Do You Schedule Dates Regularly With Your Spouse?
It’s very common for married couples to allow themselves to get distracted by everything that’s going on around them, and put dating on the backburner. Perhaps you can relate because it’s been a while since you and your spouse have been on a date. Your intentions are good. You work hard at your job, you have a growing list of commitments with your church, you have great friends, a few hobbies, and you invest a great deal of time in your children. However, when you don’t focus any of your time or energy on dating your spouse, eventually your relationship will fizzle.
Dating is important, even in marriage. For couples who have strong marriages, they report that they have a regular date night scheduled at least once a month. This is sacred time for them. They leave the children behind, they reconnect with each other, and focus on their relationship. Here are a few ideas to help you get started if it’s been a while since you have dated your spouse.
Daily Mini-Dates
Every couple needs some time to reconnect after spending the day apart. These mini-dates can quickly become a favorite part of your day as you set aside just thirty minutes to talk about anything that interests you. You might plan to do a devotional reading together during this time, or you might just share some news from the office. No matter what you talk about, make sure you protect this important time with your spouse.
Date Night
Plan a real, out-of-the-house date at least once a month. Plan them more frequently if you’re able to. Go out to dinner, play some miniature golf, or catch a movie. Laugh together, and talk about things that aren’t centered around your children. Hold hands like you did before you got married. Look into each other’s eyes, and enjoy this time. You’ll love feeling so reconnected with your spouse, and these date nights will help to keep your relationship strong.
Extended Dates and Getaways
Once every few months, plan a longer date. These don’t have to necessarily cost anything, except your time. If you both enjoy hiking, plan a day of hiking or biking some of your favorite trails. Or, perhaps you want to plan something more lavish and expensive. Either way, plan to be away for the entire day.
If you can manage it, it’s also important for you to plan a longer getaway together once a year or so. Plan an overnight escape, or if you can, schedule a weeklong mini-honeymoon. You’ll return feeling refreshed, and closer than ever in your marriage.
As a married couple, you need these times of having fun and relating to each other. If you don’t make them happen, they won’t, and before long your relationship will get stale. Spending time together creates a stronger bond and better conversation, which lead to a deeper level of sexual intimacy. You will both reap the rewards of your dating life for years to come.
As a Christian Marriage Coach and Counselor at the Beaufort Center for Marriage in Beaufort, SC, I love helping couples rediscover their love for each other. If you have been feeling like your marriage is lacking something lately, it can help to have a Christian Counselor to talk with about how you feel, as well as to help you come up with ways to make it stronger again. If you live outside Beaufort, we can also work together either by phone or video call. Call us today at 843-379-0288 or book your appointment through our online scheduler.
With a little help and support from a Christian Marriage Coach, and by making a few changes, your marriage can be better than you ever thought possible. I would love the opportunity to help you get there.
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