Date Night; it might sound cliche, but having a regular catch up, just the 2 of you, is key to a closer relationship. Date nights can be an absolute relationship-saver, especially if you’ve started to feel a bit disconnected, wrapped up in your kids rather than each other.
The things you do don’t have to cost a lot of money, but they do require your full attention and presence. putting your phone aside and prioritising your partner is a prerequisite to a good date night. If you find yourself slipping back into talking about the day to day running of your household, you might need to consider having a regular ‘business meeting’ so that those items are addressed, but are kept separate from your date night.
The intention of date nights is to connect as 2 adults in a relationship rather than as parents to your children, carers for your parents or people who happen to live together. Date nights can be fun, serious or both. Make them something to anticipate by planning them together so that both of your needs are met. It may be awkward, but discussing if you want every date night to include sex, will clarify your expectations and reduce conflict.
Here are some ideas:
- Get a babysitter and go out of the house together to do whatever activity you want to do. Knowing your kids are well-looked after can help you relax.
- Go for a walk together during the day.
- Prepare some questions to ask each other. Either provide them to your partner so that they can think about their answers in advance, or play rapid-fire style.
- Play board games, go bowling or to a live game.
- Stay in for a movie and snacks.
- Go to see a play, exhibition, live sports event or movie.
- Take a class and learn something new together.
- Go out for a meal.
- Have coffee, dessert and a chat (but not about your kids/parents).
- Play a sport together.
- Buy 2 copies of the same book. Both read it and take notes, then discuss on your date night.
It really doesn’t matter what you do, just make date night a regular event and you’ll reap the rewards of a closer relationship.
