2006
Mr. R and I never had a normal dating experience. We met in college but went to different schools. We dated long distance for two years only seeing each other once a month or every two months. Post graduation, Mr. R took a job in Maine and I went to grad school in New Orleans. Another year of long distance only then we saw each other every 6 months.
The distance worked for us. We were great at talking, our time together was amazing, and we found that distance really does make the heart grow fonder.
2007
Then we both got jobs in DC and moved into a tiny house (with three roommates) and then into an even tinier apartment with two dogs. But being so close and spending every waking moment together DID NOT work for us. Our first year of marriage was horrible at its best. We were working our first real jobs, both attending graduate school, dirt poor, and growing further apart from each other by the day.
2008
We survived that horrible first year with many tears and A WEEKLY DATE NIGHT. Even when things were at there worst we would set aside time each week to reconnect, force conversation, and remember why we entered into this crazy thing called marriage.
2009
Date Night saved our marriage and date night keeps us going. We don't always manage a date every week anymore, but we do make sure to schedule bi-weekly US time. Tonight's date started at Starbucks with an eggnog latte, followed by Barnes and Noble browsing, and dinner at Carrabbas.
2010
Fun facts about date night:
1. This was Mr. R and my 110th date
2. Most of our dates revolve around food
3. From April - August all dates take place outside
4. Sometimes we use dates to blow off doing chores, those are always the best dates :)
Hooray for date night! My husband and I don't do well in close quarters for too long, either. While I don't like for him to be deployed for months on end, I find that we tend to get along so much better when we don't see each other all the time. When life gets in the way and the magic starts to fade, it's easy to forget why we got married in the first place; sometimes we need a little reminder. Even when you live with each other, it's hard to feel connected. I'm glad you two have the opportunity to spend some time together, even if it does mean blowing off chores. That has to be the best excuse ever!
ReplyDeleteI love when you post wedding photos. I may need to see the entire album someday.
ReplyDeleteIt's wonderful that you have found a way to reconnect together threw thick and thin.