When was the last time you and your boyfriend or girlfriend went out for a walk, or ate out at a café with outdoor seating, or just sat down on a park bench and enjoyed each other’s company? 

I’ve noticed a trend while I was in Europe this summer. People are so much more willing to spend time outdoors with each other. Everywhere you go, you see couples and friends walking, sitting on park benches, or in outdoor cafes. It’s like the entire population is out and about. When I ask my friends about dates they’ve been on, not one of them has said, “We went for a romantic walk and talked for hours.” That makes it seem like people only do that in movies.

Most of us do not live in cities, so that could be a factor. However, regardless of where we all live, there’s a whole world outside of the comfort of our own homes, indoor restaurants, or movie theaters. We need to get outside and spend more time with each other there.

Do you feel bloated and uncomfortable from that large meal you just had? The best way to feel better after eating like there’s no tomorrow is to get out and walk it off for about 20 minutes. You’ll  feel better instantly! And that’s speaking from experience. 

The outside world is full of surprises. You never know what you will come across. When I stayed with a family while in Vienna, Austria, and they told me a story about how they met. The mom was sitting on a bench talking to a friend when this guy and his friend (her current husband) approached them and struck up a conversation. After their park encounter, they dated for a while and have now been married for 26 years. 

So, for all the single people out there, going on that walk at the right place and the right time could land you a husband or a wife. If you’re really just not a fan of walks, then take your significant other out and go on a hike. I’ve noticed that, lately, hikes have become “the cool thing to do.” Hikes are also amazing. You’re spending time outside with people, enjoying nature, doing cardiovascular wonders for your body, and then you can take those typical pictures with your friends or boyfriend at the top of your hiking destination.

Playing outdoor sports is also a great way to spend your time outside, and an awesome way to make new friends. There’s a saying that “couples who play together, stay together.” This also applies to friendships. It really strengthens the bond between people. 

Take a moment to think about some older Hollywood movies -- the younger population of the world was always outside. What happened to that? Is it more than selling our souls to social media?

Let's all put our phones on airplane mode, leave our TVs, computers, iPads, and electronic devices behind, and just enjoy nature’s scenery with our company. It is so much more rewarding. 

Photo courtesy of: http://www.midtownmarriageandfamilytherapy.com/cou...