Hey Friends! We are back with an all-new episode of our podcast “The Married Podcast”. I am so in love with this episode & we had the best time recording it for you guys. After receiving a bit of inspiration from our neighborhood friends we sat down and really brainstormed how we could be helpers on this topic. After all, the sweet couple that pitched this to us is REALLY good at dating each other. Every Friday night you can catch them on their next great date adventure and we love that about them – although we keep forgetting that it means we can’t hang out with them on Fridays. Well, after sitting back and looking it over we came to the realization that dating is different for everyone. Every couple with have their very own needs, love language, and standards for what “dating” means. So, for this episode, we dive into what that really means and how there is no clear cut mold for what you have to do on your dates or even what can be defined as a “date”. We hope that is freeing for most and makes the idea of continually pursuing each other a little more simple & makes it feel like it’s something you can not only do every week but you of course look forward to scheduling it out!
Our little disclosure before we begin the dive into this episode. We are not perfect at this and I think there are probably people who think that what we include in this episode as dating is not exactly what you see in the movies. Let’s be honest though – very few of us are living that movie theater love and that’s okay! However, we did try to make sure these things are helpful for every one of each stage of life. So whether you have an empty nest, a house full of kids, or living that kid-free life – we encourage you to find your rhythm in dating each other and commit to something now! You will be so happy to finally get back in the swing of committing to something together and continuously putting the balance of pursuing each other on a regular basis.
Have A Date Night In
We love a good date night in our home. We plan around making sure Jax lays down in bed on time but still it’s so fun to plan something special out post-bedtime. Great ideas we do are cooking together, movie & popcorn on the couch, or even a walk around the neighborhood together to start it all off. Of course, if you have little ones running around it’s likely you will still have a child to tote around on your walk as well but feel free to give them a toy for distraction as you guys walk around and enjoy some talking & dreaming together. If you choose to do a movie night we highly recommend pre-selecting a movie so you don’t spend the majority of your time together trying to decide on what to watch.
The Idea of a Day-Date
This is the main section that we fall under. We are big on day dating mostly because it’s the easiest most consistent option we can stick to because Jax is regularly in daycare during the morning/early afternoon hours. We work from home all week together but for day dates we make some intentional time to go do something not work-related and something we both enjoy. It always starts with Panera for lunch and then heading out to our local Target & TJ Maxx to browse the aisles of all the things we really do not need. Sometimes we will go out for a fun time at Top Golf, Massages & Pedicures, or even a little bit of plant shopping. (shocker there I know).
Take a Date Night Out
We are the world’s worst at hiring a baby sitter and getting a night out but it happens. Just not as often as we would prefer. We understand and feel for those couples with littles and a date night out can be so expensive. However, investing in each other isn’t a bad place to put some money either. If you are reaching to save a few extra dollars make the date night closer to home or reach out to some trustworthy family, friends, or neighbors to help you guys get out for a few hours. All the usual spots are our favorite. Things like dinner & a movie, bowling, Top Golf, dinner & shopping, Dave & Busters, & the list could go on! We love to have fun and compete with one another haha so most of our favorite date nights include a few friendly tests so to speak. We love getting out and just having fun like we did when we were teenagers together.
Something to Take Home With You
This really doesn’t have to be complicated. We understand just about everyone’s schedule is different from ours; however, if you don’t prioritize each other now when will you ever. Work although important to keeping money flowing in the household will mean nothing if you have a failing relationship. Choose each other first and even beyond your own children. One day those kids will be 18 and moving on to college – ensure that when they move out you aren’t paired with a total stranger to help you through a welcomed tough phase in your lives. So, yes they aren’t little for long but putting each other on the back burner for a couple of years as they get bigger will not contribute to your parenting relationship together. So, we like to aim weekly (on Fridays) for our dates but it’s okay if right now you can only commit to 1 every 2 weeks. Just so something and in those off weeks so to speak choose to do something in home instead of a night (or day) on the town. Make it simple and communicate with one another to be sure you are doing something everyone enjoys. He loves taking you out for a fancy dinner but don’t underplay how much he might enjoy trying to teach you how to swing a golf club or the laughter that ensues when you are both so terrible at bowling. It’s fun and it helps you connect on another level than just living together!
Thank you so much for reading through another episode of The Married Podcast. Head on over to listen through the entire episode or if you are more of a watching person check out our YouTube channel for the entire real episode live in our very own home with a super cool neon sign. Don’t forget to leave any questions or comments in the section below and as always share away! If you loved this episode we would love to see you leave us a review <3
