Welcome to Dressed for My Day! With another weekend fast approaching…and looking nothing like a normal weekend, I thought I’d share a few ideas for date nights…or days!…while social distancing.
How are you doing today? I really do think about you gals and how you’re enduring these trying days. Probably, like me, you’re great for the most part, but sinking a little when you least expect it. That’s why we have to go the extra mile with a little self-care these days.
But I also think it’s important to put a little more effort into our most important relationships. Whether our relationships are feeling a little rubbed raw from too much together time or they’re feeling empty and lackluster from little to no face time, we’re wise to take the temperature occasionally and make a few adjustments.
Today let’s think about one of our most important relationships…our marriages. While my husband and I are seeing about the same amount of each other as before, I find that we’re a little testy with one another sometimes. I’m definitely more moody than James, but he has his moments, too. So it’s very important that we stay intentional about enjoying some outings, laughing together and making time for just us.
Honestly, James and I haven’t really had what I’d consider a date night or outing since this COVID-19 social distancing began. And we need one. So this weekend, I plan to make that happen. Here are a few of my ideas. Maybe one or more of these will resonate with you and your spouse, too.
Pack a picnic
An outdoor picnic is a great idea right now, and doesn’t even sound all that original. But I do suggest you pack a blanket and/or your own chairs and table for your outing. Most picnic tables and pavilions are closed these days, and it’s definitely best not to use tables others may have just vacated before your arrival.
Take a stroll
Again, taking a walk may not seem that original. But the goal is simply to get outside, get some fresh air and sunshine and talk. I discovered many years ago that men are more likely to open up and really talk when they’re doing something side by side with you rather than sitting across from you. So the very same guy that answers all your probing questions with one or two words at the dinner table may spill the beans on a long walk through the neighborhood.
Go for a hike
I’ve heard that some parks are closed, so call ahead or check the websites. And you can bet that when you do find parks that are open, the restrooms will be closed. So definitely go to the restroom before leaving home and, yes, pack a little toilet paper and some plastic zipper closure bags in your backpack or pockets. Desperate times call for desperate measures! Ha! But I think getting into the woods and meandering through the trails will be oh so worth it.
Do a Drive Through
With so little traffic on the roads these days, this is a great time to just drive a little. Find a little town or neighborhood nearby that you’d like to “really visit” one day, but just do a drive through for now. Again, be sure to use the restroom before leaving home, pack your favorite road-trip snacks and head out for an hour or two. Maybe create a scavenger hunt list of things to look for as you drive through: spring flowers, blooming trees, children playing in their yard, kites flying, funny signs, etc.
Make Dinner Together & Eat Outside
Cook a favorite meal together, something a little unusual and out of the ordinary. Maybe a homemade pizza, Chinese food or seafood. Then set a pretty table on your deck, patio or porch. String some twinkly lights to make the area especially romantic and festive. Maybe even light some candles and play some nice music. James and I love classical guitar music. Dance together after dinner.
Toast Hot Dogs & Make S’Mores over a Fire Pit
This is a great time of year to have a fire in the outdoor fire pit. Get some roasting skewers and toast some wieners. Then roast marshmallows and make s’mores. Yum! Spend time sitting under the stars and enjoying the sounds of the night.
Go Say Hello!
Do a little good together. Get in your car and head to the homes of some of your friends. Maybe especially choose to visit some folks who are by themselves or who are very restricted to their homes because of age or immunity issues. When you get to their houses, call them with your cell phone and ask them to come just outside their door. Wave and tell them how glad you are to see them. Carry on a short conversation from your car with plenty of distance between you, wish them well and drive on to your next destination. Enjoy all the good feels!
Fly a Kite
Mine and James’ very first date was to a botanical garden where we ate a picnic of fried chicken and then flew a kite. James would correct me here. He flew the kite; I lost a kite…in a tree! Whether you go to a beach, an open park or just a wide open field, go fly a kite. And if you lose it, just laugh it off!
Enjoy Breakfast in Bed
Whether you prepare it together or you surprise him, breakfast in bed is always a treat! Cook up a favorite first meal, like pancakes, waffles or cinnamon rolls. Then enjoy them in bed. Afterwards, spend time together doing a crossword puzzle, reading to each other from your favorite web news or watching funny videos on YouTube.
Play a Game
We love board games but rarely think to play them between just the two of us. My parents, on the other hand, play cards together almost every day. Pull out a favorite board game or just a deck of cards and have fun! Top this “date” off with a take-out pizza or a charcuterie board made up of all the odds and ends in the fridge.
