I strolled into Little League with my quartet of energetic kids and casually inquired of the coach about practice nights. Truth be told, I’m that mom who’s blissfully unaware until the season kicks off.
“Wednesdays,” he replied.
“Wednesdays?” I exclaimed. “You won’t see me then. That’s date night! You’ll be seeing Sam, our babysitter.”
“This week?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Not just this week,” I clarified. “Every week. Wednesday nights are reserved for date night.”
“Really? That sounds… nice,” he said, with a hint of sarcasm.
“Nicer than a divorce,” I shot back, and I meant it.
I understand why scheduling a date night might sound like a luxury. It involves hiring a babysitter, putting on some makeup, and wearing clothes that aren’t adorned with mysterious stains from snack time or toddler explosions. It’s a whole production. Not to mention, both you and your partner need to carve out a shared evening amidst the chaos of work commitments, kid shuttling, and an endless pile of laundry. And let’s not forget the cost—dining out and compensating Sam for her time can add up quickly.
But honestly, it’s a lot cheaper than the price of a divorce.
Date night has become a vital aspect of my marriage. You see, I married this guy 15 years ago, and we hit it off right from the start. We met in art school, after all. Back in those carefree days, we’d pack a loaf of bread, some cheese, and a bottle of wine, then hike to a scenic spot where we’d enjoy each other’s company, sharing dreams and laughter.
Fast forward to now, and we’re knee-deep in parenting our four little ones. Between work responsibilities, household chores, and just surviving the day, we’ve transformed into responsible adults. Fifteen years later, we’re not the same people we used to be. We’re busy, we’re aging, and let’s face it, we sometimes forget to close the bathroom door.
And no, PTA meetings, playdates, or bowling with the kids don’t count as date night. This sacred time is meant for you and your partner—the person you’ve built a life with. Date night is the agreement that keeps your relationship intact, so you’re not signing any other contracts, like divorce papers down the line.
Every Wednesday, I look forward to having my husband all to myself. Whether we indulge in a romantic dinner at our favorite spot or grab burgers from the local joint and enjoy them on the beach, it’s our time to reconnect. Pure romance, right?
I get it—maybe in the past, couples didn’t need designated date nights. They were too busy with the daily grind, from making their own butter to fending off bears. Plus, their life expectancy was around 40, so they didn’t have to deal with each other for too long. But in our modern world, we might be living with our partners for 80 years. Eighty years!
So, mark it on the calendar. Make it non-negotiable. If hiring a sitter isn’t in the budget, consider swapping babysitting duties with a friend who also craves a night out. Or whip up some sandwiches and enjoy a cozy picnic in your backyard—baby monitor in tow. It’s still date night!
If we play our cards right, in 15 more years, our kids will be off exploring their own lives, and guess who will still be here? Each other. And if we invest in our relationship, date night will still be part of the equation.
For more insights on relationships and family life, check out our other posts, including how to boost your fertility with supplements at Make a Mom and understanding fertility treatments at March of Dimes.
In summary, making time for date night isn’t just a nice idea; it’s a necessary investment in your relationship that can save you from much bigger problems down the road.