Date Nights are for Everyone
What comes to mind when you think of the words “date night?” Do you picture a young couple at a fancy restaurant, or maybe a married couple out on the town? Does date night always have to involve a romantic relationship? Let’s try thinking of those words in a different way and apply them to whatever your current situation may be. Maybe after considering this viewpoint, you might come to think as I do - date nights can be for everyone.
Date nights are something I very much enjoy as a wife for many reasons. My husband and I have three children so getting away every now and then helps us remember who we are as a couple and builds bonds that strengthen our relationship. We have enjoyed many activities together such as trying a new place to eat, going to a movie, canoeing down a river, going ballroom dancing, going for a walk, playing a sport together, going to a play, and even playing laser tag. Making positive memories like those together helps bring joy into our relationship and gives us good moments to look back on when more challenging days come our way. It’s great to try something new together or enjoy favorite locations while getting a chance to talk uninterrupted and connect in ways that draw us deeper than our usual day-to-day conversations.
In our family, we try to make an effort to also go on dates with our children. Having one-on-one time with just dad or just mom really brings out the best in each kid. They love not having to share attention with their siblings for a little while and delight in picking somewhere special to go. A kid date might include going for a Happy Meal, visiting a park, going to the zoo, getting ice cream, or just doing something a little extra special while out running errands. It doesn’t have to be complicated but getting that time alone with a parent can actually open the door to having some really good discussions and getting to see each child for who they really are.
Friendships of any kind can benefit from setting aside date nights as well. Whether weekly or monthly, looking forward to time to break away from the daily routine with friends can give you the boost needed to get through the more difficult days. Having that person or people that you enjoy chatting with can uplift your mood, help you and them to feel valued and cared for, and provide your life with much needed fun, which can add to rest and relaxation as it diverts you from the everyday stresses of life.
There are times in life when you prefer to be alone, and going on a date by yourself is perfectly acceptable too. These are the perfect times to pursue the hobby you have been interested in or explore a new location; whatever it is that brings some happiness into your life.
Consider what brings you and those you’re close to joy, and then get busy putting those date nights on the calendar!
Challenges/Points:
Date nights are great for trying something new or revisiting favorite locations or activities. Building positive memories with others helps strengthen your relationships.
You can go on a date with your significant other, your children, with friends or even by yourself. The important part is making it a regular habit.
Breaking out of your daily routine to go on a date will benefit you by adding time for important conversations, stress-reducing fun, and mood enhancing enjoyment.
Questions:
What hobbies or activities in your life have you been putting off trying or participating in because you feel like you are too busy? How could scheduling a date with others or yourself help you carve out the time for life-giving experiences?
Who is someone you enjoy spending time with that you could ask on a “date” today?
Do you think regular dates are important to maintaining positive relationships that continually grow deeper? Why or Why not?
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