Making the most of our romantic and companionship relationships, that is, our marriages, requires us to spend time together. In the hectic routine of life, married couples are often blessed to commit to a date night (or morning or evening) once a week.

This is the time reserved for fun and otherwise Nice time together.

To do?

Only both partners can determine what is appropriate to do on the date, although each may decide to “bless” the other from time to time by giving way to activity that the other partner strongly desires.

There are also times for couples to spend time together planning their lives together, whether it’s the next day or the routines of the season; this type of information sharing should not intrude on date night unless both enjoy it.

Quality time

If one or both of you are receiving love through the love language of ‘quality time’, one night a week dedicated to your relationship may not be enough. If you have time, ‘day dates’, especially on weekends, are also good. Entire evenings or days together certainly contribute to greater intimacy.

Date night is sacrosanct, but not to the point of inflexibility: Nights can be swapped, but only once you’re in the groove of committing to dates. Obviously, both partners must be fundamentally and equally committed to it.

Benefits of date night

One of the best things about weekly dates is the traditions that develop over the months and years as you participate in them; these become great little foods in a beautiful marital story that can be remembered fondly.

Date night is one investment in the past, present and future of a marriage. It contributes to intimacy which in turn increases passion; both underpin commitment.

Finally…

A word of caution regarding dates. (And this may seem obvious, but it’s an easy trap to fall into.) Try not to raise or resolve controversial issues or resolve conflicts on date night. I can say from very personal experience that date night can quickly turn into a disaster that way! It’s best to agree to talk about these things at a specific time later.

© 2010 SJ Wickham.