Kelly and her husband, Matt, are in their early 50's. They have 3 children ages 11,13 and 15.
In the evening, Kelly makes dinner for her children. She and Matt sit at the table and chat with their kids as they eat their dinner; however, Kelly and her husband don't eat dinner with the kids. After the children are in bed for the night, Kelly and Matt make dinner for themselves. They sit down and have a candlelight dinner together with wine and dinner music. Every night. Kelly said that her and Matt have been "dating" like this since their children were babies. She continued to say that it works for them, and it has saved and strengthened their marriage. It's their sacred time, without exception. My hats off to Kelly and Matt. Dating doesn't have to be extravagant or cost a dime. It's the time and thought invested that keeps the marriage together. Keeping your marriage sacred and at the center of the family will cause you will live happily ever after. Dating your spouse is one key to a successful marriage. My husband and I have been married for 14 years. These 14 years have been the best years of my life, and my marriage is exceeding, abundantly above all I could ever ask or think. 100% the best ALL the time.
How? One secret is dating. When my husband and I met, we dated for about 8 months and were engaged for 8 months. Dating was fun, exciting, and wonderful. We couldn't wait to see each other. I planned my outfits days in advanced. Benjamin made plans for us every week. I made special plans for us as well. Before we got married we took marriage classes with our reverend. He taught us many great things about marriage. One thing he told us was, to continue to date. God bless my wonderful husband, because he took that advice seriously, and we have been dating every week for 14 years. Every week. We've only missed if someone was sick (and even then, we'd reschedule). When the children were babies, dating looked very different than it does today. Today we have three girls in elementary school and middle school. Our week is completely booked. Family dinners are few and far between. On some days, we are like ships passing in the night. However, one thing has remained set in stone. Date night. Friday night Benjamin and I go out, without fail. Through thick and thin, busy or not, rich or poor, tired or preoccupied, happy or sad -- that doesn't matter. Our Friday night date has no compromises. If I'm feeling tired I'll go to bed early Thursday, take a nap on Friday, or do whatever it takes to be my best for our date. Some weeks, I'm exhausted, and the last thing I want to do is go out. But I always do, and I'm always glad I did. Spending time with my husband, away from the house and kids every week, is the air I breath. Our time together is for us to connect, talk, laugh, rest, plan and enjoy each others companionship to no end. After our date, we come home rejuvenated, full of life and energy. Our marriage is strengthened, our family happy and our life is completely delightful. Come Wednesday, my outfit is planned, babysitter is schedule, dinner for the kids is arranged, pep talk for the kids is done, and I'm super excited. Where are we going? What are we doing? I don't care. I'm just excited that my husband and I will be together for a few hours to do nothing more than enjoy each other alone, together away from the world. I look forward to our dates more than anything, and dating has truly enriched our marriage. He makes you cry.
He does things that make you wonder ...WTF? His friends come before you. His hobbies come before you. His mother/family comes before you. His work comes before you. He says negative things to you. He doesn't have his sh*t together. He's inconsiderate. Your in couples therapy. You get the point. You deserve the best. Don't settle. |
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