Dating Your Spouse: How to Make It Work
The Difficulties of Dating Your Spouse
Dating your spouse can be a challenge, especially after children enter the picture. At the beginning of our marriage, going out to dinner or seeing a movie was easy. We could stay up late or take a spontaneous road trip. However, everything changed when we became parents. While we wouldn’t have it any other way, dating became more challenging for us.
Babysitters were expensive, so most of our dates took place at home. At times, we didn’t think much about dating. We were focused on taking care of our little ones and fulfilling other responsibilities in our lives.
Prioritizing Our Time is Essential
Recognizing the importance of making time for each other, we have discovered some great ways to strengthen our relationship while enjoying each other’s company.
With many ideas that can be done from home or nearby without breaking the bank, “The Monthly Date” has been a great way to explore new activities and create lasting memories. We have also found that simpler activities like taking daily walks, cooking meals together, or chatting before bedtime have become great ways to spend quality time together regularly.
By focusing on these little moments, we have built a stronger connection and grown closer as a couple.
The Importance of Dating Your Spouse
Marriage certainly has its challenges, but prioritizing it can make it much easier. Carving out time to date your spouse is one of the most effective ways to foster a strong relationship.
I understand that some of you may think it’s impossible to find alone time with your spouse, especially if you have young children and no babysitter readily available. However, let me assure you that it’s doable, even if it’s not a weekly or monthly occurrence.
Dating your spouse doesn’t have to be an elaborate outing, and it doesn’t even require leaving the house. What it does require is a commitment to each other and to building upon the foundation of your relationship.
To help you get started, here are a few simple ideas for spending quality time with your spouse that will be both enjoyable and create lasting memories.
Spicing Up Our Relationship with Monthly Date Nights
Around two years ago, my husband came to me with an unexpected idea. He proposed that we choose a special date for each month, which we could plan and enjoy together. As someone who isn’t known for being particularly romantic, I was taken aback by his suggestion.
Nonetheless, I was thrilled by the prospect and eager to see what we could come up with. We each jotted down our monthly plans before sharing them with one another, and I have to say, I was impressed by the fun and creative ideas we had come up with.
It has been a great way to keep things exciting in our relationship.
Fun Date Ideas for Each Month
There is no end to the possibilities of things to do to date your spouse. Here are some of our favorite ideas that have worked in the past or are on our list to try:
1. Outdoor Cooking
We set out to create a unique experience for our date by preparing a delicious meal outdoors. Cooking over the fire in a Dutch oven, we made a mouth-watering beef stew, paired with crusty homemade bread and a scrumptious fruit cobbler.
As we sat together under the carport in the bed of a pickup truck, we enjoyed our meal and each other’s company. This easy and creative date turned out to be one of our most memorable ones yet. Plus, we had enough leftovers to share with our family the next day!
2. Spa Night
Neither of us was particularly interested in self-care products, but it turned out to be a fun activity. As the organizer of this date, I picked up a few facial masks from the store for us to try out. We had a few laughs trying them on, and even gave each other massages. It was definitely not our usual kind of date, but we both enjoyed doing something different together.
3. Community Service
Have you ever thought about how your hobbies could benefit others? Consider visiting nursing home residents, volunteering at an animal shelter, donating meals to a homeless shelter or helping out at a food bank.
Luckily, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved in your local community or even remotely. Check justserve.org to find service opportunities near you that align with your interests.
4. Prepare a Meal Together
Why not try cooking a meal together? It’s something my husband and I do often, and it’s enjoyable for both of us. We both love cooking and work well together in the kitchen.
Our method is for him to prepare the main dish while I clean up after him and make the sides. However, you can customize the process according to your preferences. The end result for us is a tidy kitchen and a delicious meal to share with your each other.
5. A Sweet Dessert Night
Who says you need a full meal to have a romantic night in with your significant other? Consider indulging in a delicious dessert instead! After putting the kids to bed, why not enjoy a homemade treat, or pick up something special from your favorite restaurant or grocery store? Taking the time to enjoy a sweet treat together can be a simple yet special way to unwind and connect with your spouse.
6. Outdoor Recreational Activities
The possibilities here are endless, but here is a list of ideas to give you some inspiration.
- Golf
- Putt Putt
- Shooting Range
- Hiking
- Biking
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Water Sports
- This list could go on and on…
7. Put a Puzzle Together
If you’re looking for a unique and fun date idea, why not try putting a puzzle together? It’s a great way to spend some quality time together while also challenging your minds. Here are some tips to make your puzzle date a success:
- Choose a puzzle that both of you will enjoy. It could be a beautiful landscape, a favorite cartoon character, or even a challenging 3D puzzle.
- Set the mood by dimming the lights, lighting some candles or playing some relaxing music.
- Make some hot cocoa (or something else) to sip on while you work.
- Take turns working on the puzzle and help each other out when needed.
- Don’t be afraid to take breaks and chat about something other than the puzzle. This is a great opportunity to get to know each other better.
- When you finish the puzzle, celebrate your accomplishment with a kiss or a high five.
Have fun and happy puzzling!
8. Cocoa and Campfire
Whether you opt for an outdoor firepit or an indoor fireplace, light it up and get comfortable. Grab a chair or bundle up in a blanket and enjoy the warmth while sipping on your favorite hot cocoa or beverage. Bask in the glow of the fire and engage in good conversation with the one you love.
9. Game Night
Choose a theme for the night, such as classic board games, trivia games, or card games.
- Set the mood with some cozy lighting and snacks, like popcorn or chips and dip.
- Consider trying out some new games you’ve never played before to add some excitement and variety to the evening.
- Just have fun and enjoy each other as you play games and make memories together.
10. Build Something Together
Working together as a couple can sometimes be tricky. I know it can be for us at times. I believe however, if we make it a priority to learn how we can work together in a positive way, that we can have greater joy in our relationships with one another. With this idea, just choose a project to do together that will be simple enough to complete, but with some challenge to improve the way you communicate and work as a team to make something together and have fun!
11. Work on a Home Improvement Project Together
Similar to the above suggestion, why not tackle some home projects together? Whether it’s painting a room, hanging up pictures, or doing some much-needed yard work, make it a joint activity for you and your partner. It’s a great way to spend quality time and get things done at the same time.
12. Art Project
Gather your art supplies and create something amazing together. Painting a picture, sketching, crafting, or coloring in a book are all great options. Don’t worry if you don’t think you’re a great artist. Just have fun and try it out! You might be surprised at how enjoyable it is.
Go Date Your Spouse!
Here are some ideas to rekindle the romance with your spouse, or you can come up with some on your own! Discover how to enjoy your marriage more fully by keeping the spark alive and cherishing your time together.
[convertkit form=5088637]
