
Often times after a speaking engagement and during the question and answer period, I’ll be asked,
“How do you do it all? Have the successful career, raise two great kids and keep your marriage alive and well for 30 years?”
I talk about all aspects of an integrated life (note I did not say balanced life) but today I’d like to share a simple thing that can keep a marriage alive and healthy and whole. It’s a simple thing called date night. And I give my husband Jeff all the credit for this.
I like to live life large and throw myself into all aspects of my life 150%. It’s just how I’m wired.
So when I’ve pushed myself a bit too far or have been immersed day and night into work for long periods of time, Jeff will declare its time for a date night. When the kids were little it was so important to get a babysitter and just be with my husband. No distractions, no one demanding attention.
Quite frankly when the kids were little, I think those date nights saved my marriage.
Jeff was so on target to scoop me up every three months and take me downtown for a night or better yet, book a 3 day weekend out of town.
I could let go of the pressures at work and raising kids and look across the table and remember why I married this great guy in the first place.
30 years later, with one child raised and out in the world and a teenager at home , Jeff still makes those date nights happen. In fact later this week we’re off for a long weekend on a beach. And he planned it all.
So if you are married and you are working hard and you are taking care of your family, make sure your marriage gets a boost….plan a date night every three months!