the journal

If you’re married, or even if you’re just dating or engaged, then you know that relationships take work! We can’t just expect the other person to do everything so we need to put in some effort too. One way that my husband and I have really been able to strengthen our relationship is through regular date nights! I grew up watching my parents have date night every Friday! They would usually do something simple like go out to dinner or go to the temple, but their example has always had an impact on me. They’ve been married 40 + years and while their marriage hasn’t been free of struggles, I know that they’ve made it so far because they’ve taken the time to stay in love with each other! So, here are my top 5 reasons why you should have regular date nights!

~ 1 ~ Helps you stay connected, emotionally, physically, and mentally.

Can you think of the last time you had a serious conversation with your spouse? Can you think of the last time you held hands? If you can’t, then you are in need of a date night! Take the kids somewhere else or get babysitter and go out! Spend time together, just the two of you. Date night is a perfect time to talk, connect, laugh, cry, flirt and just enjoy each other. There are so many distractions in today’s world and I’m sure if you have kids, then things are even crazier! That’s why it’s so important to put away electronics, say goodbye to your kids, even if it’s only for an hour and just focus on your spouse.

~ 2 ~ Reminds you why you fell in love.

Date nights are a perfect time to remember all the reasons you fell in love with your spouse. Do something new and fun or just watch a movie. I promise taking time together will help you appreciate your spouse more and remind you what you loved about them in the first place.

~ 3 ~ To have something to look forward to.

Man, this world is busy and sometimes pretty dreary. So, if you’re anything like me, you have to have fun things planned! Something my husband and I do is take turns planning date night. He plans one week and I plan the next. This is perfect for us because we have a little bit of different interests/hobbies. So, when I plan, I get excited because we get to do something I love and when he plans, I get excited because I don’t have to anything and I still get to have fun! Which leads me to my next point.

~ 4 ~ Helps us relax and have fun.

When was the last time you felt truly relaxed? … It’s hard to take down time, but that’s exactly why you need to! Plan something relaxing or fun for date night. Make sure it’s something you’d both enjoy and just soak in the time you have together. Have a spa night or go play frisbee at a park. Just make sure it’s fun and make sure you have time to relax too! I promise after having a fun and relaxing date night, you’ll both feel rejuvenated and strengthened!

~ 5 ~ Shows our kids that marriage is important to us.

If you know me at all, then you know that family is most important to me. I believe that marriage lasts FOREVER, not just for this life. So, it’s something that I cherish and definitely don’t take lightly. Legacy means a lot to me and I want my kids to know that marriage and family are important. I want them to see me taking time for my husband and making sure I’m connected to him. I want them to know that marriage can last if you work at it. And how amazing is the reward. You have someone there for you all the time, who wants what’s best for you and who would do anything for you.