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Manatee or Mermaid? A Date at the Aquarium

January 3, 2014 by Steve

Manatee or Mermaid:  A Date at the Aquarium

Manatee or Mermaid? A Date at the Aquarium

On January 9th, 1493 Christopher Columbus was exploring the coast of the Dominican Republic and saw three “Mermaids”.  He describes them as “not half as beautiful as they are painted.” 

Beautiful, mythical creatures with the head and torso of a woman and a fish tail instead of legs, mermaids have been talked about by sailors since the time of the ancient Greeks.

As it turns out what Columbus most likely saw were manatees, not mermaids.  Yeah, not half as beautiful.

There is something romantic, almost magical about the sea

How about making some of that romance and magic part of your next date plan?

Have you ever had an aquarium date?  We visited our local Aquarium not too long ago and had a great time.  You should try it.

Most aquariums are relatively inexpensive.  You may even be able to find a good deal on Groupon.

It was pretty slow when we went, which we liked.  If that is important to you you might want to check ahead what are the busier times and plan accordingly.  

There is something cool and calming about seeing life under water.  The lights and reflections create a romantic mood.  And, there is plenty of time for conversation. 

Here are some ideas for conversation:

  • What is your first memory of water?
  • What is your most memorable experience with water?
  • Tell me about when you learned to swim?  What was that experience like?

Do you already know these things about your spouse?  If not, you don’t have to go to the aquarium to find out.  Ask anyway.

A Distorted Perspective or Generous Interpretation?

Water has a way of distorting the way that things are seen.  That may be part of the reason manatees were mistaken for mermaids.

Couples that are “in love” often have a tendency to “turn a blind eye” to each other’s faults and see through “rose-colored glasses”.

Is that good or bad?

Interestingly when it comes to being happily married, it is good.

Marcus Buckingham, in his book The One Thing You Need to Know, explains what is the ONE THING, above all else, that makes for a happily married, life long couple.  His conclusion is based on extensive research.

That is priceless information.

What is the ONE THING?

“Find the most generous explanation for each other’s behavior and believe it.” 

A generous perspective is something to keep in mind, whether you go to an aquarium or not.  

Put this into practice and your spouse just may end up transforming from a manatee to a mermaid before your very eyes.


If you want to take your dating to a new level I invite you to join us in this first ever Spouse Dates Challenge Program.    

This first Challenge will run from January 12th through March 22nd.  

Enrollment is limited and applications must be submitted by January 7th at midnight. 

Apply here:  Spouse Dates Challenge Program Application


 

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Hi. My name is Steve Pare. I created Spouse Dates to share people, ideas and resources with you in order to help you build a better marriage - one date at a time!

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