Dating Your Spouse
I encourage all married couples to continue to date throughout their marriage. Set aside specific time to spend together, and then don't let other things become a higher priority. Teresa and I go out on Wednesday nights. I shut down everything else, and unless an emergency arises and I have Teresa's consent to deal with it in place of our date, I spend Wednesday evening exclusively with my wife. We usually go out to the restaurant of her choice, and over dinner together, I make every attempt I can to be a good listener and to devote my full attention to her. In other words, I make sure the TV set is behind me, not behind her.

This is not a casual thing with us, in which we say to each other, "Well, let's take a break and go out." It's a planned event.

Men, going out on a date means that you shower, dress up a little, brush your teeth, and truly get ready for a special evening. In doing so, you are sending a message to your wife that you consider this to be a valuable and special time together.

When you are out with your wife at a restaurant, don't stare out the window while she eats her salad. Gaze into her eyes. Close out all others unless you mutually agree to "people watch" together. Listen to what your wife wants to say to you. Display your very best manners. Be courteous, respectful and tender with your wife. Few things are as arousing as manners. Make her feel like the most important person in the world to you-and do it with a genuine heart. Set aside the time from 7:30 to midnight for the two of you alone. You'll be glad you did.

"But what about the children?" you may ask. Certainly I believe that you and your spouse should do things as a family. Set aside another night each week that you consider to be an inviolable family night. These evenings and weekend events with your family, however, should be in addition to your date night with your wife.

Setting aside a night a week to be with your spouse sends a strong message to your spouse, to your children, and to anyone else who may be observing your marriage that you value your spouse as a person and you value your relationship. It is a strong sign of "love, honor and cherish."