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Paul and I have had our fair share of moments where one of us oversteps the bounds of ‘comfortable’ on date nights. It’s easy to take what works so well for granted. And when things are going just right, all it takes is a brief minute of insensitivity to wreck the mood.

So…here is how to keep that from happening.

Stay in the moment (duh). This one is pretty straightforward. But it can be the hardest thing to remember when things are easy and going well. That person sitting next to you? That’s your person. Your partner. Give him/her the respect and attention they deserve by making them number one.

Put the blackberry/phone/iphone away. I didn’t have a blackberry until a couple of years ago, so I really didn’t understand the allure of it all…but now I can be just as guilty of putting my blackberry on the table and glancing at it throughout the meal without giving things a second thought. This goes back to point number one. Why waste your time waiting for a text message when you have a loving person sitting across from you? Turn it off, or at the very least put it on silent.

Make mental notes. Even if you find golf super boring, if that’s what he loves…figure out how to love that about him. Or love the fact that you guys are so different on this subject.  You would get upset if he didn’t pay attention to your ten minute ramble about the new lipgloss you tried out last week, so understand that even if you haven’t the faintest idea who is leading what tournament at any given time, you should care enough to pay attention.

Plan accordingly. Don’t plan a date night when you’re super crazy busy and distracted. This is just asking for trouble. If you are going to make the time to be with your spouse and be in the moment, you need to know where your head is at. If you can’t make that commitment, you are better off being honest and upfront. He will (or should) understand – just as you should do the same when he’s stressing out and needs a night of distraction and fun (the word ‘date’ isn’t allowed!) instead.

Post from: Blisstree

Date Night Expectations and Ground Rules

Romance at the Lux Center for the Arts offers periodic events for couples, allowing them the chance to use art to create something lasting to symbolize their relationship.

Four couples took part in the last date night outings, held in December. Christine Emler was one of the recent date nighters, working with instructors Brandt and Peterson…

“I didn’t know we had to play together,” Emler says.

But that’s the point, says Brandt, education director at the Lux.

“Create something with symbols and icons that represent your love and relationship. Make something to remember the night by,” she says.

Eight pair of eyes nervously look up. Brandt says.

She and Petersen are both sculptors.

“We share a home, a studio and we work together. It is the best — and the worst — thing about our relationship,” Brandt says.

Last winter, she saw a brochure from a Pennsylvania art gallery advertising a Valentine’s Day date of making art together.

Brandt liked the idea. So much so that she decided it should not be reserved just for Valentine’s Day, but occasional Fridays through the year when couples tend to have date nights.

This sounds like a wonderful opportunity for new couples to get to know each other better and for an established couple to remember what they got together for in the first place. I hope that this idea takes off and arty date nights spring up all over the place.

Post from: Blisstree

New Idea For Date Night

Your mission is to create an ensemble that screams seduction and class.

I love it. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in our lives that we forget that dates are supposed to make both of us feel “special”. After a while, the let’s-go-to-the-bar-we-always-go-to-with-our-friends-every-Friday-night outfit just doesn’t cut it anymore. Let your man know that you want to do something different, leave it up to him to plan it, but make sure you use Christie’s techniques to get a hint, and find something fabulous!

Post from: Blisstree

Reading: You Fabulous You

The Date Night is the parental equivalent of the Playdate. The idea that we have to schedule appointments in order to spend time with our spouses is somewhat hilarious. This nightie tells your man that even though he no longer holds the door open or appears mesmerized by everything you say, you still appreciate your time alone with him. And, if he plays his cards right… who knows! — PlanetMomTshirts

Oh, yes. Even married couples need a date night, too. And what better way to signify that it they’re on one or at least what a woman can do to hint that it should be a date night but to wear this nightie, eh?

I reckon this piece of garment isn’t limited to them moms or wives, if you’re living with a partner I should think you can wear something like it. We should never ever forget to make time to have that date night even when you do see them 24/7.

I’m sure the guy will find this really cute, too.

What do you guys think? Isn’t it a good idea for a gift?

Post from: Blisstree

Gift Idea: Date Night Nightie