After many failed attempts, Raymond and I have finally found a date night formula that works.
My criteria is stiff: recapturing the butterfly feeling I had when we were first dating. That’s a tall order, sixteen years and two kids later. But, it was time to put some intention into our relationship.
Here’s the forumula that’s working for us:
Manageable: Once-a-month
Unpredictable: The date activity has to be new–something we’ve never done.
Surprise element: This is my favorite part. We can’t reveal the plans for the date to the other until we’re pulling out of the driveway.
Taboo: No talking kids or finances allowed. Period.
Dress code: It’s a date. Dress like it. (Raymond set the bar on this one. On our second date, he rounded the corner looking all snappy in a sports coat and striped shirt. When I saw that, I hightailed it upstairs and spiffed up, too. What a nice surprise!)
Shared responsibility: We alternate who’s in charge. I plan one month, he plans the next. The person in charge also manages kid coverage. Nice.
So far, we’ve seen a comedy show at Brave New Workshop, had late sushi at Fuji-Ya, viewed a fabulous exhibit at the Russian Museum of Art, and lunched at Blackbird. We’re having a lot of fun. After 10 years of focusing on the kids, it’s looooong overdue to invest in us. Side benefit - I’m remembering why I married him. I’d do it again. Butterflies!