Remember, as with my earlier Revised Spring Bucket List, use your best judgment. I’ve tried to create a list of things that can be done safely and in good conscience during this time of social distancing. But if you feel that any of these activities put you or others at risk, definitely choose something else on the list. Do you have other ideas for fun and meaningful ways to spend time with your spouse during this odd time? I’d love to hear from you
Don’t Miss a Post:
If you like what you’re seeing here at Dressed for My Day, I invite you to subscribe to my email list. You can receive an email each time I post (about 6 times weekly) or just on Saturdays. You choose! But you’ll also receive the password to open up all the subscriber freebies I offer.
Blessed for My Day
I know not all of my readers are married. But today I’d simply like to ask a blessing over the marriages of those of you who are. I pray that God would somehow use this strange time to bring you and your husband closer to one another…and closer to Him. May you both be patient with one another, gentle and kind. And may God be honored through your conversations and interactions.
I also pray that you and your husband be preserved from this illness that is spreading throughout our land. And for those of you who are older or who have compromised immune systems, may you especially be protected from this hard virus. Take care of each other.
Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. ~ Genesis 2:24
Hi Kay, We are under shelter-in-place in Georgia starting tomorrow! Friday was scheduled to be the home opener for the Atlanta Braves and it has become a tradition for my husband and I to be there. He is a lifelong Braves fan. This year we will be grilling hotdogs and eating caramel popcorn while watching a baseball movie – trying to make the best of the situation.
Oh I know! Michelle told me yesterday that she and John had tickets for the game, too. But that sounds like a great way to make the best of a bad situation. Creative and intentional. Take care, Becky!
This year was the first time in over 30 years that my husband and his friends did not go to the Detroit Tigers’ home opener. At this time, I’m wondering if there will even be a baseball season.
Great ideas Kay. I thought about you yesterday as I had a more productive and motivating day than the day before. I am also enjoying some much needed time with my daughter who is home from college in between her online classes. It is suppose to be a gorgeous weekend coming up here in my area of NC so a nice neighborhood walk will feel refreshing. Have a great day. ~Lisa~
Thanks for the ideas, Kay! All are excellent ways to reconnect. Jeff and I walk and talk. You are so right about the side by side conversations. My husband is the original quiet man, but when walking or driving, he gets very chatty. We have a beautiful park very close to our house. Now that it is closed we can do a drive by as a family.
Our daughter and her children live with us, but I call our sons everyday just to check in with them.
Thanks for the prayers and the reminder of the love of God and other beloved Christians.
Have a wonderful day,
Suzanne
Thanks so much for sharing, Suzanne. Yes, just checking in with each other is so important.
Hi Lisa. I’m so glad you enjoyed the post. Yes, yesterday was a much better day. And while I’ve put on joggers and a tee and jacket this morning – all cute of course – today is off to a good start too. I made pancakes for us all. And the sun is supposed to shine all the live long day!! ?
Your husband has the nicest smile! You are a cute couple, enjoy your date!
Ohh! So sweet. He does indeed have a beautiful smile! ?
Great advice for prioritizing keeping our marriages close. Kay, I don’t normally comment on blogs but had to share. I receive your blog and enjoy the fashions, but a few months ago my sister recommended to me your Bible Study Book “Satisfied at Last” so I ordered it. I didn’t start it until a couple of weeks ago and oh my has it been a timely study. It reminded me that as much as I love Jesus, that before COVID-19 I often filled my life with stuff….good things yes but none that will fill that longing and hunger for Him. Your encouragement through His word is helping me satisfy my soul! Bless you & Thank you!
Oh Debbie, that is music to my ears. I’m so glad that study is resonating with you. It was a life changer for me. Thanks so much for letting me know. And what perfect timing, huh?
Hi Kay! My husband and I have been physical distancing for almost 3 weeks now and I believe that my country will be enforcing physical distancing until at least July. Even though most of your ideas about spending time with my husband will not work where I live because we need to be serious about staying home, you are so right about being very cognizant of taking care of our most important relationship. Some of the things I can do is prepare my husband’s favourite meals and treats, talk and listen to how this situation is affecting us emotionally and mentally, play our favourite games, and most importantly, give each other grace when we feel testy or anxious. Thanks, Kay, for continuing to send out posts each day as we need your inspiring words and the normalcy.
Yes, I woke up in the middle of the night thinking about how I should have emphasized that very thing – simply being intentional, taking the time, talking things through and giving lots of grace. Thanks for sharing Bev.
Thanks for the ideas. We usually start to make plans for our visit to Dallas Texas to visit our family there for Easter. Not this year. We have and will be doing more texting and Skyping. Loved your ideas and be doing some and adding ideas to yours. Stay safe and well.
It’s such a disappointment to miss out on those traditions isn’t it? Especially the ones that involve family. But I know it will just make us value it all more next year. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Kay….these are great ideas. My husband and I are retired and have been home together for over 10 years, so this “new normal” is nothing new to us being home together. We do enjoy each other’s company BUT at times we can get on each other’s nerves. We live in Southern NC and usually have good weather. We love to eat outside and change up the scenery.
