My hubby and I have been married for almost 19 years and one thing that we make a top-priority is spending time together alone; this is vital to our marriage. In general, we try to have a date night at least twice a month, sometimes more, because we need time to be the people we were when we first met: Craig and Randi rather than Dad and Mom. We have found that if we don't plan this, it won't happen. Based on your own financial situation you can splurge or go cheap, just don't let the lack of money stop you from going out! Here is a list of some of the things we have done on dates.
-dinner and a movie***On Fridays, most newspapers have a list of local events, many of them free!
-picnic at a park
-hiking
-batting cages, go carts miniature golf
-museum
-antique store shopping
-thrift store shopping
-fishing
-local history center (yes, we are a little boring!)
-hang out at a coffee shop or a book store
-shop for guitars ( he likes that!)
-hockey game
If $$$ is a problem (babysitting can be very expensive!), try swapping babysitting with another couple once-a-month and that way you will be getting a date-night once a month and you will be blessing another couple at the same time.
Admittedly, we have had busy times when our date consisted of visiting Craig's job sites or going grocery shopping. These are not very romantic things to do but if you approach it right, you can have a great time together doing ordinary things. (I would try, however, not to make this the norm when it comes to your date-nights.)
If your hubby is reluctant to go, just surprise him. Chances are he will have fun and maybe he will even look forward to your next date-night. Who knows, maybe he will even plan the next one!
In the midst of life's responsibilities, make your marriage a top-priority--you won't regret it!
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