I remember showing up to my kid’s soccer practice with my three little ones in tow, casually asking the coach about the schedule. I’m that mom who isn’t exactly in the loop until the first day of the season.
“Practices are on Tuesday evenings,” he replied.
“Tuesday evenings?” I said. “You won’t see me then. That’s date night, which means you’ll have to deal with Karen, our babysitter.”
“This week?” he asked, surprised.
“Nope,” I responded. “Every week. Tuesday night is officially date night.”
“Really?! That sounds nice,” he said, a little too sarcastically.
“It’s way nicer than divorce,” I shot back.
And it truly is.
I understand how setting aside time for a date night might feel like a luxury. Finding a babysitter, adding some makeup, and changing out of my usual food-stained attire can feel like an Olympic event. But it’s really about making space for your partner amidst the chaos of life.
It requires both you and your partner to find a night each week that isn’t consumed with work, kids, or the endless pile of laundry. Plus, it can be pricey—dining out can cost more than the meals you’d enjoy at home, plus you have to pay Karen the babysitter. Yet, I argue that it’s still far more affordable than the expenses that come with a divorce.
Date night is vital for my marriage. I married a fantastic guy named Tom 15 years ago, and we genuinely clicked. We met in college, where we shared dreams and spontaneous adventures—like hiking to the beach with nothing but bread, cheese, and wine. Those were the days.
Fast forward to today: we have three kids, jobs to manage, and responsibilities that come with adulthood. We’ve been together long enough to know just how much we’ve changed. Now, we’re busy, older, and maybe even a little too comfortable with each other—like, yes, sometimes the bathroom door is left open (not that I’m confessing anything).
And for the record, PTA meetings, family outings, or bowling with the kids do NOT count as date night. It’s essential to carve out time that’s just for you and your partner—the one you’ve built a life with. Date night is a pact with your soulmate, ensuring you don’t have to resort to signing divorce papers.
Every Tuesday, I anticipate having Tom all to myself. We might indulge in a candlelit dinner at our favorite restaurant or grab burgers from the local dive and enjoy them on the beach. Pure romance, right?
I recognize that in the past, couples probably didn’t need date nights; they were too busy with survival tasks. Their life expectancy was shorter, and they didn’t have to navigate the complexities of modern relationships. But we might find ourselves living with our partners for 80 years—so we better make the effort.
Mark it on your calendar. Make it non-negotiable. If hiring a babysitter is a stretch, swap nights with a friend who also needs some couple time. You can even DIY your date night—pack some sandwiches and enjoy the backyard with a baby monitor nearby. It’s still a date.
If we play our cards right, in another 15 years, our kids will be off on their own adventures, leaving us with one another. And if we nurture our relationship, we’ll still have our cherished date nights.
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In summary, committing to regular date nights can strengthen your relationship and keep the spark alive—potentially saving you from the greater costs of separation.
Keyphrase: Date Night Importance
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