I've been dating a man for 13 years. Of course, I've also been married to that same man for 9 years, but I think continuing to date is really important to keeping us close (or bringing us back together!) throughout our lives together. Our dates don't have to be elaborate or planned out in advance. Sometimes, we work them right into the middle of attacking our weekend task lists. For example, let's say we have to run a few mundane errands for some items we need, and at the last minute we decide to go to a coffee shop together!
One daily "date" that we make time for is sitting down together at the table while eating dinner. I know some couples may do this by default, but we got into a routine where we'd either veg out in front of the TV or retire to our computers or something while eating. By trying to sit down together - no phones, no TV, no computer - we are able to focus on just each other, even if it's only for 15 or 20 minutes. It makes a huge difference and it's a habit I hope to continue!
To help illustrate the importance of dating your spouse, watch this short lil' video by First Things First:
I think the video has a great message - there will always be something left on the to do list, something worrying you, something that's plaguing your thoughts. By taking even just a few minutes to turn those things off and sit down to a few moments with the one you love, you can help improve your outlook on all that other stuff going on, not to mention bring the two of you together as well.
So, here's to dating your spouse, whether you've been together 5 years or 50!
GIVEAWAY!!
First Things First has partnered with MoonPie to provide one of our readers with a family prize pack! One of our readers will receive his and her MoonPie t-shirts (size large) as well as 2 boxes of single decker MoonPies. This giveaway will end Monday, August 18th at 11:59pm.
1. To be eligible for the giveaway, simply comment on this blog post and let me know what you think of the "Dating your Spouse" video by First Things First
Each household is only eligible to win One (1) First Things First Moon Pie Prize Pack via blog reviews and giveaways. Only one entrant per mailing address per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you will not be eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.
Disclaimer: I partnered with First Things First/MoonPie for the publication of this post and was compensated for my efforts.
I think it's an important message. Being better partners make you better parents.
It is really important and a good reminder to have fun together!
I think it is really important reminder and when my husband and I go a while without time for each other date we can tell in the way we behave.
It's cute...and a great idea.
I think it's a great idea. I think if more people dated their spouse, more relationships would last.
I love the Dating Your Spouse video.
I think that it's important to your relationship to make time for each other to reinforce and remember why you fell in love to begin with before having a family. I think that it brings and keeps you closer as a family.
jweezie43[at]gmail[dot]com
I think dating your spouse is important...Alone time with each other keeps the sparks going.
I think that it relays a wonderful message. Just because you are married does not mean you should not make time for each other. You need your own personal date time, to spend with each other and enjoy each others time. Do random acts of love for each other.
I think it is important to find the time and invest in each other.
vmkids3 at msn dot com
I think it's a great idea!
I'll tell you what I think.....
I think it's a great message! I wish more couples adopted this behavior. Dating & courting your spouse should NEVER end. You don't stop loving them? Why stop dating them? And another huge point that video makes..."there will always be another thing on the to-do list". Yeah, there will be. And putting it off a few hours won't make a difference in the end, but spending those few hours with your mate instead? Will make a huge, lasting difference.
Also, I deserve those shirts and moonpies, but mostly the moonpies.