Get Creative

I don't know what people are told outside of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but within the church we are told to date our spouse frequently. Often times we get busy or stray off because something is not of interest to us. Douglas Brinley mentions in an Ensign article to date your spouse frequently.

And I quote, "You and your spouse need time together to renew your relationship. New perspectives come with time away from the mundane. That means dating is essential. If you have children but few resources, look for creative ways to go on dates. For example, you might ask in-laws or neighbors to watch your children while you two get away for a mini vacation. You might exchange childcare with other couples for different date nights. Above all, recognize that a babysitter is cheaper than a divorce." 

We are to try and enhance our relationship with our spouse, not drive them away. Most divorce's come from a lack of communication and not spending enough quality time together. As you get older, your personality may change, your interest may differ, and you may see things differently. To keep your marriage strong and a continuous working matter, you must continue to get to know your spouse. Get to know there likes and dislikes. They may not be the young, spunky person you once fell in love with, but they are still your spouse. Make it work.

Now that I am done with that little spill, one piece of advice I have received from many different people is to have a date night at least once a week. Of course, if you are on a tight budget, like Glenn and I, you can still get creative with the ideas (even if that means staying home).

I wrote down 50 date ideas, folded them in half and placed them in a container. Now all we have to do is draw one and do it. Some weeks we may already have something planned, such as this week we are going to a show on the BYU-I campus and also hiking R mountain/making Navajo tacos with some friends. The idea is that if we do not have a date planned for that week, Sunday we will draw one of the ideas, figure out when that week we can do it and make plans from there.

Of course, each week I will post what our date is and the fun we had doing it!

I challenge everyone to plan a date night at least once a week. It could even be 5-10 minutes if that is what time will allow. Just spend time with your spouse.

 

Ready, Set, Date!