Sam and I have been married for over 35+ years. We married young…I was 18 and he was 25 years old. A lot of people told us we were too young to get married and to start a family. We knew that things wouldn’t be easy and we would really have to work hard to have success. We were 100% committed to one another.
A lot of our friends waited until they were older to get married and that’s fine and dandy, nothing wrong with that. The not-so funny thing about all of this is that 80% of our friends and a lot of our family members have been through at least one divorce. We’ve been through NONE.
To have a successful marriage you really need to be committed to your partner. Even when you have young children at home it’s important to spend time with one another. From early on we always made a point to have regular date nights. Those “dates” could be something special we planned once our child went to bed (those times we couldn’t do something out of the house) or we would go out.
When we would go out…we did all kinds of different things…depending on finances at the time.
Here are some of our regular ideas:
– Walks in the park.
– Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner (out)
– Romantic Dinner at home
– At home movie night
– Movie Theater
– Volunteer in our Community
– Hiking
– Countryside Drives
– Picnics
– Wine Tastings
– Miniature Golf
– Bible Study and Appetizers at Church
– Horseback Riding
– Visiting Botanical Gardens
– Art Classes
– Cooking Classes
– Overnighter at a Bed and Breakfast
– CPR & First-Aid Classes
– Going Bowling
– Dinner at a Friend’s House
– Game Night at Home or Friend’s House
– Visiting Antique Stores (even if it’s only to browse)
– Local Art Festivals
– The Theatre
– Music Concerts
– Just out for a quick cocktail drink.
– Etc.
There are all kinds of things you and your partner can do together. Some are free, low-cost, and some will cost you more. The important thing is to PLAN regular date nights preferrably OUT, but if you can’t get out…do things at home once the kids go to bed. You need to take time for one another to connect, talk, share, laugh and love one another. It’s one of the MOST important things you can do to have a happy marriage.
Anyway, We were recently asked the question about being happily married for 35+ years and one thing we both agreed on was the importance of having regular date nights with one another. Even though we’re empty nesters now…those regular date nights continue.
You were a very young bride. Kudos on your 35+ years together. You are so right that finding activities to share and commitment to each other makes a huge difference.
That is such a good post. I hope all readers would listen to your advise. It is important to have a special time with your spouse.
Congratulations 35 years together that is so wonderful. I love all of the ideas that you listed those are great. Date night out together is so important and something fun to look forward too. Here’s to the next 35 years cheers!
I agree completely with this post. It is important to find different things to do together that you both can enjoy.