As I arrived at Little League with my four energetic kids, I approached the coach to inquire about practice nights. I’m that mom who’s blissfully unaware until the season kicks off. “When do you practice?” I asked.
“Wednesday nights,” he replied.
“Wednesday nights?” I echoed, “You won’t see me; it’s date night. Joe, our babysitter, will be on duty.”
“Seriously? Every week?” he asked, his tone dripping with sarcasm.
“Yep,” I confirmed. “Every Wednesday is date night.”
“It sounds nice,” he said, still skeptical.
And you know what? It’s a whole lot nicer than going through a divorce.
I understand why scheduling a date night might seem like an extravagant endeavor. Between hiring a babysitter, putting on some makeup, and swapping out my food-splattered shirt for something presentable, it can feel like a workout. Not to mention, both partners need to agree on a night that works amidst juggling work commitments, kid activities, and the endless laundry pile. Plus, it can get pricey—dinner out costs money that could’ve gone to a home-cooked meal, and let’s not forget the babysitter’s fee, which can add up quickly.
However, I stand by my belief: it’s far more affordable than the cost of a divorce.
For me, date night holds significant meaning in my marriage. I married Mike 15 years ago, and while we got along well back then, life has thrown us some curveballs since. We met in art school—now that’s a romantic start, right? In the early days, we’d embark on spontaneous adventures, packing a loaf of bread, cheese, and wine into a backpack, trekking to a scenic spot where we could sip and dream big together.
But then came the kids. Suddenly, we found ourselves responsible for four little beings, balancing jobs, maintaining a house, and keeping our lives in order. Fast forward to today, and we’re navigating adulthood with all its responsibilities.
Over the span of 15 years, we’ve evolved into different people. We’re busy, we’re aging, and we know each other’s quirks all too well. Sometimes, we even forget to close the bathroom door (not that I’m admitting anything).
Let me clarify: PTA meetings, school events, or bringing the kids along don’t count as date night. That time is reserved for you and your partner—the person you’ve built a life with, a home, and a family. Date night is your commitment to each other, a promise to avoid needing any other contracts, like divorce papers.
Every Wednesday, I look forward to having Mike all to myself, just the two of us. Whether we indulge in a candlelit dinner at our go-to restaurant (where the staff knows us by name) or grab burgers and beers from our local dive, we make it work. Sometimes, it’s pure romance, and sometimes it’s just fun.
I get it—back in the day, people didn’t feel the need for date nights. They were busy churning butter and fending off bears, and their life expectancy was much shorter. But we might have to share our lives with our loved ones for 80 years. That’s a long time!
So, mark it on the calendar and treat it as sacred. If hiring a babysitter isn’t feasible, swap evenings with friends who also need a break. Whip up some peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and have a backyard picnic with a baby monitor nearby. Whatever the arrangement, it still counts as date night.
If we’re fortunate, in another 15 years, our kids will be off pursuing their own lives. And you know who we’ll be left with? Each other. If we put in the effort now, we’ll still have date nights to cherish in the future.
For more insights on navigating relationships and parenting, you might find this post helpful: Date Night Ideas. And if you’re considering at-home conception, look into this artificial insemination kit from a reputable retailer. For more information on pregnancy and related topics, check out the CDC’s resource.
In summary, prioritizing date night is essential for nurturing your relationship amidst the chaos of family life. It’s a simple yet profound way to reconnect with your partner and build a lasting bond, ensuring that you both have each other to lean on for years to come.
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