My husband and I grabbed lunch and coffee on a kid-free afternoon. We held hands and bounced around like lighthearted teenagers. Excitement rose within me as we approached a new adventure together.
An Escape Room.
With sixty fast-paced minutes before us, we put our teamwork and critical thinking skills to the test.
Of course, my husband chose a room with the highest level of difficulty. He reasoned that we’re both educated people. How hard could it really be?
We failed miserably!
But within those sixty minutes, we hustled like our life depended on it.
We laughed until tears formed. We had a blast together!
I love dating my husband. Going on dates allows us to reconnect as a couple. Let’s admit it ~ it’s nice to dine at a restaurant without having to take several trips to the restroom with little ones. We get to eat our meal upon arrival while it’s still hot. We can jump out of the car without unbuckling anyone else. But the best part is getting to exchange meaningful, uninterrupted conversation. I can sit back and relax while enjoying my husband’s company.
I can’t express how important it is to date your spouse regularly.
Related: Three Benefits of Taking Your Child on a Special Date
With kids in the mix, reserving a date night (or even affording one) with your spouse can be a challenge. In my world, we don’t date quite as often as I’d like. Kids get sick. Babysitters aren’t available. Life happens. You know how it goes.
So, when we have a date scheduled, my husband and I make every minute count. What do I mean by that? My husband will be the first to tell you that I don’t let him take me to the movies very often. With only a few hours together, I can’t imagine spending most of it in front of a screen. (Can you tell my love language is quality time…lol).
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Yet, some of our friends love going to the movies on date night. It gives them an opportunity to relax while watching a film in a genre other than “Children & Family”. They feel refreshed afterwards. And that’s great!
Looking For Creative Ways to Spend Time Together?
Check Out These 20 Fresh Ideas to Mix Up Your Dates
Maybe you’re a movie goer. Or maybe you enjoy new adventures. Perhaps, you’re a little bit of both. Either way, embrace your time together with the goal of reconnecting. Isn’t that what dates are all about? Reconnecting with your partner happens in many ways – bonding through a shared experience, laughing the night away, exchanging meaningful dialogue, and so on.
Whichever way you choose to spend your time together, make sure to incorporate these simple and meaningful components in your date.
Do these FIVE things on your next date:
1. Hold Hands
Let’s face it, our hands are usually occupied by sweaty, grimy little hands that we love so much. So, take advantage of these kid-free moments! Grab a hold of your spouse’s hand and interlock your fingers. Do you remember how it felt when you first held hands? That rush of excitement? You can experience intimacy simply by holding hands. It screams we’re in this together even when words are not exchanged.
2. Laugh & Be Carefree
Once you leave your kiddos with their beloved babysitter, skip out the front door with a lighthearted disposition. Leave your stress behind. This is your time to be carefree. Find ways to laugh together. Share funny moments. Be silly and really enjoy each other’s company. A special intimacy is exchanged when you lock eyes with your partner while laughing at something only you two may understand.
3. Share From the Heart
Do you remember what you talked about when you first started dating? You probably shared your likes and dislikes. As you learned more about each other, you opened your heart on a deeper level. You revealed your most intimate dreams and future ambitions.
Just because you are married now doesn’t mean these conversations should be tucked away. Being married gives you all the more reasons to share from your heart. Yet, we tend to steer the majority of conversations towards finances, work-related stress, and even our kids. Keep those talking points off the table during your date. Your goal here is to reconnect, remember?
Take advantage of this time together and go deeper in your conversation. Share your hopes and dreams. Communicate what God is doing in your heart. Listen intently as your partner speaks. Keep learning about each other in this way. Give yourselves permission to dream about your future together. Dream big!
Related: Are You Dreaming Big Enough?
4. Discover a New Adventure
This is a great way to add spark to your date. Don’t ever let your dating game get into a rut. Make a bucket list with your spouse and start knocking items off the list on each date. Explore your community for hidden gems. Discover new restaurants with a unique menu. Do the unexpected. Get creative by checking out this list of ideas.
5. Plan Surprises
Do you take turns planning the agenda for your dates? When it’s your turn, create an element of surprise. Make a reservation or devise a plan that will add a special touch to your partner’s experience. No need to go over-the-top with this one. Just plan a little something that says I love you.
Have fun as you incorporate these elements into your next date. Enjoy each other’s company, laugh hard, and reconnect on a deeper level. Here’s to many more incredible date experiences with your spouse.