Why You Should Always Date Your Spouse: How has marriage in the US changed over time? Marriage is a beautiful journey, but let’s be honest—it’s not all sunshine and roses with spontaneous getaways. Between work, kids, bills, and the never-ending question of “What do you want for dinner?” (to which the answer is always LOBSTER in my house), romance can sometimes take a backseat. But here’s the thing: dating our spouse is just as important as dating was before we got married. It might be even more essential now! So, let’s dive into why we should always date our spouse and how it keeps the spark alive in our relationship.

1. Because “I Do” Doesn’t Mean “I’m Done”

When you got married, you didn’t sign a contract that said, “We had fun, now let’s settle into a lifetime of takeout and sweatpants.” (Okay, sweatpants are amazing, but that’s beside the point.) Saying “I do” is not the end of your love story—it’s just the beginning. Continuing to date your spouse ensures that you keep growing together instead of just coexisting.

2. Life Is Busy, But Love Should Be a Priority

Between jobs, errands, and possibly tiny humans who call you “Mom” or “Dad” every two minutes, life gets hectic. It’s easy to put your relationship on autopilot, and we don’t want to get to a place where we need couples counselling. However, love needs to be nurtured. Regular date nights remind you why you chose each other in the first place and help you reconnect outside of your daily routines.

3. It Keeps the Butterflies Fluttering

Remember when just the thought of your spouse gave you butterflies? The good news is that feeling doesn’t have to disappear! Doing new and exciting things together—whether it’s trying a new restaurant, taking a dance class, or simply taking a walk in a different neighborhood—keeps things fresh.

4. It Sets a Great Example (Especially if You Have Kids)

If you have children, showing them what a loving relationship looks like is one of the greatest gifts you can give them. Kids learn about love, respect, and communication by watching their parents. Prioritizing date nights shows them that love requires effort and that it’s okay (and necessary) for parents to have time for each other.

5. It’s an Excuse to Dress Up (Or At Least Wear Something Other Than Pajamas)

Let’s be real—working from home or dealing with the daily grind often means rocking leggings and old T-shirts more often than you’d like to admit. Date night is the perfect excuse to put on real pants (or at least fancy sweatpants) and feel like your best self.

6. Laughter Is the Best Relationship Glue

Life can be stressful, but laughter is the magic glue that keeps couples together. Going out on dates gives you the chance to share inside jokes, reminisce about funny moments, and create new memories. Whether it’s a comedy show, a goofy board game, or an accidental food mishap at a new restaurant, laughter is a powerful way to strengthen your bond.

7. It Encourages Communication (Without the Distractions)

We could all use a few communication tips in marriage. At home, conversations often revolve around schedules, responsibilities, and the latest household disaster. On a date, you get to talk about things that matter—your dreams, your interests, and even the weird conspiracy theories you’ve been secretly reading about. (No judgment.)

8. Surprise Factor: It Keeps Things Exciting

One of the best things about dating is the element of surprise. It doesn’t have to be grand—sometimes, a simple unexpected coffee date or a handwritten love note can make all the difference. Little gestures show your spouse that they’re always on your mind.

9. It Helps You Grow Together

People change over time, and that’s a good thing! But if you’re not intentional about spending time together, you might wake up one day and realize you’ve grown apart. Regular dates keep you connected, ensuring that you evolve together instead of separately. It is important to ask questions like: Do you give your spouse your full acceptance?

10. Because Love Is an Action, Not Just a Feeling

Love isn’t something you only feel; it’s something you physically DO. Investing time and effort into your relationship, even when life gets busy, is one of the best ways to show your spouse how much they mean to you.

Easy Ways to Date Your Spouse (Even if You’re Busy)

  • Mini Date Nights at Home – Order takeout, light candles, and watch a movie together.
  • Morning Coffee Dates – Wake up a little earlier and enjoy coffee together before the chaos begins.
  • Lunch Break Meet-Ups – If your schedules allow, sneak in a quick lunch together.
  • Surprise Love Notes – Leave little notes in their bag, car, or anywhere they’ll find them.
  • Take a Walk Together – It’s free, easy, and gives you a chance to talk.
  • Try Something New – Cooking class, escape room, painting night—anything to shake up the routine!

Lately, my husband has been joining me on my 5 AM morning walks, and it’s been a total game-changer for us. With our house always bustling, this quiet time together allows us to chat, connect, and start the day on the same page—all while getting our steps in! It may not be a glamorous date, but it’s still intentional time together.

Final Thoughts

Dating your spouse isn’t about spending a ton of money or making grand gestures (although, hey, surprise vacations are always welcome). It’s about making a consistent effort to prioritize each other. Life is busy, but love is worth the effort. So go ahead—plan that date night, send that flirty text, and remind your spouse why they fell in love with you in the first place!

What’s your favorite way to date your spouse? Drop a comment below, and let’s keep the conversation going!