I vividly recall during marriage counseling when Deacon Frank told Tony (my husband) and I “to often practice intimacy in all forms, especially dating”. We knew this would come with ease as dating has always been a highlight realm in our relationship from the beginning. Plus, my parents have done a great job showing me the importance and benefits of dating your spouse throughout marriage and parenting. So it was by no surprise that at 17, my husband (then boyfriend) and I went on a few dates before we officially became a couple. Since then, dating each other ranks high amongst our priorities and we hope to relay the same message to our kids.
Becoming parents has challenged our dating creativity and time management. To be honest, this has served us far more good than we imagined. Planning our dates nights have varied and we try to keep it that way. Some dates we plan together while others we take turns planning. I find it interesting how different my husband and I plan our dates. I’m very organized and strategic while he’s spontaneous and just goes with the flow. Either way, we try to be intentional and consistent with dating each other.
I must admit, our parents make it possible for us to have frequent quality time together. Without them here in Houston, we would be a bit limited, I’m sure. If we’re lucky, we get in 2 dates in 1 week! Multiple dates nights in one week are rare because we love spending A LOT of our free time with our son, Isaiah! But, because of our parents we have learned to rid the parent-guilt, tune into each other, value our alone time, and continue to create everlasting memories of each other!
I know finding the time to go on dates or reserve time alone can be difficult when considering work schedules, kids, sleep, and everything else that’s important. However, that time together is also just as important! At least it should be. Dating your spouse grants many benefits to a marriage such as reconnecting with one another emotionally, spiritually, and physically. It allows precious time to speak, hear, see, and feel each other. It allows new discoveries of your spouse that may have gone unnoticed and these can be good or bad. Either way, it’s important to be present and have uninterrupted qualify time together. . . Time that cannot be taken or given back once it’s gone.
So I hope, despite COVID-19 and considering COVID-19 safety recommendations, a date (or two) is upon you and your sweet love in the upcoming days! Below you will find date ideas that support my fellow black business owners:
- Bike riding/roller skating and funnel cakes! What more could a girl ask for? Maybe ice cream? The Funnel Bar has mouth watering pictures (see their IG) of their funnel cakes! So check them out and get you and bae some for this Friday or Sunday. We will be stuffing our faces with their funnel cakes this Sunday! Maybe we’ll see y’all there! Grab a bike or roller skates for before or after!
- Movie and dinner, BUT, spice it up by hiring a private chef! Spoiled Rotten Catering whips up some of the most flavorful and satisfying meals you’ll ever taste (see for yourself here)! This weekend you can order their oxtail, coconut jollof rice, and plantain plates! Don’t forget to add the banana pudding to your order!
- Workout session, but, with a personal trainer! Gym dates are one of our favorites! I just joined Longevity gym, a black owned gym which has a very stylish and modern look and it’s extremely clean! To top it off, my personal trainer Matt, has kept my husband and I kindled during a weekly workout together! Check out Matt’s website or IG! I find it exhilarating to workout alongside my husband while we both become stronger and healthier together.
- Healthy Eats after a workout or cook a meal together! Want to grab a healthy bite along the way home from the gym? Hit up Meal Prep Cafe! The stuff this man cooks is out of this world, and he has fresh healthy prepped meals (all pictured here). Not to be a bad influence, but, if you just worked out with Matt at Longevity, you can afford some of that Cajun pasta and smoked meat! One cheat meal won’t harm you! You can even make a delicious meal together using his cookbook, “The Kitchen Invasion”.
- Card games, playlists, drinks, and takeout! This is my jam! I thoroughly enjoy a good card or board game any time. To add a vibing play list, good eats, and paired drinks to it? Say no more! Check out One Gotta Go , a card game produced by a black business owner! Although Black Restaurant week is over, here’s the list to order some tasty food from black owned restaurants!
- Candles, bath bombs, and soaps anyone? We recently went on a double date at Love and Make where we made candles. It was a soothing and intriguing experience learning how to make our own candles from scratch (pictured below). One of the co-owners is a black woman, how boss-like is that?! She is full of life and the sweetest. If you go, don’t forget your wine and cheese!
