Graphic Credit: Choosing Joy blog

We all know what it’s like to have our cell phone, camera or tablet die on us right when we need it most. This can happen to our date nights too if we’re not careful.

Imagine life has gotten too hard and busy. Weeks, maybe even months, have passed since your last intentional date together. Or worse the last one you had bombed out because you didn’t plan it well or you didn’t plan it at all.

You, my friend, are in need of having your date nights recharged!

It’s not that difficult. All it takes is a few minutes of your time.

Today we want to ask you a few questions to help you evaluate where you are and hopefully stir those embers of romance.

1. Think of your first date before you were married. What did you love most about it? a) the conversation   b) his/her looks  c)  the atmosphere   d)  what we did  e) all of the above  f)  none of the above
2. Have you ever had a regular date since you were married? Yes          No
3. If you could plan a night together what would be the most romantic for you? For your spouse?
4. What is the hardest part of planning regular dates? a) finding a babysitter  b) lack of ideas  c)  can’t agree on what to do   d)  financial strain  e)  spouse has no interest
5. What is your favorite part of the dates you’ve had? What is your spouse’s favorite part?
6. Do you find it easy to talk to your spouse without bringing up work, the kids, church life?  Yes        No
7. When was the last time you purposed to not talk about the above while out together?
8. Would you say you’re adventurous or more reserved? How about your spouse?
9. Do you enjoy the same things?  If not, would you be open to discovering new areas of interest?
10. Do you like surprises, or would you prefer to know so you can plan? 
11. A regular date night to me is a)  once a week  b) once a month  c) on special occasions  d)  I’d rather not go out. I like being home.

As you answered the questions above, we encourage you to have your spouse answer them as well. Then, plan a night out where you can purpose to talk about your answers together in an undistracted way. Remember it’s of most importance to not criticize your spouse’s answers. You want them to be honest, so you know what areas are in need.

It’s true that opposites attract, and as time passes the magnetic pull to be together can become weaker.

Date nights are your time to reconnect and recharge in whatever ways your spouse is feeling depleted. What works one week may not work the next. Date nights can’t be set in stone, but require flexibility.

The healthy marriage learns to recharge their spouse on a regular basis, which helps to keep their attraction for one another strong to last a lifetime.

Are you date nights in need of recharging? What have you found helps re-ignite the attraction?