Like most everyone will tell you, getting in the mood for some fun with your partner usually doesn't just happen. There are a series of elements that all play into having an enjoyable and intimate evening with your partner. If you're looking for some tips for turning up the heat, you've come to the right place.
1. Never underestimate the power of a playlist.
Music is magic—we don't make the rules! No matter your preferred genre, there's a spicy playlist out there just waiting to be the soundtrack to your wildest dreams. Can't quite find one that suits your fancy? Take some inspiration from some of your favorite tv shows and movies and create your own. You could even make it a joint effort and create a collaborative playlist together with your partner. Press "play" and see what happens.
2. Also consider sights and smells!
Mood lighting is important, so consider setting up your space to have a warm and low glow (even strung up white holiday lights or battery-operated candles situated throughout could do the trick). Nobody feels their best while being bombarded by overhead lighting—we won't even get into the horrors of fluorescents.
When it comes to scents, there's scientific evidence indicating some fragrances pack some serious sexy power. Those scents with the highest aphrodisiac olfactory notes include pumpkin, cinnamon, champaca, vanilla, lavender, rose, jasmine, ambrette, saffron, sandalwood, citrus and more. Even more: Scent is also closely tied to memory, so if you have a perfume that evokes feelings from a special time (first date, wedding day, etc.), spritzing it on could easily up the sentimentality of the evening.
3. Create some build up.
Throughout the day, consider exchanging playful texts with your partner to create excitement for the evening's activities. You could also go the extra mile by scheduling a special delivery of your partner's favorite dessert, coffee or lunch item to show you're thinking of them. Once together, consider creating even more excitement by throwing on shows or a movie that bring some heat of its own (Bridgerton, anyone?).
4. Empty stomachs need not apply.
While we realize being stuffed to the gills isn't necessarily the sexiest thing, neither is trying to get down and dirty on an empty stomach (sustenance equals energy, after all). Factor a satisfying meal into your date, but consider the time it takes to digest and if there are any ingredients that might upset a sensitive stomach. You wouldn't want any uncalled-for bodily functions to get in the way of a good time.
Of course, everyone is different, so be sure to communicate with your partner about their likes and dislikes (if the smell of rose only reminds them of their grandma's house, perhaps that's not the way to go). And have fun!
Written by Sarah Suydam, Managing Editor for West Michigan Woman.
