6 Ways to Keep Dating your Spouse
In our marriages, we often make a critical mistake: we stop dating our spouse. This is especially true after we become parents. As husband and wives, we’re juggling careers, children, households, and outside commitments. With that kind of hectic schedule, we’re lucky to even get a kiss in the morning, not to mention a date night!
If we want to keep our marriages strong and healthy, we have to make dating our spouse a priority. So, how do we do that?
1. Schedule it. Reserve a regular time on both of your calendars to ensure your date night happens. Some couples find weekly or bi-weekly dates work best for their schedules. Whatever you decide upon, try to adhere to it and protect the date(s). If events beyond your control keep you from keeping your date night, then be sure to find another time that will work for the two of you.
2. Make your plans. Consider one another’s preferences. Maybe you’d love dinner and conversation, perhaps your spouse enjoys a good movie. To keep a good variety, (and to ease the burden of one partner always doing the planning), take turns planning your date nights. It’ll also keep things fun and fresh.
3. Arrange childcare. For those who have younger children, finding a good babysitter will be a necessity. If finances are an issue, then consider bartering with another close friend, or if you’re fortunate enough to have Grandma nearby, give her a call! Teen children can also be helpful with babysitting. Just be sure to compensate them somehow, so they’ll treat it like a real job and responsibility.
4. Look the Part. Ladies, when planning a date with your husband, dress and look attractive the way you did before you were married. Wear his favorite color on you, fix your hair, wear his favorite perfume, and wear make-up that brings out your features; in other words-look good for him. Fella’s the same goes for you: freshen up a bit and look nice. You just might just be rewarded for your efforts later!
5. Establish Ground Rules. When you go out on your date, resist bringing up stuff about the kids, the finances, problems in the relationship, and any other potential mood-killers. You can always schedule another time to discuss those issues.
6. And finally, Have Fun! This is your chance to grow closer and enjoy one another without the distraction and stresses of every day life.
By dating your spouse on a regular basis, you’ll be on your way of making your marriage a priority once again!