With a busy lifestyle – at work and at home – you may find yourself struggling to remember the last time you and your partner had a date! After all, with everything else going on, date night may seem like a silly thing to prioritise. However, don’t underestimate the value of a date: regularly spending one-to-one time with your partner helps you to stay connected and build emotional intimacy. This connection is an important part of functional communication between partners.
Do you and your partner need a date night? Here’s how to tell.
- You Measure Time Alone Together in Minutes, Not Hours
After cleaning up after dinner, getting the children to bed and sending out a few late-night emails, both of you are asleep before your heads hit the pillow. If your daily routine doesn’t allow for time to regularly reconnect, date night can be a vital way to touch base with each other. - You Wait for Special Occasions to Plan a Night Out
If you and your partner are waiting until your anniversary to spend quality alone time with one another, you’re waiting too long. Simply enjoying each other’s company is reason enough to plan a date. - You’re Familiar With the “Next Week Will Be Better” Excuse
“The right time” to relax and do nothing with your partner will never just ‘crop up’ in the middle of your busy work and family schedule. You have to make time – even if it’s only a few hours! So stop waiting for the “right” moment – just book a slot in the calendar and go! - You Text More Than You Talk
If it seems like you’re always heading out the door as your partner is getting home, it’s understandable that you rely on quick texts to communicate. However, texting fails to convey real emotion and can’t replace a face-to-face conversation. - Meals Happen on the Go
When the only food you’re serving for dinner is fast, that doesn’t leave time for much talk at the table. If you’re eating all your meals in the car or picking off your children’ plates, it’s time to plan a dinner for grown-ups. - Your Weekend Plans Always Revolve Around Your Children
A strong relationship between you and your partner is just as important as attending birthday parties or sporting events for your children. To spark a more intellectual conversation, watch a film together that isn’t animated. - Your Newest Catchphrase Is “I Can’t Remember the Last Time…”
You know how important it is to listen to others, but don’t forget to listen to yourself. If you constantly reminisce over old memories, it’s time to get out and make some new ones together. - All Your Lengthy Conversations Are With Toddlers
It is easy to feel totally disconnected from the rest of the world if you spend a majority of your time around your children. Remember that your partner probably needs a break too, and indulge in the company of adults for a night. - Your Babysitter Is Calling to Check You Haven’t Moved
Surely it hasn’t been that long! If your Friday night babysitter is calling to make sure they still have a job, it’s time to get out of the house. Decide on a day and time while you’ve got them on the phone — it will make them and your significant other happy. - The Children Come First — Every Time
Of course your children are the apples of your eye. However, to be good parents, it’s essential to take the time to recharge. When parents spend time together away from their children, it gives them an opportunity to reconnect and strengthen their relationship and the family bond as a whole.
When you do finally enjoy a date, you should really talk about your partnership. Communicate with each other about your needs in the relationship, and don’t assume your partner knows what you are thinking. Remember to just be in the moment with your spouse and truly enjoy one another’s company.