New years resolutions as a couple.. or as an individual, there's all kinds out there. From therapy, to morning walks or writing letters to each other, making more YOU time, or even incorporating more surprises in your day to day life. Resolutions don't have to be expensive, I think a lot of times it feels like they do. Clean eating, a gym membership, or expanding your reads- we know are not free, let alone cheap! Whether it's for you or you and your other half- no need to drop a lot of cash in search for better.
It's not like we come across 5K every time a new year greets us.. or at least David and I don't! (Ha, I wish) David and I error on the side of cheap. We hold a "budget meeting" prior to the start of every month. We took Dave Ramsey's financial peace class and we realized this works really well for us. By doing this we can be sure we have money in the budget for the things we are going to do that month.
What we decided to do for our 2017 resolution was to make the time, literally. I know this sounds a little crazy but this is coming from the girl who makes about 5 lists each day. So when we calendar we are sure to set some dates. Like we used to, in college when we low-key celebrated "month-iversaries". (cheesy I know, but that's what you do) So we set a date for 'date night' and we also set a date for a tech free night- which could consist of anything from making a meal from scratch together, board game night, hot tub night, home project night-- as long as there's no tv, iPads, phones, etc.Two nights (or even days if you're feeling up for it or your calendar allows)- it's just really doable! I know we all feel busy- full time jobs, with part time jobs, coaching, home responsibilities, family responsibilities and more.. but if it means enough, we can all find the time! I also know some of ya'll are thinking, well we always go on "dates" or we normally put our phone away at dinner. I'm not discounting that at all.. I just think we needed a bit more. A date night does not have to cost an arm and a leg.. David and I don't have an arm, leg, or toe to spend on a date night! We're all about those gift cards, coupons, and any kind of discount- but seriously, David is the coupon king. Date night does not have to be on a Friday or Saturday.. check out discount movie tickets during the week or week day trivia, hit up a local brewery.. whatever works for you!
So what, you're single.. your cat is your best cuddle buddy, your wine glass sits on your night stand, or your guys are always ready for a night out.. that's okay. You also, can do this.. we all strive to understand ourselves more. Most of us have probably used the excuse to get out of a relationship, "I just need to figure out me" or "I need some me time". Well do that now! What are you waiting for? I have no room to judge a good binge watching of Netflix.. my love for law and order SVU, New Girl, and Greys can speak for it, but you can also set aside 2 nights.
Two nights.. put away this technology crap for one.. let go of the facebook checking in, the cute instagram caption, or the snap chat filters.. do something for you, and don't worry about the rest of the world. Read a new book, pick up a magazine (and a bottle of wine too if you'd like), grab coffee with your best friend, go shopping with your mom, or go somewhere new but dare not to take your phone. The feeling is amazing! (just remember where you put it, since we've all had those freak out moments of thinking we lost our phone, even if it's in our freaking hand)
The 'date' night when you're single.. so what you you're not married or have a significant other- just schedule a night to do something you really want to do. Grab your bestie and go to a wine and paint night, grab your bud, purchase tickets, and go catch a game. Or get a whole group of people together and hit up a new brewery or a festival.
It's not that our marriage hit a halt or was boring.There's just something about being that 19 year old girl that intentionally picks out an outfit, does her makeup, etc because her boyfriend or bff is coming to pick her up outside her dorm and go out. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for winging it- often on a Tuesday discount movie night or an Applebee's dinner all while happily rockin' sweatpants and a top knot.
There was just something inside me the week of our dates.. a little piece in my heart that kept me smiling because I knew what was coming. When our date night got there, it was great! It was another night of falling in love with David all over again. Yeah, we had to wait to get our table at Outback since we went on a Friday at 7:00.. but even that, was time just the two of us. Before dinner we went to the range, and man I was guilty of checking him out.. but who can blame me, my adorable husband shooting at a target of ducks, in his dark wash jeans!
I'm not saying this is for everyone... but it could be. You don't have to start a resolution right on January 1st. What do you have to loose?
I believe relationships (including our relationship within ourselves) are a lot like our bodies..
if you're not working on it, then there's a chance you could be causing damage. Think about it!
leave the "eh" behind
hugs,
abi
