Hello my friends. Are you still dating?
The other day, I said to myself, “I am so glad I am not dating anymore.” And then, just like that, it was a huge aha moment for me. And I have been thinking about dating ever since. What an important tool to be using in our lives regardless of our relationship status.
When did we start thinking that we no longer need to date once we get married or are in a long-term committed relationship? Dating is not just for the single. Committed couples need to be getting their date on as well. With each other of course.
So why keep dating?
Why do we start dating to begin with? To meet people, to connect, to find the one. So what happens once we find the one? Endless nights of TV and early bedtime?! Seriously?! And then the quality of the relationship starts to decline with mundane routine.
I know, I know… we all get so busy. Work, kids, sleep…. Life seems to take over. Heck, who has time to stay fit once you have a family let alone go out on a date? Well, we all do of course. If we decide to make date night a priority.
When we continue to date our parter, we continue to grow with them. We spend time learning about them, understanding them, and having fun with them. Without this time, couples often find that they begin to drift apart. Too often, couples wake up one day, look across the room and see a stranger wearing the wedding ring they gave to the love of their life. Regardless of what else is going on in life, making time for each other, helps couples thrive.
Being an adult can be so serious.
Scheduling in playtime is really important. Take a moment and think about the last time you allowed yourself to have some fun with your love. How was that? Would you like to do that again? This is something that you could add into your life on a weekly basis. And I highly recommend it.
With that being said, sometimes couples need to get really creative in finding ways to add in a date during their week. Whether it is picking a day and time that will work for both of you. Or if you are working with a tight budget. Let your creativity flow. The more you start dating, the more ideas will come to you.
Date nights at home also count. Turn on some music and dance. Play a game. Heck, color together. Cook together, make a favorite dessert and then enjoy eating it together. Working out together at home or going for a walk and playing at a park is a great date for those who like to get physical. All of these could be wonderful dates at home that all stay within a budget.
Take turns planing your date night. And when it is not your turn to pick, you be a phenomenal date. This means no complaining about the date you are about to go on. Remember, you get to plan dates as well… so be a good sport on the dates your partner plans, even if it is something you are not super excited about.
Make sure that your partner is feeling special and loved on your date (well… daily would be best). Treat your partner as if you want them around and that you enjoy getting to know them. Be the sweet that they crave (if you don’t know what that is…. best start dating again and ask them).
For those who are wanting to reconnect or maintain their connection with their partner, sign up for my live e-class.