Thank you for this reminder of our marriages…..it’s so important to keep the communication going with our spouses??
Yes nurturing our marriages is a lifelong pursuit, isn’t it? Thanks so much for sharing, Holly.
Great ideas Kay! Since Larry has cancer, and is prone to getting bronchitis then pneumonia, we have been practicing social distancing for many weeks, and will continue to do so. I know that since all of GA will begin the stay-at-home order tomorrow, it’s going to feel different, especially since we can be ticketed or arrested if we are caught out for non-essential reasons. We are fortunate to live on 100 acres, in the country, with 500 acres behind us that we lease with our neighbors, and wildlife management areas close by, where we can get out and walk or ride our four wheeler. Riding our four wheeler is something that both of us love to do. Very few people live on our dirt road, so we can walk it without a big risk. I really like your idea of cooking hot dogs outside and putting up lights. I think I’m going to try and put up some lights on our screened in back porch today! We could always have a picnic in our own yard, if we can’t go to a park. Thank you for the prayers! Last night Satan was really working hard to put fear in me, but I kept praying to God. I continue to pray for everyone during this really hard and scary time. I’m so glad that yesterday was better for you! Blessings!
I love it that you have plenty of space to get out and enjoy the fresh air and nature. Such a blessing. Enjoy your day, Ginger. Thanks so much for sharing.
Hi Kay thanks for reminding us about the important things in life. We woke up to no electricity, ice and snow storm. This is making working at home more challenging. So we are taking a slow start to the day enjoying our cold cereal by candle light. I haven’t had cold cereal in months but by candle light with my Hubble as we watch the sky slowly lighten, it seemed like a treat.
Oh that is so precious. Such a good attitude. Bless you!
Kay I love this post!! You are so right. We need to make plans to share some special moments with our spouses now. My husband, like you two, are retired and normally are home together a lot. However I find that with the stress of all that’s going on in the world we are a little testy with one another sometime now. I plan to take your advice and make an effort to share some “date” time together. Especially important to spend time in prayer together as well…..not just now but always!!!! Love your blog and your sweet faith my friend.
Yes absolutely. James and I try to pray together every day, but sometimes we even let that slip. Thanks for the reminder.
Great ideas! I have a feeling that April will be a tough one for folks as many have already be quarantined for several weeks. I keep praying the people will continue to follow the necessary guidelines and behave themselves. There are many references to quarantine in the Scriptures. This is not a new thing. Your husband does have a sweet smile, as do you!
Good point Donna. It’s not easy, but it’s not new either. Such a good reminder. And it’s just what we need, perhaps, to shift our thinking a little. A good time for a reset. Thanks for sharing.
We’ve been inside with the exception of a drugstore run for Meds for three weeks. Today my husband is picking up groceries at Walmart. We are using the mobile app so he just has to pick them up at the store.
I’m surprised at how well we are doing but a drive in the country seems in order. It’s is beautiful here with sunshine and flowers everywhere. I’m praying for those who still have cold or miserable weather. Hang in there and think on the good things. Well get trough this. Thanks Kay for all your encouragement. You are appreciated.
That’s so kind of you, Eve. I’m glad you and your husband are doing well. We finally got a pretty day today so I sat outside to eat my lunch. But it’s still pretty chilly. Take care!
Thanks for being real, Kay, about how these days of too much time together or not enough with your friends and family can be a challenge. Just yesterday my friend Carol Kent and her husband released a new book, Staying Power: Building a Stronger Marriage When Life Sends its Worst. My husband and I contributed to the book and all the stories of making good choices in really hard situations (illness, losing a child, joblessness, loving an adult child in prison,etc.) encourage and equip couples to love well during “such a time as this.” Your post expands on the themes of the book so well. Thank you, as always, for your vision for inner beauty and encouragement. You’re doing a remarkable job of keeping your posts inspiring and informative and fun!
Thank you so much for that encouraging comment, Lael. I’ll have to get their book. I’ve really benefited from her others and her speaking ministry. They’re pretty amazing and inspiring. Thanks so much for sharing.
Thank you for all of your posts. I always read them and really enjoy them. I look forward to your email every day. The ones you have posted this week seemed extra special. Thank you for all you do.
Hi Kay…. I’m taking your advice and asked my hubby for a date early Saturday evening on our patio. I’m buying a takeout dinner. I’ll set the table while he’s out for the dinner. I specifically stated no TV, but maybe some fun game. He loves his TV every evening after dinner. Hope he doesn’t have withdrawal pains(ha, ha). I’ll keep you advised and thanks again for the idea.
Well that’s great, Sylvia. Yes, I’d love to hear how it goes. Thanks so much for sharing.
Amen.