Dates are needed even after the rings on the finger. This can be a great challenge for parents of very very young kids. With a newborn they are almost obsolete. But they don't have to be! There are hundreds of cheap, quick and easy dates for couples to enjoy being together. Even if it's hiding in your kids play TP for a quick game of scrabble and a mini make out. Couples really need time together to stay connected, be excited about each other, share some kisses and talk about big kid stuff ("talking" with a toddler all day is fun don't get me wrong ;), but there comes a time when you want a big girl conversation). Even as kids grow and busy schedules take you to and fro...Or when the nest is empty and you're left alone again...Have you found that you aren't making time for that person you gave yourself to and chose to be one with? Are you growing apart as you spend little time together? Do you feel like you don't know each other anymore? Time to reconnect and let the love boat sail again!
Everybody's love boat journey is different but I do believe there are a few principles that help the boat stay afloat and moving happily along. Mind you I'm no expert, but here are a few I think are key.
1. Set a Date. If the cruise ship never has a departure date what's the use of boarding the boat and planning your trip? We are definitely not the best at this one and I often find myself having to make all the arrangements to finally get us out the door, but we try to get out. I think setting a date is so important. It's a way to look forward eagerly to that date on the calendar when you get to be our together. Like counting down to the day of Christmas, you'll be counting to that marked date with great anticipation. Another great reason to mark that calendar is that the chances are much higher it will actually happen!!! If you don't put it on the calendar life happens and you won't make time for it.
2. Consistency is key. Don't go months without spending an evening out together! This is death to the happy love boat. Cause sitting still in stagnant water brings mosquitoes and all sorts of nasty things. Keep moving! If you like Friday nights go with those. If once a month is what your schedule permits go for it. Just make sure you are consistent, don't forget to row.
3. Kiss. My dad has a famous tune he likes to sing where a little date happens in a canoe. The gentleman rowing the canoe says "you can kiss me, or get out and swim.." and that is actually a key component to a good date with your spouse. Make sure you don't end your date night without a kiss. Just like Ariel and Eric in the Little Mermaid, a kiss goes a long way!
4. Others shoes. Don't always pick what you want to do, put yourself in your spouses shoes and think what they'd especially like. Not only is this a kind gesture but it will help make sure you know your spouse. Do you know what your hubby enjoys doing? Do you know what your wife would melt for? Get to know one another better by going out and doing dates that each other would like!
5. Along with that...Make the trade! Don't allow one spouse to always plan the dates. Trade off and allow each other to help make the dating happen. When you aren't rowing together you'll get no where. So share the oars and trade off planning, scheduling and making arrangements.
6. Have fun. Duh, right? But really, put your phone away, talk to each other, laugh, just be carefree together. Don't let work or troubles be the topic of conversation. No one wants to go out and then have a bad time. Make it a party love boat and have fun no matter what troubles life might hold at the time. Date night should not include those. Make sure again to think about your spouse and make it a goal to make them happy while you're out.
There are probably TONS more key components to a good and happy dating life but those are a few for thought. I strongly believe that marriage is supposed to succeed and be the happiest relationship in your life. And dating is a key important ingredient to making the ride succeed. So get your paddle and start rowing, make the journey lovely!!
Fun date ideas:
Go out for frozen yogurt (this was our last date!)
Go out for ANY dessert, cause hey that's what we all enjoy, right ladies!
Go to a movie (James' favorite date)
Go to the library and read kids books
Have dinner together
Plan a candle lit dinner
Play a board game
Go to a dollar store together
Walk around Cabellas together
Star gaze on a blanket
Go paint pottery at a shop
Go to a grocery store and buy something you've never eaten before.
Make pizza
Go to a park
Have a picnic, indoor or outdoor
Truth or Dare
Look through photos together
Pinterest hunt
Go shooting at a gun range
Go on a walk
Visit a museum
Learn a new recipe
***be creative or find a great list online, there are truly SO many date ideas out there to make it fun and exciting!!
