January 30th, 2012 
Emily You went on a date? Yesterday after church we talked with a friend who is in the first few weeks of dating someone new. We always like to hear updates on how things are going, so Matt asked about his last date: when it was, what they did and how it went. We were glad to hear that the dinner went well and they have another date planned.
(via weheartit.com)
Then our friend asked Matt, “So when was your last date?” Matt and I looked at each other, laughed and looked at our friend. He wasn’t laughing. “No really, when was the last time you went on a date?” We had gone to two Warriors games this week, and had gone out to dinner the week before, but we hadn’t really considered those dates. It was more like “something to do.”
Our friend looked a little disappointed. “When’s the last time you took her out on a date and surprised her?” I knew I liked this friend! 
Seriously though, I realized that we don’t typically go on “dates.” We usually hem and haw over what restaurant we want to go to or casually throw out ideas to pass the time. This conversation reminded us that it doesn’t hurt to put a spark into what can be seen as just another night out.
So what can we do? Here are some things that came to mind:
- If you usually plan nights out, let your spouse get creative. Maybe even replicate an old date.
- Put your phones away — or at least limit use. I use my phone as my camera. Instead of immediately uploading to Facebook/Instagram/whatever, do it later.
- Keep the conversation light and playful.
- Surprise your spouse with a small gift to show that you thought about them.
- Get dressed up. Remember when you used to carefully select your clothes with excitement?
- Don’t stay at home.
- Go somewhere new. Being together might not be “new” but you can replicate the newness factor by exploring somewhere you’re unfamiliar with.
Any other ideas?
Posted in 
Tags: 
