Real Mom Sh*t: I miss REAL Date nights

I miss REAL date nights

Before COVID-19 brought the world to its knees, parents, especially those of multiple children, were already on ‘lockdown’. Valentine’s Day was the last time my husband and I went out on an actual date. It is now July. 

Our lack of parental romance in the past 4-ish months is largely due to COVID. But before February, date nights were still few and far between. Honestly, I think the last date night we had was in October when we went to see Joker at the movie theater. We didn’t even grab dinner afterwards that night. Nope! We went straight to pick up the kids, one of which was still breastfeeding and refusing to drink milk any way other than right from the tap. My little diva.

This is not to say that we have not had ‘dates’ or spent quality time together, because we have. Parents have to get really creative and plan ahead if they want some QT without finding a sitter. There have been many redbox movie nights on the couch after the kids have been put to bed, a few car rides (with car seat riding guests in back) spent holding hands and listening to music and lots of Netflix and chill moments. 

But these don’t always feel like dates because you’re still at home, in your house surrounded by chores, needy kids and your bed. I mention our bed because I end up dosing off on those at home movie nights more than I’d like to mention.

It’s important for parents and married couples to be flexible and able to improvise because even without covid shutting down restaurants, bars and movie theaters, we just can’t always get out of the house. Honestly, I am sometimes envious of couples who get to go out on cool dates to comedy clubs, wine tastings and bae-cations. But envy is the thief of joy and I know we will be able to do those things again when our children are older. Right now we just have to find other ways to get date night done. 

But even with all of that flexibility and understanding, I still miss going out with my husband. I miss being cute, but extremely over dressed just to go have drinks and food at Chillis. I miss wearing heels to the movie theater for no reason other than to put on some shoes that are impractical for 97% of my life. I miss missing my kids most of all. It’s rare that I get a few hours alone, outside of the house. Usually, that time is spent grocery shopping or exercising. 

But it is what it is! Hopefully next year I won’t be writing this same blog. I can’t wait to be back to my regular complaining and not this!

Add to Pinterest and follow me for more awesome content!