A few weeks ago I was coming out of the gym and thinking about my husband for some reason. I realized there was a perfectly good Saturday night open on our calendar for us to have a date night. So I sent a text to our regular babysitter to see if she was available.
She was.
And so last Saturday night Tim and I went to dinner (I had a Living Social deal, YAY!), furniture shopping, an errand to Best Buy and then to see a movie. BY OURSELVES.
I get so giddy when we do this. I love going out. I always have. I love to get more dressed up that I usually do and I especially love dinner and time alone with my husband.
Some may find it selfish that we try to get out together once a month for a date night. But I do not see it that way at all. We know it is good and healthy for our marriage and our relationship as Tim and Elaine.
We also sneak in a lunch here and there just the two of us because Tim works close to home and it’s so nice again to just be together while the kids are at school, busy doing their kid thing. And we do our adult thing. And yes, sometimes that too. What? You know you would if you could. Or maybe you do and if you do, GOOD FOR YOU! 😉
Our life is so busy right now. Sometimes the day to day-ness just overwhelms both of us and we get frustrated even with each other. Date nights and lunches alone allow us to re-focus and remember why we got together over eighteen years ago. They help us to take a quiet moment to just look into one another’s eyes and hearts.
It may sound cheesy, but at dinner the other night we did not talk a ton. We held hands and breathed in the same air and took in the quiet and cut only our own food. 🙂 Of course we did talk some, but there is no pressure to do so and we understand that basking in the stillness of a dinner alone is a good break for both of us.
The cool thing about dating this guy is that I already know him pretty dang well and I know what to expect. I KNOW he’s going to call or text the next day (said text or phone call will probably be about something I need to get at the grocery store, but still…) And I KNOW that he loves me – there is certainly no question there. And the quiet between us is not awkward, just known. And the excitement over the next big thing in our lives or the next family vacation, which we can talk about without the kids interrupting is just too good to pass up.
Also, I still get a little flip flop in my tummy when he holds my hand and touches the small of my back as he walks next to me.
He’s my lobster (if you do not get this reference you may be too young to read this blog, also, go HERE.)
And our dating life is going swimmingly, even after so many years…
(see what I did there?) 😉
So the moral of this story is that dates are good, even if you sneak out of for lunch or a trip to Barnes & Noble. Take time together. It is SO important.
This post inspired by my friend Kerstin...
Date nights (and days) are awesome!
David and I don’t get out that often, but we did last month and it was so much fun. And each time we do, we always say, “We should this more often.”
I think it is important to a relationship to take that time together. 🙂
Kim@Co-Pilot Mom recently posted…Falling Off
We used to be that way too, Kim. Until we started going more often… 😉
And yes, SUPER important!
I agree, couples NEED to take time to just be together.
My husband and I don’t get to do it regularly but we always try to sneak some time together here and there. But we haven’t had a proper date night for ages. Time to work on that. 🙂
Alison recently posted…Full
Yes! Work on it and report back, K? I
I couldn’t agree with this more!
Oh, and I LOVE the “He’s my lobster” episode. My husband and I are renewing our wedding vows in May and I have worked that reference into mine!
Oh, how fun! I bet your friends and family will love that. 😀
Yes to date nights, you know I’m a fan 🙂
We have our next one planned for this weekend!
Kerstin @ Auer Life recently posted…5 Rules for Success
Awesome! What you gonna do? (I’m too nosy, aren’t I?)
It’s probably going to involve DQ (I’m such a sucker for a Blizzard), romance and a ride in the new truck (or romance in the new truck… TMI? You wanted to know, lol)
Kerstin @ Auer Life recently posted…5 Rules for Success
NOTHING selfish about it. You two deserve that alone time. Every couple needs it. Otherwise, I don’t even now how they can cope?!
Oh me neither, girl. Meeee neither!!!
This is something that David and I do not do often enough. Mostly because of me. I’m tired or I’m busy or I worry about money or… You get the idea. I need to make more of an effort.
Jennifer recently posted…Do More Than Survive
Yes, you do. Go out on Feb. 22nd. I’ll babysit. 😉
I love this 🙂 we love to date! Once a month is mandatory but usually we get 2x and often 3! Thank the lord we’ve discovered some new babysitters I am finally ok with trusting (i have issues), haha! Love being out with my man.
I know y’all do! That is so cute and wonderful. And yes, a good babysitter (or 3) is KEY!!
so sweeeeeet.
And I love to date my husband too so I get EXACTLY what you mean. What a treat it is!
Lady Jennie recently posted…How to Cook With Herbs
Yes, it is a treat for sure. And with no calories! WHEE! (okay, the dinner was full of calories and I thought of you since had foie gras but still…)
I agree with you and I know how important date nights or days are to me and my husband. We finally found a good babysitter, which makes it nice to get out without having to rely on family. Sometimes we go out with friends on these nights and sometimes just us but either way we get to focus on ourselves.
Julia recently posted…The Fun One
We don’t get out with other couples as much as I wish we could but sometimes… And glad you found a good babysitter. We love ours!!
yes to it all. I’m so glad you make the time to reconnect. SO IMPORTANT. It just is. Lovely pic too!
sarah reinhart recently posted…Simple joy week 3: Leo and the swish
Why thank you (on the pic). B actually took that of us back in November! 🙂
I love every last bit of this — and the tummy flip flop and lobster reference? *Swoon*
Galit Breen recently posted…First light, first dim
Thank you, Galit! I know you love to date your guy too… 😉
You would not believe the gasps we got when we planned a vacation without our boy. It was our 10 year anniversary and there was nothing selfish about it. You were a couple before kids and you can’t lose that. You have to nurture yourselves too.
Know what I asked for Christmas? A date night every month. So my husband got me a card with each month listed and a TBD next to it. Our first date is on Saturday and I can’t wait.
I’m so glad that you took this opportunity for the both of you.
Kimberly recently posted…You’re Nice But I Hate You
Girl. We’ve been leaving the kids forever – ha! We went on our first trip alone when our oldest was like 18 months I think. It’s fun because they usually get bonding time with grandparents and we get time to be just US. And no, not selfish at all! Enjoy your year full of dates!! 😀
Not only is it totally NOT selfish, it’s a gift you’re giving your kids. Keeping your marriage strong is one of the best things you can do for them! My kids’ dad and I are divorced and it has caused my kids so much pain. And that’s so hard to see. So do not feel bad about date nights – that’s an order! =D
Cyndy Bush recently posted…What I Wouldn’t Give…..
It is so important to have time as a couple! I’m so glad you still date your spouse 🙂
Natalie recently posted…Old Man Winter
What a sweet post – like a love letter to your husband. Ahhh, date nights… 🙂
Andrea recently posted…As Charged