The best thing in our marriage and relationship is the fact that we still have maintained the important friendships that we had before we got married. It is kind of sad to me when people start dating someone and then they disappear. Then if the relationship doesn't work out they show back up and tell you how much they have missed you. You think to yourself, "I've been here... where were you?"
I never wanted and never have done this. I am a social person and am grateful my husband and I have the same friends and enjoy spending time doing the same things. I think one thing that helps a marriage is if you have the same interest and views. You spend so much time together it is nice when you like doing the same things.
Definitely have a date night once a week. Then do a special date night every once in a while. This weekend we want to do something fun and different. We might go on a dinner train ride through Chattanooga. Or maybe go to the comedy club. We love comedy clubs. Anything to laugh is always fun. There are so many things you can do to change up the date night, get creative. You also don't need to spend a lot of money. You can make a gourmet dinner, try something out of a cookbook. But when it comes down to it, just make time to be together, alone.
Bob and I have been able to do weekly date nights as empty-nesters, but even with your 4 cousins home, we tried to get out 1-2x/month, and a whole weekend once each year. Making our relationship a priority had positive effects on our children and our family together. Bless the caregivers on those weekends we took away! --Cousin Sharon
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