Marriage from A to Z

“Start out like you can hold out!”

“Start out like you can hold out!” These were the words of the late Grandma Ruth (my husband’s grandmother). When my husband and I first started dating, his grandmother told him to be prepared to continue whatever he started doing for me. I think this was some good counsel and my husband listened. As I think about this statement, I can’t help but think of dating. So often couples go from dating to courting and then get married. After marriage, many couples stop dating! This week I want to encourage every married couple to KEEP DATING their spouse.

The beautiful couple (Ron & Rachel Blackwell) in this week’s photo have just celebrated their one-year wedding anniversary. One of the things that they did to celebrate was to go out on a nice date. They have been consistently dating each other since they met. There is something special about a husband and a wife dating after marriage. I truly believe that dating your spouse on a regular basis is one of the keys to a successful marriage.

A date is defined as a social, romantic appointment or engagement. Have you had a date lately? It is so important that couples make time to date. We make time for everything else. I know we have children, we work and we are busy but we must make time to date consistently. Let’s not make excuses. Proverbs 5:18 says “Let your wife be a fountain of blessing for you. Rejoice in the wife of your youth.” To rejoice is to be glad and take delight in your wife. Dating is one of the ways to enjoy and delight in each other. Having a companion is a blessing, so enjoy every moment that you get to spend in each other’s presence. To all of the couples who are engaged remember whatever good practices that you start, be prepared to continue throughout the marriage!

In closing, I want to leave 10 reasons why couples should start out and hold out when it comes to dating:

1. It’s Fun!
2. You can dress up or dress down! (Look your best for each other. )
3. You can try experiencing different places together.
4. It helps to build and strengthen your friendship/relationship.
5. It allows you to do something out of your normal routine.
6. It helps to build a deeper connection. (You learn more about your spouse)
7. It can impact your intimacy in a great way!
8. It adds spice and everything nice! It can be Romantic!
9. It can be done with or without money. Be creative!
10. It can be a break away from the children and everyone else. (Time to focus on each other)

I have been consistently dating my husband for almost 24 years and I can honestly say that these 10 reasons are true! As the weather gets nicer, be intentional about planning a variety of dates. Have fun!!

Until next time!

Carolyn