How to Have a Successful Date Night With Your Spouse - Kristen Clark

If you have difficulty remembering an exceptional date with your spouse, or if you dread the idea of "date night," don't fret. You're not alone. Unfortunately, with the passing of time comes familiarity, and many couples find themselves stuck in a rut when it comes to having a date with their beloved. That's when dating for married couples can be difficult, but it doesn't have to be.

Instructions
1. Make your date a priority. It's important that husbands and wives honor each other above work, the kids and other obligations. Nothing should interfere with your ability to keep a date with the person to whom you have pledged your love and faithfulness, so make a personal commitment to be ready on time.

2. Prepare yourself for your date by making sure you are rested, hydrated and able to leave any stress at home. Dates are much more enjoyable when both parties are in good spirits and not hungry, angry, lonely or tired. This will ensure you have the energy you need to focus your attention on each other and enjoy your time together.

3. Dress appropriately. The grocery store might be an acceptable place for wearing your favorite pair of jeans, wrinkled sweatshirt, baseball hat and dark sunglasses, but you'll want to leave those more casual clothes at home while on a date with your spouse. Dress appropriately for any planned activity, and pay the same attention to your appearance as you did before you were married.

4. Keep it light. Dates are not the time for addressing difficult topics or important decisions. A different time should be scheduled or planned for those conversations. Date night should be good-hearted and fun.

5. Show your affection. Date night is the perfect occasion for demonstrating your approval and appreciation for your spouse. Make an intentional effort to show your loved one how you feel about him or her. Smile and laugh at each other's jokes, hold hands, sit on the same side of the table in a restaurant and exchange sweet kisses now and again.

Tips & Warnings
Your goal is to have a successful date with your spouse and use this time together to develop an honest and more intimate relationship with one another, so make sure to be yourself in the process.