Date Night!

My parents have always had a fantastic relationship. They have shown me what true love looks like. They have shown me that marriage isn't easy and there will be some challenging times but that it will all be worth it.

I have seen a lot of things that my parents have taught me manifested through my own marriage. My mom and dad were prime examples at how to have a successful and happy marriage, while going through challenging times.

My dad has always put my mom first. I used to joke to my friends that my parents still acted like newly weds, and I believe that what truly got them through everything were the nights that they took a break from every day life and focused on quality time with one another. Almost weekly my parents would go on a date. They understood the importance of taking time out of their week to develop their relationship with one another.

I am the oldest of 5 kids and because of that I became their permanent babysitter. Even before I was old enough to babysit, my parents would get a babysitter so that they could go on a date night. When I was younger I would get frustrated that my parents went out with each other so much and never brought us. I never understood just how important their date night was until I married my own husband.

Life is crazy and I feel that it doesn't get any less crazy as we go along. Often times, we can say that we are too busy to worry about dates right now. There is never enough time and dating your husband or wife is not something that you should be putting off. Dating is not something that should be forgotten once you are married.

Now, I am not saying that you have to go to a fancy dinner or spend a lot of money every week to date your spouse. What I am saying is that every week you should be devoting at least 1-2 hours of quality time to your spouse. This time should be away from the busy world you live in. This time should be considered sacred and extremely important.

There are many great reasons to date your spouse, but one that would like to point out is that you both need each other. Marriage is hard and it can be easy to get lost in the many different activities that you are involved in. Date nights can help you build one another up. It gives you time to wind down from the business of life and have time to talk about things going on with you. I believe that in order to have a successful marriage you have to commit to each other to work on it daily. It is a part of life that should not be put aside. Marriage is something that can bless and enrich your life, only when you are both putting effort into its success.

Go on dates! Make time for it! I promise that it is worth it. I feel much better about my week knowing that I have something to look forward to. I have specific time devoted to my relationship with my husband. I love watching our love grow as we continue to date each other and work at a great marriage.