Since my partner started working from home last spring, it has somewhat disrupted my daily routine. He set up his workspace in the kitchen, which used to be my sanctuary. We each have our habits—mine typically involved binge-watching daytime talk shows from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., leading up to my beloved court shows. While I’m not glued to the screen all day, I enjoy the background noise. As I take care of our daughter and manage household tasks, the drama of these shows keeps me company. However, my partner isn’t a fan of daytime TV, especially not the likes of Judge Judy, so my shows have taken a backseat. I manage to sneak in a few episodes of Dr. Phil before he reaches his limit, and then the TV goes off. I won’t sugarcoat it—some days I feel envious of his work-from-home freedom.
We have four kids who are around more than ever. Though they attend school full-time, the evenings and weekends are filled with their energy. The endless stream of gamer YouTube videos on the family room TV can only hold my attention for so long before I feel ready to snap. I crave adult conversation that doesn’t involve shushing someone on a call or debating dinner options. I love my children dearly, but I need a break—a moment alone with my partner.
Despite being together all the time, we started to feel disconnected. We became preoccupied with staying healthy, getting our work done, and ensuring our kids were okay, and in the process, we lost touch with each other. It may sound clichéd, but we fell into a routine where we were merely coexisting. One Tuesday morning, my partner mentioned he was hungry, and since I hadn’t eaten either, he suggested we grab a bite. With all the kids at school, I eagerly accepted. It was the first time we had shared a meal alone in months. The simple act of sitting together felt rejuvenating. We talked like two people who hadn’t connected in a long time, laughing and enjoying each other’s company. It was a reminder of the bond we had nearly lost.
That spontaneous breakfast has evolved into a cherished weekly tradition. We’ve made a conscious effort to prioritize our relationship. Our Tuesday mornings now belong solely to us, free from distractions like work calls or appointments. It’s a time to reconnect, and I look forward to it with anticipation.
Before our breakfast dates, I take a little time to prepare. Nothing extravagant, but I do my hair, apply some makeup, and wear something other than my usual comfy attire. It’s my weekly opportunity to be just Jessica, not just “mom,” and it feels good to reclaim that part of myself—even if it’s only for an hour or two. I might not be decked out in fancy clothes, but I do throw on some red lipstick, which feels like a nice touch.
Of course, being home together all day has its challenges. He can be quite loud on conference calls, and I sometimes forget he’s on a Zoom meeting and walk behind him with a laundry basket. We needed an escape, and our weekly breakfast has become that for us. There’s no grand display of romance—just a shared meal and meaningful conversation. I didn’t realize how much I missed our outings until we had that first breakfast together. Someday, we’ll return to fancy dinners and decadent desserts, but for now, I’m grateful for the simple pleasure of a warm cup of coffee and engaging conversation every Tuesday.
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In summary, our Tuesday breakfast dates have allowed my partner and me to reconnect amid the chaos of family life. These moments are crucial for maintaining our relationship and reminding us of the joy we can find in each other’s company, even in simple settings.