Budgeting for Date Night
There have been a couple divorce and separation announcements this week from some prominent bloggers. I was shocked by both of them and, I'll admit, emotional about them too. I don't "know" these people, only read the words they've shared, and yet I had a physical reaction to their news. I come from a divorced family. My parents divorced my junior year of high school after almost twenty years of marriage. Their divorce had a profound effect on me and I'll admit that divorce is scary to me. Now, my marriage is pretty good. But like any marriage, we have to make time for each other if we're going to keep this good thing going. We've been terrible the past several years in having date nights. We have lots of free babysitting available to us via family members and yet we still don't make the time. I think it's because our budget is usually so tight that it's just easier for us to spend time together after the kids are in bed rather than leaving the house and paying for a dinner or movie out. And we definitely don't leave any room in the budget for date nights either. So, I'm looking for ideas. What do you do for date nights? Do you have any frugal ideas for us? Or should we slow down our savings a bit to budget in a bit more time to do things?
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
5 comments:
Having been through a divorce myself (almost 20 years ago), I still have a very strong reaction too.
Date nights are important, and I want to make that a priority with my husband (of 17 years!). I was asking for ideas too, as we would like to LEAVE the house (teenagers at home!). I remember when they were younger, however, we would make it a point to do a special dinner, perhaps strawberries and champagne too, and just be together.
I'd find a way to do something.. A meal out with a coupon, a movie when it's "cheapie" night, save up for concert tickets, etc..
We have the kids go to the grandparents and then have "date night" at home.
I don't think you need to leave the house or spend money to have a date night (although doing one or both can be nice too.) We have any officially named "date nights", but the things we like to do together are watching shows on Netflix, playing backgammon, going for walks, just keeping each other company while reading or being on the computer (and talking frequently during that), and going out to eat.
Take the time to learn about and find restaurant coupons to keep your entertainment budget safe from the harsh cuts your budget is likely facing. When you take a little rest and relaxation time for yourself or with your loved one, you are working to keep your relationship solid in the face of stressful and difficult times
Post a Comment