotional stagnancy.
Language of Love
Take turns uttering phrases that convey “I love you” without actually using those words. Some examples: “Thanks for ordering the sushi with brown rice,” “The dog needs a bath,” and “Should we make wills at some point?” The first player to slip up and say “I love you” has to give the dog a bath.
Celebrity
With your partner, make a list of celebrities with whom you’d be allowed to cheat. First cross off the names of celebrities who’ve been cancelled, or died and you had no idea. Then debate the merits of Matt Damon’s diminished star power, the likelihood of running into Camila Cabello in upstate New York, and whether certain movie stars are aging gracefully or just decaying into a watered-down version of their more famous parents. When you realize that the only celebrities remaining on your list are Ralph Macchio and the guy who plays Jake in those State Farm commercials, reaffirm your love for your partner and go do the Sunday New York Times crossword together.
