By Nichole Bailey
Speaking to various couples throughout the year, I started noticing a trend—a lot of you were frustrated.
Partners were ready to throw in the white flags. They were prepared to call it quits in their relationships. This prompted two questions in my mind: “Are you dating your significant other? “Does your intimacy with one another extend outside of your bedroom?”
With more than 14 years together with my husband (nine years of that as husband and wife), I know we are not immune to the normal cyclical ebb and flow in love. However one thing that keeps us centered, sane and in tune with each other is couple time. We’ve mastered the art of taking breaks from the outside world and focusing on US.
Life is busy (kids, careers, dreams, distractions). But you have to prioritize your time together.
God placed 12 months, 12 dates in my spirit. At a bare minimum PLEASE relearn to date your significant other. What you effortlessly pour into others, pour into your partner. Put an emphasis on no distractions, quality time, phones down, intimate conversations—take dating back to the basics.
Dating in your relationship is not a luxury, it’s essential. In fact, a recent study from Indiana State University found that couples who made date nights a priority had greater couple satisfaction, particularly for the couples who often try new experiences on their dates.
So let’s start the movement. Are you ready? You can start at any point during the calendar year. But this August for Romance Awareness Month is a perfect place to start!
The only requirement is that you consecutively date each other monthly. This is an exercise in prioritization and creativity. Get fun with it, alternate the planning and enjoy each other. The months you don’t feel up to it, should be the months you actually do something. Reconnect with each other.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Picnic in the park
- Local area attraction
- Escape The Room ( Requires wit & teamwork to solve clues and escape the room)
- Game Night
- Bike Riding
- Photo Shoot
- Road Trip
- Extreme Sports
- Wine Tasting or Wine pairing
- Spa Night
- Indoor movie night
- Rock climbing
- Salsa (dance class)
- Couples painting
Please join me in this movement. Every month after your date hashtag #12months12dates let it take root
Put in the work
BMWK, what are some of your favorite things to do on dates?
Nichole Bailey is a change agent of positive words. With an innate ability to speak love and light into any situation; Bailey is well sought after by many to impart her words and encouragement. Writing under the blog Bits Of Faith, Nichole encourages married couples to “Protect The Covenant” and for singles that they’re “Worth The Wait” with daily encouraging messages.