While some people prefer spending more time outside than at home, there are homebodies who delight in spending their free time relaxing in the comfort of their nests. Dating homebodies can be a real challenge, but making compromises can be rewarding if you are willing to put in the work. Chances are that if you show your sensitivity to the preferences of your homebody, they can make compromises of their own and make the relationship flourish. If you are dating a homebody, here are a few ways to make it enjoyable for both of you.
Look for alternatives
Homebodies go out only if they have to. They work and go on errands like everyone else, but every minute of their free time is likely spent at home. So it helps to make a list of things that your date likes to do at home, and then look for similar complementary outside activities that match your date's interests. Does he like model building? Find a showroom or conference close by. Keep an eye out for when her favorite celebrity visits your locale, or look for nearby concerts of his favorite bands or music genre.
Join a circle
Find activities that allow you to make new friends together. Join a book club, sports team, or gym. Some homebodies avoid involving themselves in social situations with friends of their significant other for fear that they might not fit in. So instead of asking him to dive right in, ease him into socializing by making new friends together. This is even more important if you just started dating.
Set rules for invitations
If you have an established social network, it's likely that you will get invites for parties and other activities from your friends. Agree with your date on how long you are going to stay at the party, instead of turning down the invitation to stay indoors. Ensure that you stay with your date the whole time, so she won't be stuck having to make conversation with a stranger. Exposure is an effective way to get your homebody to loosen up, so facilitate socializing and it can work out.
Keep it loose
Avoid stuck up activities like formal events, dinners, and such. Choose informal places for dates to avoid stressing out your homebody. Stick to local hotspots where both of you can relax and have fun. Go to the bowling alley, play laser tag with new friends, or just chill at the park while eating ice cream.
Get creative
Aside from the usual activities your date enjoys at home, try creating new and fun ways to enjoy each other's company without stepping out. If he has a rec room, play video games, billiards, or roll around on a carpet full of pillows. You can even go so far as to build pillow forts and shoot each other with foam dart guns. The sky's the limit.
Share
There are always dishes to wash, laundry to do, and renovations to perform, so find ways to enjoy each other's company while being productive. It builds solidarity and teamwork, and will help both of you understand each other better. Cooking is a great way to bond as both your efforts end up in a tangible, hopefully delicious result.
If you make the effort to really have a good time with your recluse, then she can hopefully return the favor by going out with you a lot more frequently. Do keep in mind that it doesn't always work out. You may not be able to change those homebody behaviors completely, and it's okay if it really isn't for you.
Have you ever dated a homebody? How was it? Tell us your stories in the comments below!
