Dates got you to a place where you wanted to marry each other. If you want to stay married, then keep dating your spouse
-Andy Traub
My husband and I dated for years before we got married. Our date nights were anything from dinner and a movie, concerts, and trips. We enjoyed our courtship, and it’s one of the main reasons why we got married. Shortly before getting married, I remember having a sister circle where it was recommended to continue dating even into marriage.
So after getting married, we continued to date each other. The newlywed stage continued with lots of quality time with each age. After a few years, our family grew with the birth of our son and daughter two years later.
With two little kids, our date nights became further spread out. As extra cautious parents, we initially did not trust anyone other than family to watch our kids. Since our family lives out of state, our date nights were few and far between. Whenever family would come into town or we went to visit family, we would make a beeline to the door!
Eventually, we found a trusted babysitter to watch the kids. So, we would make it a point to continue our date nights. At first, we would leave the house once the kids were asleep. Despite knowing the kids were asleep, we would still check in with the babysitter and rush back home. Eventually, we would leave out for a date while the kids were awake. Imagine that!
As you can see it was a process to get comfortable enough to leave the kids with a non-family member. Although this took us out of our comfort zone, we felt it was necessary. During this new chapter of being married with kids, it’s still important for us to continue dating each other. Check out our top five reasons to keep dating each other in marriage.
Our marriage is a priority
Yep, it’s that simple. My husband and I are committed to each other and our marriage. Dating each other is a reminder that we are a priority to each other.
We get to be grown
Going out on a date let’s talk and laugh about adult topics. With the kids around we typically have to speak in code when it comes to adult sensitive topics such as sex, avoid explicit music in the car, or use creative words instead of curse words. While on our dates, we can remove the filters and just be grown!
We can enjoy a hot meal
Prior to having kids, I completely underestimated enjoying a hot meal. While always thankful for the food, I didn’t think about the temperature of food. After having kids, my meal times became more sporadic (i.e. skipping meals, eating dinner after the kids went to sleep). Also, as my kids got older, they somehow wanted the food on my plate even though it was the same food on their plate! So when we go on a date, I usually suggest something involving food to ensure I get a hot meal (without any kid fingers in my plate!)
It’s an investment in our future
Dating my husband is a way for us to get some uninterrupted quality time and deepen our marital bond. It’s a way for us to connect with each other and truly focus on each other.
Leads to a fun night
Having fun is one of the best things about date night. One of the many reasons why I love my husband is we have fun together. Even when we’re not on a date, we enjoy each other’s company. There’s another reason why we rush home from date nights too…….come on….we’re grown!
So there you have it. We find dates as a way to keep our marriage fresh and enjoyable. In today’s current environment dating has definitely caused us to be creative. One day soon, I’ll share some ways we’ve been able to continue our date nights at home.
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