I can bet that every single one of you--whether it was in church, on a talk show, or in an article online-- has heard the phrase "date your spouse." It sounds simple enough, but do we really put it in to action in our everyday lives? Even though I haven't been married even a year yet, I recognize the importance of continuing to pursue my husband and make him feel wanted just like when we first met.
And while Chase and I still enjoy having date nights at least once a week, if every single one of those dates included a fancy dinner and a movie, we would be living in cardboard boxes under the nearest bridge. Like most people, we understand that an elaborate date night can be a real treat, but it's just not realistic or financially savvy to do on a regular basis. But fear not, I'm here to offer some cheaper options for date night that will leave both your love banks and wallets full.
1. Set A Date To Binge Watch Your Favorite Show/ Movie Series
Chase and I probably shouldn't admit how much we do this on a regular basis. Currently our favorite program to binge watch is none other than the PBS Masterpiece Classic "Downton Abbey." By the grace of God I got my husband hooked on a period drama, and I am so thankful for it. As a couple it is so fun to plan a day on which you will do nothing but eat and watch TV together. We preemptively buy all of our favorite treats, snuggle up together, and hunker down in our flan-jams--those are flannel pajamas for those of you who don't give your clothing pet names...so all of you.
2. Take Advantage Of Weeknight Deals
Most establishments have some sort of special savings on at least one weeknight. Whether it's mini golf, bowling, roller skating, or the movie theaters, take advantage of the savings and break up the grind of your work week with some much needed playtime.
3. Set A Date To Cook A Nice Meal Together
I have to admit that in our time together I have turned Chase into quite the foodie. Before I met him, his idea of pasta was room temp "Ragu" poured over noodles. Now he and I enjoy what we fondly call "Pasta and Wine Night" once a week. It is something as small as dinner at home, but we look forward to it as much as any dinner out. I test my culinary skills with new pasta dishes like Penne Rosa and homemade gnocchi, while my husband researches--I'm convinced researching things is his one true love--wines that would pair nicely with each dish. By the two of us participating in the dinner, it's all the more fun when we sit down to the gourmet meal we created together.
4. Explore Your City
Even if you think you know your city like the back of your hand, I can guarantee there is some hidden gem that you have yet to discover. Chase and recently found we had been cooped up in the house for far too long, and decided that we'd take a little stroll along River St.--in Savannah GA. We mostly just went to sit by the water, but we stumbled upon a quaint restaurant/bar with a charismatic bartender sporting some mad mixology skills. After inquiring her interesting accent we were surprised to learn that she come to Savannah from the Czech Republic, where we had just vacationed the previous summer. We all swapped stories and at the end of the night we left with a new friend. Honestly, take the time to stroll your downtown, explore local boutiques, or mom and pop coffee shops. It's always fun to find "your" new spot.
5. Learn A Sport Together
I am going to start this one with a disclaimer: I am horrible at sports. However, this is still a super fun and inexpensive way for you to connect with your spouse--even when you have the hand eye coordination of a plank of wood. Chase and I have been focusing on trying to play tennis together, and let me tell you, we have so much fun learning and working together. On the other hand, if your spouse is a better referee than a coach, try something more low key, such as working out together.
6. Play A Board Game/Do A Puzzle
Chase and I are huge advocates of playing board games with your spouse. We were at first stumped as to which games we could play with only two people--you can only play "Go-Fish" so many times--but with a little research, we found several extremely fun options--Can't Stop, Crazy Eights, Spy Alley, and Hearts.
