The Date Night Manifesto

by Sophia Ledingham

Are you childfree, or do you have one, two or more adorable mini-mes? Are you in your first serious committed relationship, or third-time lucky? Be it two or forty-two years together, there’s a lot to discover from Date Night.

In her new book, The Date Night Manifesto, Sophia Ledingham chronicles Date Nights – hers and others - in upmarket and fashionable places. Ranging from Hackney’s Bistrotheque to Dublin’s iconic Shelbourne Hotel, to Amsterdam’s infamous Supper Club, the author features some of the most desirable Date Night destinations.

Anchored in real experiences and psychology, the book is written in a light-hearted style, free from psychobabble, and packed with researched facts and practical ideas for Date Night.

All kinds of couples love the enriched connection that comes from Date Night.

Once the cloak of daily domesticity disappears, you’ll find yourself revealing your romantic and attentive self, perhaps channelling your inner Romeo. Using the Date Night Manifesto guarantees that you’ll discover new things about each other, even if you’ve been together for what feels like a lifetime. Whether you have clocked up double-digit anniversaries or you’re still savouring the wedding cake, The Date Night Manifesto’s 16 Principles will give you more to celebrate.

Genres: Nonfiction

232 pages, Paperback

First published January 28, 2015

About the author

Sophia is a psychologist who has been quietly helping couples strengthen their relationships for the past 12 years. A graduate of Otago University, London Guildhall University and the University of Surrey, Sophia's academic work has been focused on sensemaking, emotional intelligence and attachment. Her Doctoral research is on understandings of romance. Whilst New Zealand born, Sophia and her British husband split their time between the United Kingdom and the Middle East.

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved reading this book. It is witty, practical and grounded in research on how couples who have been together for awhile can keep the romance in their relationship and not take each other for granted. The book is also very well organized so that if there are certain areas of the author's recommendations that are a better fit for you, you can more easily focus on those and disregard or focus less on the areas you already do well. I am excited to implement many of these because with the busyness of "life," it is easy to let our partners not get the best of us and this book reminded me that they should be a priority and get the best of us.

[Kerry Lander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Date Night Manifesto taps enjoyably into a unique angle. There are books around on dating, romance and love, yet this is the first, to this reader’s knowledge, solely devoted to the modern phenomenon of the date night with one’s long-term significant other. The author is a not only a psychologist, but a person in a busy partnership, to whom maintaining regular date nights is of high importance. She is lucky to move around some glamourous settings and international cities, but we can kind of enjoy her dates vicariously, especially when she goes through the pitfalls of trying to make things too perfect, or the all-too-human mistakes of being in the wrong frame of mind on a date.

I especially enjoyed the little stories and anecdotes. These are there to illustrate the dos and don’ts of Sophia Ledingham’s 16 Guiding Principles to running a great date night – all with the aim of reigniting the flame with your partner. These principles have great names like ‘Negativity No Nos’, and ‘Every venue has a silver lining’ – and there are also charts for recording your date night progress, and ideas for places to go. Anyway it’s a fun read, and peeps with partners (and especially those with kids who are struggling to find time for each other) should give it a read. I bet you some of it will stick!

[Helen Macdonald · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given a review copy and found it to be an enjoyable read; practical and insightful too. The book draws on sound psychological principles and insightful examples to back each claim made. While I don't think I have the discipline to apply all the advice, I have found myself drawing on some of it each week when my partner and I go out. I even went as far as requesting some new lingerie and yes, Ms Ledingham was right when she claimed that even what we put on under our clothing will change our mindset from viewing datenight as a night away from the kids to one of romance. And of course my partner was thrilled at being allowed into a lingerie shop.

Thanks for bringing some added romance back into what were already enjoyable nights out.

[Beth S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clever, timely and well-written. Informs and entertains. Sophia's tips work, give it a read and see for yourself :)

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid practical advice for people who are feeling a little complacent in their relationships. It's a needed reminder that having fun with your partner shouldn't stop after getting married!

[Angelnet · Rating 3 out of 5]

I rarely read self help books but this one had an interesting premise. The Date Night Manifesto is aimed at couples who have been together for quite a while and are at risk of taking each other for granted.

The Manifesto is an easy read at just 163 pages and is peppered with quotes from people as diverse as Mother Theresa and Coco Chanel.

Most of the advice is fairly obvious but it doesn't hurt to remind yourself why you fell in love with this person in the first place and rekindle that spark.

Supplied by Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

[Lori Fantozzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun and interesting book this is! I don't usually read this type cover to cover but the wit and content had me going. It is so well organized with so many great ideas, there's just no excuse not to give Date Night a try. Sophia has injected just enough humor with anecdotes to make this an enjoyable read. I'm ready to schedule a Date Night.

[Andrea · Rating 1 out of 5]

It was okay ... I'm not one for factual or 'self help' books ... I tend to 'zone out' and scan read them. However ... Mr T and I have booked a Date Night later this week, so some of it must have inspired me!