I arrived at the local sports field with my four young children, seeking clarity from the coach regarding practice schedules. Honestly, I’m that parent who doesn’t keep track until the season kicks off. “What nights are practices?” I inquired.
“Wednesday nights,” he replied.
“Wednesday nights?” I echoed. “You won’t see me then. That’s date night. Joe, the babysitter, will be here.”
“This week?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Nope,” I clarified. “Every week. Wednesday night is our designated date night.”
“Seriously? Sounds nice,” he remarked, a hint of sarcasm in his voice.
“It’s a lot nicer than divorce,” I shot back. And it truly is.
I understand how prioritizing a date night might seem extravagant—hiring a babysitter, applying a little makeup, and finding an outfit that’s not stained with food or other remnants from my kids. Yes, it can be a bit of a challenge.
Moreover, it relies on both partners having a common night free from work obligations, children’s activities, and household chores. Not to mention, it’s not cheap—you’re paying for meals that you’d otherwise enjoy at home, along with compensating Joe the babysitter. The costs certainly accumulate when you think about it.
However, I firmly believe it’s much less costly than dealing with a divorce.
Date night holds significant meaning in my marriage. I wed a wonderful man named Mark 15 years ago, and we initially clicked remarkably well. We even met in an art school—how romantic is that? Back then, our adventures involved simply packing a loaf of bread, cheese, and wine, then hiking to a scenic spot by the ocean to share our dreams and aspirations.
Life took a turn when we became parents to four amazing children, who now demand our attention. Responsibilities like work, home maintenance, and finances fill our days, making it easy to forget about nurturing our relationship.
After 15 years together, we are different people than we once were. We’re busy, aging, and perhaps too comfortable with each other—sometimes even forgetting to close the bathroom door.
And to clarify, PTA meetings, school events, or family outings with the kids don’t count as date night.
Date night is a sacred time shared between you and your partner—the person with whom you’ve built a life, a marriage, and a family. It’s a commitment between you and your soulmate, ensuring you don’t need to sign any other contracts, like divorce papers.
Every Wednesday, I look forward to spending quality time with Mark, just the two of us. Whether we choose to dine at our favorite restaurant or grab burgers from our local spot, it’s all about reconnecting. Pure romance, right?
I understand that in earlier times, couples might not have prioritized date nights. They were too busy with daily survival tasks and had shorter life expectancies. But we may need to cohabitate with our partners for many more decades—perhaps even 80 years.
So, mark it on your calendar. Treat it as sacred. If hiring a babysitter isn’t feasible, consider swapping babysitting duties with a friend who also needs a night out. You can even make simple sandwiches and enjoy a quiet moment in your backyard. Whatever it takes, it’s still date night.
If we’re fortunate, in 15 more years, our children will be off pursuing their own paths. And who will be left? Each other. Hopefully, we will still cherish our date nights.
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In conclusion, prioritizing date night is crucial for maintaining a healthy relationship. It allows couples to reconnect and enjoy each other’s company amidst the chaos of family life. So take the time to schedule it; it’s worth it in the long run.