Deseret News | Time for 2: Not only are regular date nights fun, they help strengthen marriage, too

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Time for 2: Not only are regular date nights fun, they help strengthen marriage, too

John Charity Spring | 10:05 p.m. July 19, 2009

It is very refreshing to see an article such as this that emphasizes the importance of marriage. Indeed, there is nothing more important to the strength of this Country than strong marriages. There was a time when society as a whole recognized this fact, but too many today have forgotten. In fact, too many have accepted the so-called modern politically correct propaganda that self-gratification, immorality, and greed are acceptable. These values are obviously devastating to marriage, but too many fail to realize this fact. It is no wonder that the modern divorce rate is skyrocketing.

too bad | 6:50 a.m. July 20, 2009

the seminary man never heeded this advice which has been around forever..in fact my parents followed it and i do now as it is a good learned habit to follow.

Lay off the facebook | 7:08 a.m. July 20, 2009

"include sitting in the backyard after the kids go to sleep and just talking, said Rietzsch"
That would be nice. I'll have to give up facebook for a while and pay more attention to my spouse.

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Anonymous | 7:19 a.m. July 20, 2009

Thanks for the article. It is a good reminder that keeping your marriage alive and well takes a bit of effort.

Jack | 8:27 a.m. July 20, 2009

It is too bad that so many women ignore the advice given in this article. So many give all of their attention to the kids, and anything left over goes to a church calling. Then, they wonder why their marriages are going down the tubes and they having nothing in common with their husbands. You cannot have a close marriage by refusing to takes vacation with your spouse and without the kids, refusing to go on dates as a couple to places where kids can't go, and otherwise refusing to make your spouse a priority.

to Jack and other angry men | 2:55 p.m. July 20, 2009

Too bad too many men don't understand the needs of a mother to be close to her offspring. It is called attachment parenting! Look it up, lots of benefits to it and it comes natural if a mother is supported in being a natural mother :)
It should be up to the husband to plan some fun things at home to keep the flame burning. Maybe take the children for an afternoon so your wife can be rested for a late night with you. Putting it on your wife and saying women don't take the advise seriously is a cheap excuse not to take matters in your own hands in planning something your wife will enjoy at home. That's the golden rule, find out what her needs are and plan around them, don't just expect her to like what you like.
There are numerous dates than can be done at home (yes, when the children are asleep!) and they seem to mean more than dinner and a movie because they are so very creative!
Each write down 10 things centered around the home. Turn the TV off, give 100% attention to your spouse.

Red | 3:13 p.m. July 20, 2009

I hope the pic illustrating this story wasn't taken on LDS Church property (inappropriate Public Display of Affection) --

My two cents | 3:32 p.m. July 20, 2009

Date nights have been great throughout our 33 years of marriage and raising six children. May I add that you treat your wife each time as if it is your first date, i.e., opening doors and other courtesy's, holding hands in the car, kind mentions about her looks and efforts, really splurge on some of your dates because she is worth it, getting dressed up to look your very best, etc...

Pragmatist | 11:54 a.m. July 21, 2009

A few years ago a widow lady was telling me how lonesome she had been for many years. She said she had been married to this wonderful man, who spent a lot of time with Church work. He also sometimes worked two jobs to provide for his family. She also went on to say how he helped around the house and did many things for her in the little spare time he had. It was so hard for her to understand how one day he just dropped dead and she had been alone these many years.

@Pragmatist | 8:18 a.m. July 22, 2009

So is your point that if someone loves well, they will be missed too much? Therefore don't love well?

SFC RET DENNIS | 8:39 a.m. July 22, 2009

My parents were marred for 49 years when my dad died and we never took separate vacations and my dad helped around the house and spent time with mom and we grow up in a very happy and healthy home life. The key is communication and spending time together doing family things.

Fiannan | 6:36 a.m. July 23, 2009

I personally believe that a couple who stops having fun together sets a dangerous situation. It makes it all the more easier for someone else to come along and offer what the man or woman is not getting at home -- and I am not necessarily talking about sex either. I think most extra-marital relationships are more emotional than physical. The physical part just comes in later. If a wife just isnät interested in what her husband is interested in I think it is safe to say that eventually some woman will come along who thinks his interests are awesome. One thing will lead to another.
Dating one's spouse and finding things to have fun doing is far easier than finding yourself back in the singles scene inthe future.

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Time for 2: Not only are regular date nights fun, they help strengthen marriage, too