Take time as a couple they say, make sure you take trips without the kids they say – who are these people? [your mom] Why do they say these things? [she wants to take your kids]
The year of lockdown
Navigating all of this hasn’t been easy. My husband and I have always worked in high stress environments, so him being at the office crazy hours was just a part of everyday life for a long time. This past year has been quite the opposite for us, with both of us being home.
I am a planner (to a fault at times) and can make things harder than they need to be. My husband can be the opposite and it’s a great balance for us and our relationship. We stress about different things and know when to step away from the other… basically, I should be left alone when I’m hungry. [wow… glad you’re finally acknowledging that you get *hangry*]
Before this past year, we would try our best to take time to do things together. Now more than ever… we miss those days! Most nights after the kids go to sleep look like the following:
- On our respective computers in different rooms doing work
- Spending one hour trying to find something to watch together, which results in me falling asleep on the couch
- Me just falling asleep on the couch
- Both of us falling asleep on the couch
- [Remind me to take a nap on your couch next time I come over – sounds comfy]
… this shit is hard. Anyone who says otherwise is lying to you. Raising two little kids and working all day, at home, is not always fun. But how do you break the mold?
Dinner for two
We love to explore new restaurants in the city. The one thing we love about NYC is that you NEVER have to eat at the same place twice (unless you want to). A great stay in date night option for those who love to explore new restaurants and food are restaurant meal kits. [Do they offer dinners for three? #thirdwheel] Some of the best, and most famous, restaurants in NYC have been doing this. They send you all the pre-measured ingredients for you to cook those amazing meals at home in your kitchen. Add a bottle of wine and you have a lovely date night in!
Another thing we’ve adopted is the charcuterie board. I’d love to take a class at some point, and have found one at Bedford Cheese Shop we’re signing up for once we find a sitter (hint, hint). [Are you… talking to me?] All the meat, cheese, grapes, and crackers – it’s so simple and filling. This is another great way to snack and catch up.
Pretend to be Picasso
I had wine and paint nights via zoom with some friends throughout the lockdown. It was a nice way to do something else and channel my energy into something creative. One great idea for a date night is to order a painting kit (easy to find on Amazon) and to do that together. Make a cocktail or paint while eating dinner. It’s much more pleasant to be painting than wiping paint OFF of furniture and walls. Reason 1000 I love washable paint for kids!
We’re always looking for creative ways to spend time together which don’t include getting a sitter. [Phew – that’s more like it] Let us know if you have any fun ways to pandemic date in the comments below!
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