The leaders of the church have requested that we set aside each Friday night as date night for couples. This is a night when you are supposed to work on the most important relationship in your family. The relationship between husband and wife really cements the family together. If this relationship is solid it is easier to deal with everything else that comes at you as a family.
It can be very frustrating to have this night undermined. I have seen ward activities scheduled on Friday nights, committee meetings and other church related activities. I have also seen families who are members schedule stuff so that the couples do not have a chance to date. It is important that we are each as supportive of date night as possible.
As you go through the different stages in your life, date night is going to be easier or more difficult to achieve. As newly weds you may feel that every night is date night. It is still important to form the habit of a more formal date once a week. There may be a period in your marriage where you spend it at home, but still doing things together once the children are asleep. There may be a time when you need to go out more often, and so you need a sitter. You may consider exchanging sitting with other couples to make the night more affordable.
As you grow older and your children begin to leave, you will be grateful that you took the extra time to work on your relationship. I know one older couple who are empty nesters. Whenever they go anywhere together they are asked if they are newlyweds, because the relationship is still so strong and positive. I would love to be that way when all my children are gone, but I know it will take commitment and nourishment to keep our relationship that strong. Date night will helps us do that.
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