People, you've got to keep dating your spouse. You must be intentional about this. The husband and I really do enjoy hanging out together, so going on dates was easy for us. However, when we had our fourth child we realized we HAD to continue dating. It could no longer be a choice. Each month we set a date on the calendar and we go on a date. It's a No Matter What on our calendar. The busier you become in your life, the more dire the need to date your spouse becomes. You have to set time to be together. To be adults. To be you.
The husband and I discuss our date nights so we can plan them in advance. The night goes on a calendar and we get a babysitter. Oftentimes, there are special events going on and we can arrange our date around that night. Other times, we find a free night and we keep it free.
Except for those emergencies like when your 2 year old swallows a battery and you have to end your date early to take him to the ER (true story), there are few things more important than the time with your spouse. Honor it.
Think about it this way: You and your spouse are going to hit hard times. Seriously hard. If you do not invest in your spouse and in growing your relationship, what do you think will happen when the bad times hit? You will be fighting your husband. The husband and I are in bad times right now. But those bad times are not affecting our relationship because we have been investing in one another. During these times I know I am going through them with my best friend. We are not blaming each other. We are not fighting. We are united and that is because we are intentional and deliberate in growing our marriage.
If you live in Atlanta, you are so incredibly lucky. There are SO many great date ideas. I am pretty sure the last dinner/movie date night we had was to see The Hunger Games and we ate at Longhorn, where we had our first date. We usually go do something different each month. Often, finances play a big role in how elaborate our date is. I've collected what I think is a very extensive list, though certainly not exhaustive. If you are not local, hopefully these ideas will help you think of other ideas in your town. A great tip: Google "Events in ______ on June 14." Remember, have fun!
Fun Dates Improv in the Park- This is on the first Wednesday of every month in Atlantic Station and it's FREE! http://wholeworldtheatre.com/improv-in-the-park-is-back/
Aquarium spend the night- Did you know you could spend the night at the Georgia Aquarium? How cool is that?! They have Family ones, and then they have Adults Only. There are only a few a year, so this is something to prepare for in advance and get your tickets early! http://www.georgiaaquarium.org/explore-the-aquarium/events-and-programs/sleepovers.aspx
Brew at the Zoo This only takes place once a year, but the zoo has other Adult nights that are lots of fun! http://www.zooatlanta.org/home/events/brew_entertainment#ff_s=aHgsy
Sometimes, you need to be creative with your time. Don't have any? No worries! You can have the sitter come over after the kids go to bed, and just go out for an hour for dessert. My favorite dessert places are Menchies (get ALL the things you want!) and Ghiredelli. Not much more decadent than that! Also, think about breakfast as an option. Head over to J Christopher's or Waffle House. If you work outside of the home, see if you can get someone to watch the kids during lunch and meet him for a lunch date. Dates do not have to be at a certain time of day- they just have to include you and your spouse!
Test drive cars- This is another freebie that is actually quite fun. Don't test drive a van!! Test drive some BMWs or that convertible you hope to get one day. One of our favorite date nights was when I surprised Larry by taking him to the Ferrari dealership. He loved it and I had a lot more fun than I had expected!
Sporting Events- We have some great teams in Atlanta! Try something different when you go to a game- did you know the Braves have All You Can Eat seats? They are amazing and gluttonness and beautiful ;) http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/atl/ticketing/ayce.jsp
Go old school and try mini golf or bowling. It's still just as fun now as it was always was!
Brewery- Atlanta has some really cool breweries. We just went to Monday Night Brewing and had a great time! http://mondaynightbrewing.com
Concerts This link has a lot of concerts (and other things) in Atlanta listed http://www.atlantaplanit.com/outandabout/
Six Flags- Leave the kiddos at home and just go by yourself for a few hours!
Romantic Dates
First date- Replay your first date and go to the same places you went way back then. It will bring up some fun conversations as it will spark memories about getting ready, your first impressions, and your thoughts the first time you had a date with your spouse.
Skyview This is new and super cool! I can't wait to go- it's a ferris wheel in Centennial Park. http://www.skyviewatlanta.com
Five Star Restaurants One thing is for sure, there are some good places to eat in Atlanta! You can google "Five Star Restaurants Atlanta" but I would just recommend asking some friends to let you know of some amazing places to eat. You will get LOTS of ideas! We've eaten at some of our favorite places after suggestions from friends!
Sundial When talking about great date-night restaurants in Atlanta, this is my favorite. The top floor of The Westin hotel actually turns while you eat, giving you a 360 view of Atlanta and beyond. We did one overnight date in Atlanta and ate here, then had a hotel room and went to the Aquarium together the next day. It was a lot of fun!
The Fox is always such a grand place to go on a date http://foxtheatre.org
Fernbank Science Museum has Adult Nights including Martinis and IMAX http://www.fernbankmuseum.org/visit-fernbank/events-activities/
Movies in Central Park- This takes place in Atlantic Station and the next one is tomorrow! Get a babysitter! (But they have them throughout the summer.) http://atlanticstation.com/events/?event_id=100013536
Still having a hard time? Worried about what you will say to each other? Download some Great Date Experiences. They will send you on an adventure, they have different $ options for you to choose from, and they really are fun!
http://marriedlifeonline.com/greatdate/
If you have kids, it can be stressful (and expensive) to set up a date night. But it's worth it. When Larry and I were planning our overnight visit in Atlanta, I was worried that maybe we shouldn't do it. A wise friend said: "Yes, it's going to be expensive. But it's cheaper than a divorce! GO!!" Our monthly date nights, some expensive, some cheap, are all investments. We are investing our time and our money into our marriage. My 5 year old asked me a few days ago: "Mommy, when are you and Daddy going on a date?" I told him we were going on a trip this month and we have a date planned then. "Oh, OK. When you get married you go on dates!"
Yes, son, that's right!!
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| We have our picture taken at each of our date nights. Since this year we are committed to one date night a month, I'm hoping to make a cute little photo book of our date nights at the end of the year! |
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