It’s easy to date when you’re younger. It’s even easier to date when you become newlyweds and don’t have as many responsibilities. But, as life continues to expand and children, it can be challenging. Work and life duties come into the picture and demand more from you. It can be harder to date your spouse.
Some might think that once you get married, dating your spouse isn’t as important as it once was. I’ve found it’s actually more important, though, because it’s no longer just fun and games. It’s about meshing two lives together to become one.
It all comes down to intention. Intentionally carving out time for your spouse is important to your relationship. It allows for more than your husband or wife to just become a roommate that you pass in the morning. Taking the time to date your spouse is what will keep the spark alive, even when things get hard.
Set a weekly (or bi-weekly) designated night for dating your spouse.
Dating your spouse may not be feasible to do something extravagant every week, like a movie, five-course dinner or a fancy event. But, making a pact to do something commits the two of you to spending time together.
It also builds that anticipation week after week, just as it most likely did before you were married.
Don’t forget to communicate with one another.
Share the important things in your daily life. Check in with one another, whether it’s a call or text, to share something that reminded you of them. It doesn’t have to be constant texting or calling, but a little reminder throughout the day goes a long way in dating your spouse.
Get creative with spending time together.
Date nights or spending time together don’t need to cost a fortune. It doesn’t even require getting out of the house every time. It could be an activity in the backyard, or maybe it’s watching a movie on Netflix you keep putting off. Pinterest isn’t short on date ideas. So, whatever you choose, have fun with it.
Get away together
Schedules are busy. So that might not mean jetting off to Europe or even going away to the beach for a weekend. But, just a couple hours of driving and getting away for the day is a nice escape. Forget about the distractions, put the phone away and focus on one another.
Take turns with who is in charge of planning.
Yes, usually as women, we want the men to be in charge of romancing us. But, women can also take the lead in doing something nice for their husbands, too. Take turns with who plans the evening. It gives a chance to switch up the activities and interests, and the pressure isn’t just on one person.
Your marriage and the relationship you hold with your spouse sets an example for your children. It’s also a commitment you’ve made to one another. It serves as a reminder that all good things are worth putting in the work.
Good things take time
These aren’t necessarily quick fixes. Nor is it a magical formula that will make your marriage the best it’s ever been, but they are guideposts. These are baby steps you can gradually expand on and put more effort into your marriage.
How do you make time to date your spouse? What are some ways you can spend more time together this month?
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