Date 2: Thinking About You

With so much going on, there’s no way to foster marital intimacy in the middle of the day, right? Think again! Read this Date Guide to learn more.

Date Night #2 - I'm Thinking About You 

Do you sometimes feel like your average day is a rat race...and the rats are winning?

It starts with the commute, either to get to work or to get the kids to school. It continues with an endless series of meetings, appointments, trips to the store, lunch engagements, trips back to school to pick up the kids and then shuttle them to their extra-curricular activities, only to conclude with another long and frustrating commute home. With so much going on, there’s no way to foster marital intimacy in the middle of the day, right?

Wrong! Think again. Being separate form your spouse during daylight hours doesn't mean you can't stay connected! It's as simple as checking in with your spouse to say, "I'm thinking about you." Use brief phone calls, voice mails, texts or emails to connect with your spouse throughout the day. Your words can put wind back in your spouse's sails in the midst of the day's chaos.

Is tonight Date Night? Find a way to communicate to your spouse how much you are looking forward to spending the evening together. Even a quick phone call to ask, “Is there anything I can pick up at the store on my way home?” lets your spouse know that you’re thinking about him or her. Checking in with your spouse sends two important messages: I’m thinking about you and I’m thinking about us.

  DATE NIGHT

Remember: Always act like you’re trying to get a second date! Whether you’ve been married two weeks or 20 years, it’s important to “woo” your spouse by dressing up a bit, wearing nice perfume or cologne, being affectionate, and so on. Set aside serious issues to discuss at a later time.

Step 1: Different can be delightful.

Instead of visiting the same familiar restaurants, choosing somewhere new will help start conversation and heighten the sense of adventure.

Step 2: Remember me?

Over dinner, talk about your daily routines. What steps can you take to stay in touch throughout the day? Some days it may be tougher than others, but with some creativity, you can make it happen. Here are just a few ways to stay connected:

• Texts
• Emails
• Phone calls (even if your spouse is unavailable at that time, you can call and leave a romantic voicemail!)
• An occastional bouquet of flowers or other surprise delivery
• Meeting at a restaurant for a "lunch date"
• A quick romantic interlude at home

Step 3: Let the games begin!

After you’ve discussed ways to stay better connected throughout the day, it’s time for some fun! Consider one of the following activities or plan your own:

• Playing miniature golf
• Attending a local sporting event
• Reading a couples' devotional book together at a cafe
• Ice skating or roller skating
• Visiting a local zoo, museum, gallery, or aquarium

Step 4: Relax and unwind.

Before going home, you might look for a quiet place for dessert or coffee. The following questions should generate positive, uplifting and encouraging responses:

• What was your favortie part of the evening?
• What did you learn about me tonight that you didn't know before?
• What are some ways I can make you feel loved and affirmed while we're apart during the day?

Step 5: When can we do this again?

As you drive home, spend time planning your next date. Also, think about other ways you might let each other know “I’m thinking about you” while you’re apart. When you get home, the rest of the evening is up to you. Have a great adventure!

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