|
Regular Date Nights Can Refresh
Your Relationship
By Jonathon
Hardcastle
The divorce rate spikes among married couples after they have children. The
pressures of raising kids, running a household and holding down a job leave
precious little time for reconnecting with each other, leaving spouses
vulnerable to affairs or feeling like they've just "fallen out of
love" with one another. Take the time to listen objectively to your daily
conversations with your spouse. Do you talk exclusively about the kids? About
home repairs and chores? About what bills to pay and when? It may be time to
refresh your relationship with a night out together, away from the kids, the
house and the bills.
If you can manage it, have date night on a weekly basis. However, if
finances or lack of childcare is an issue, be sure to at least have date night
once a month. If you absolutely can't leave your children with someone else,
set aside time once a week when the kids are in bed to reconnect with each
other.
Date night need not be lavish or expensive and doesn't necessarily even
need to be overtly romantic. The important thing is spending quality time with
your spouse and remembering all the reasons why you're together in the first
place. For this reason, most of the time you will want to choose activities
that promote interaction. Taking a picnic to a local park or taking a walk
together at a scenic location are some inexpensive ways to enjoy your time
together and create a quiet atmosphere for talk. Many couples make the mistake
of always choosing dinner and a movie for their date night. This quickly
becomes predictable and boring and sitting side-by-side at a movie doesn't
promote the kind of interaction you need.
However, from time to time simply getting out and having fun together can
be as important as heart-to-heart conversation. Go dancing at a posh
nightclub. Attend a sporting event together dressed in your team colors. Play
billiards at an upscale pool hall. If your finances are limited, consider
rollerblading together, playing Frisbee in the park or finding a local arcade
and playing video games together.
For couples who can't get out of the house at all, there are several
activities that can be enjoyed while the kids are asleep. One night, feed the
kids early and after their in bed prepare a gourmet meal together and eat it
by candlelight. Get out your wedding photographs and make a scrapbook
together. Play a board game or cards. The key is finding an activity you can
do together that doesn't involve child care, home repair or chores.
|
|
.com
