Why We All Need Date Night

Remember when you and your spouse first fell in love? You thought about each other constantly, almost obsessively.  You wanted to spend every waking moment together.  You preferred each others company over anyone elses.  Almost giddy with each other.  Then...marriage.  And in creeps things that start to take precedence over your relationship....the job, the mortgage, school....and  kids ...forget it!  You barely even talk to your spouse anymore other than to communicate who is doing what in the daily routine. Let me tell about our progression in dealing with all of this... We had 3 daughters in 2 1/2 years. We were outnumbered and they were taking over our life!  And as young parents we weren't rich.  But we knew we needed time alone, without kids. We missed it. We found a babysitter and made a pledge to have "date night".  My youngest daughter was like 3 weeks old, and was nursing whenever she wanted so she had to come with us. We would put her in an infant seat, sit in a booth, order a $7 pitcher of beer, and TALK.  And we would talk ... talk about the kids and talk more about the kids...but then we would pick up where we left off before they invaded our life...and talk about us...what we wanted, what we wished for, what we believed. A beautiful thing!  As more kids came and more kids got older, they grew up with the idea that me and daddy were going out ..without them.   This whole situation was a benefit to them too!  Having two committed parents is a huge plus for your kids.  They witness two people in love and making time for each other...and they realize they are not first the first priority. And that is not just ok, it is advantageous! It is security. God, spouse ..and THEN kids. Having a date night is a win-win for everyone.  Do it!  Plus, it is FUN!