Hey there! It’s been a while since we last caught up (you know how life gets with work and all), but I just had to reach out after seeing your Instagram from last weekend. You looked stunning! You and your partner were all dressed up, dining at a fancy place, and that glass of wine in your hand looked absolutely tempting! I could tell you were excited for your date night, so much so that you shared a selfie with the caption “#DateNight!” But here’s a little secret I learned after becoming a mom: when you don’t have kids, every night can feel like date night.
I know you might think that a date has to involve an upscale restaurant or special attire, but really, it’s all about spending quality one-on-one time with the person you love. Before kids, you can do this with ease. A casual pizza run because cooking feels like too much? That’s a date! Stopping for frozen yogurt after a dinner with friends? That counts too! Hiking after work, catching a movie, or simply taking a leisurely Sunday drive? All dates! Your life, filled with spontaneous outings and uninterrupted conversations, is practically one long date.
Now, as a parent—especially to a little one who isn’t keen on babysitters—I find myself envying couples who can enjoy these outings. For my husband and me to carve out a date night, we have to plan months ahead, find a sitter, and hope everything goes smoothly. When we do manage to get out, we choose something nearby, stay glued to our phones for any emergencies, and rush home before the milk countdown runs out. It’s exhausting!
Organizing a simple dinner out has become such an ordeal that I’ve had to don my rose-tinted glasses and call mundane moments dates just to feel a semblance of that connection. Watching Netflix in our most comfortable pajamas while the baby sleeps? That’s a date in my book! Bumping into each other at the grocery store while picking up milk? If we’re sharing a cart, that’s definitely a date! Snagging meatballs at Ikea with the stroller parked nearby? As long as I’m facing my husband, count it as a date!
I know you’re probably tired of hearing about the challenges of parenting and how it drains your energy. But the reality is, while I wouldn’t trade my child for anything and find immense joy in motherhood, I do miss the freedom to connect with my partner more often. So, my dear childfree friends, relish those date nights—or should I say, date-lives—before taking the plunge into parenthood.
If you want to explore more about starting a family, check out this excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination. And for those interested in the process itself, you can learn about an at-home insemination kit here.
In summary, life before kids is filled with spontaneous moments that can easily be labeled as date nights. It’s a beautiful time to connect and enjoy each other’s company without the complexities that come with parenting. As you navigate your life together, cherish those moments to the fullest!