Date Night, Part One

A couple of years ago, my husband and I realized we needed to step up our date night game.  The kids were getting older, we were getting busier, and it was becoming easier and easier to forget about taking time to be together. 

One on one time. 

Where we dressed up. 

And ate nice food. 

And talked about big people things. 

And laughed.

And had new experiences together.

And came home not just loving each other, but really, really liking each other.

So, now it's something we prioritize, which is harder than it sounds.  And what we've found is that the more time and attention we put into our date nights, the more they lend themselves to heart connections and the more memorable they are.  Not that dinner and a movie isn't a perfectly nice thing to do, but if it's all we ever do, the dates seem to run together in retrospect instead of sticking out as special highlights as one calendar page turns to another.

But, I'll be honest.  It's hard to come up with creative dates again and again.  Which is why I'm a big fan of taking other people's ideas.  So, in the spirit of generosity, "Treasure the Ordinary" will be offering three date night ideas for the next three days, leading up to Valentine's Day.  I pray they might be a blessing to you as you jump start creativity in your relationship. 

And if you happen to be someone who is without a significant romantic relationship in your life right now, might I offer this suggestion?  What would happen if you prayed for God to show you someone who needed encouragement, someone who is alone in this season of their life, and asked them to accompany you on a friendly outing?  You can take these ideas, make them completely platonic, and you might just change someone's outlook on life.


Date Night #1:  "The Something New Date"

• Guys:  Bring your spouse a type of flower you've never purchased before when you come home!
• Go to a restaurant you've never been to before.
• Order something you've never ordered before.
• Tell each other a story you've never told before.
• Go to a bookstore and buy a "how to" kit for something you've never done before.  (Examples:  origami, playing the harmonica, paint by numbers, etc.) Go somewhere and tackle the new project together!
• Stop in for coffee before heading home in a new environment.  This is a great time to try out a new, hipster coffee joint!