I believe it is important to have regular date nights with your partner to check in with each other and stay connected. I often hear from people that they don't have time or money for a regular date. Remember, date nights do not have to be fancy and eating out. It can be pouring a glass of wine and spending an hour connecting with each other after you put the kids to bed. It can be going out on a hike or walk. Another topic that comes up with couples who are disconnected from each other is "what should we talk about?" Often we get into a routine with our partner and forget to truly connect. Over time, our likes and desires change. Asking each other questions is a great way to keep up with your partner. Below, I have compiled some open ended questions you can ask each other on your date to get to know each other better. (Compiled from questions from the Gottman Institute):
-What do you want your life to be like three years from now?
-How do you compare yourself as a mother/father to your own mother/father?
-What do you find exciting in life right now?
-What are your biggest worries about the future?
-How do you think we could have more fun in our life?
-What things are missing from your life?
-Have you changed your goals recently?
-Where would you like to travel?
-If you could live another person's life, whose life would you choose and why?
-If you could design the perfect house for us, what would it look like?
-Who was your childhood hero?
Feel free to come up with your own questions to ask, but these are a great starting point to igniting a deep conversation.
