Routine is the enemy of romance..when was the last time you celebrated your love with a date night? Lots of couples have settled for nights at home in front of the TV or at best have a night with girlfriends or the guys in lieu of a night out together.

We live in a hectic world that demands so much. Don’t let it  infringe on the energy and time you should give to your marriage. With these resources gone we settle for evenings in front of the television too tired to plan anything . Dating your spouse may be an idea you have not considered for some time. In fact, it may be years.                              

First start with establishing some uninterrupted time. Make it a regular time once a week or every two weeks and put it on your calendar. Secondly get it in your budget. Make it reasonable and affordable and do not forget to add money for the babysitter. (If money is tight, swap babysitting with another couple. Chances are you know someone else who has given up dating and could use some help.)

Date nights will take some imagination and energy. May I suggest taking  turns planning your dates. Consider what you both enjoy but also have nights where you do things that you like. When you are not the planner determine to enjoy your spouses choice of date. You might surprised to learn something new about your partner.

When planning consider doing things that encourage discussion. Spectacular dates are not the goal. Instead intimacy and romance for a lifetime. Some couples have enjoyed playing scrabble and drinking  their favourite cocoa while others have splurged their money on a great book they both wanted and read it to each other in front of the fireplace. Still others have put their children to bed and enjoyed a fancy steak meal on the china from their own buffet.

Here are some dating guidelines:                                                                                                                                                                              

• Blackberrys are not allowed. If your job insists on answering 24/7 then put it on vibrate.
• Children and work are not to be discussed
• Shopping for groceries or running errands absolutely not allowed
• You must not criticize how money allotted for the night was spent or your spouses idea for your date
• Children, best friends, lonely souls nor in-laws are allowed to come along for the night.
• Not the time to discuss your finances or bring up your last fight.

Re-discover the intimacy you once shared and put the fun back in your marriage. Shared experiences will deepen your conversation and provide a new safety with the one you love.

Fight back and reclaim the romance that is yours! Establish date nights and enrich your marriage!

Fighting Back! Reclaiming Your Marriage!  Series

Some things in life are worth fighting for….your marriage relationship is one of them!

As I have watched so many couples struggle either in the media or in real life I am struck with the need to write this series. Problems in marriage can come up daily. After all, who ever found that living with anybody was easy?! I even remember living with siblings could be difficult. Sometimes when we encounter problems with our partner or spouse, it may feel like it is easier to walk away….

More often it is not putting into place a crisis plan, dealing with the finances, understanding our partner or looking at conflict resolution.

Marriage requires work…hard work. And when you work hard you reap incredible benefits of journeying through life with one person who is committed to just you. Come along with me through this series.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Anne