Marriage Minder-Date Night

When is the last time you had a date with your partner? If you’ve been married or living with your partner for a while and gotten into the routines of work, housework, childcare, etc. it may have been some time since you set aside time for an honest to goodness, real date night. All too often, we go to work, come home, eat dinner, and take care of what we consider “essential” household responsibilities and give little thought or attention to the needs of our relationship. Just like a car, however, your relationship requires that you give it regular “maintenance” for it to function properly.

A real date does not have to be expensive or extravagant. In fact, you don’t even have to leave home. An essential requirement is that you have eliminated as many distractions as possible, thus allowing you and your partner to have uninterrupted time together. If you have children, this means getting a babysitter, waiting until the kids are asleep or some other strategy that prevents interruptions. A second equally important requirement is that you make the date experience FUN. It’s best to leave any difficult conversations for another time.

We would suggest making at least part of your date interactive. Having a satisfying conversation with your partner, at your favorite restaurant say, playing a game at the kitchen table, or having a discussion about a book you are reading together are all great ways to enjoy each other’s company. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with watching a movie together. We can all use some “downtime” occasionally and relaxing with your partner and a movie can be both fun and relaxing.

We would suggest that you prioritize date nights and schedule them often. Weekly would be fantastic if possible but a couple of times per month would be a good minimum amount to keep your relationship running smoothly.