8 Situations You Might Count as Dates

by ParentCo. July 16, 2015

two people working on their computers with cell phones notebooks and a cat

My husband and I have been married for 11 years. (Happy Steel Anniversary to us!) We love each other, even still like each other. Most of the time. Also: we have two youngish kids, only one of whom sleeps. We have work. Extended families. Friends. So much laundry. You get it.

If I had to estimate, I’d say we might have a 9 or ten dates per year—tops. Unless you count the following. Which I sometimes do—and so might you.

1. Grabbing two Americanos at Starbucks, then sipping them side-by-side at the Supercuts next door while your kids simultaneously get haircuts.

2. Riding in the front of your Swagger Wagon while your children sleep in the back. (Talking: optional.)

3. Working on your laptops across from each other at the dinner room table after the kids have gone to bed. Note: Counts only if one of you pours a drink for the other. It can be coffee.

4. Drinking wine and whiskey on the couch while watching a series of Netflix previews before mutually deciding nothing is actually worth staying up for two more hours.

5. Exchanging back-and-forth texts that do not include any content referencing picking someone or something up from somewhere.

6. Listening to the same audiobook—at different times during the same library borrow period (book doubly renewed, natch)—and discussing it the next time you’re in the Swagger Wagon with sleeping children.

7. Taking turns going for a run while the other watches the kids—and, at least once while jogging, thinking fondly about the other person.

8. Washing and drying the dishes together (by hand) and continuing the conversation you started before your kids began beating the shit out of each other in the next room over a Pokemon swap gone awry. They can work it out. Plus, sometimes you just need to put each other first.




ParentCo.

Author



Also in Conversations

mother with child
How Teaching Goal Setting Inspires Children

by Joy Turner

Setting goals allows kids to experience growth socially and emotionally by helping them develop self-regulation skills, gain responsibility and build confidence.

Continue Reading

mother with child outside
Ensuring Safe Toys and Gear for your Little One

by Hannah Howard

Since not all companies are scrupulous, here’s how parents can make sure the products they buy for their family are safe. Shop from brands you trust.

Continue Reading

mother and daughter doing yoga
Choosing Rhythms Over Resolutions

by Hannah Brencher

Parenting is about flow, sustainable habits, and family values—not rigid goals and resolutions and left me feeling like a failure when I didn’t hit the mark.

Continue Reading