It turns out this one could be linked to better overall wellbeing so it’s definitely worth some thought.
We all know how important it is to have an occasional date night with your other half. It is linked to better communication and a stronger sense of romance and closeness in the relationship for one.
We hear a lot about ways that you can help make more date nights a reality because it can be quite difficult when you have children to consider.
Well, what about date nights with your friends? Is a priority in your life or even something that you have given any thought to?
Well, as it turns out, this one could be linked to better overall wellbeing so it’s definitely worth some thought.
The idea behind a date night is to reconnect with someone you love. To take yourself away from your everyday routine and to enjoy letting your hair down a little. Many of us love an opportunity to wear something “nice” and slap on a bit of lippy. It automatically breathes a bit of fresh air into what can sometimes feel like very mundane life. And it’s totally OK to admit that.
All of these things can be achieved by having date nights with your friends. You can get out and about, try new places, enjoy getting dolled up and just live a little in the midst of your normal routine and responsibilities. The wonderful thing about a date night with your friends is that variety is never going to be a problem.
Different friends will have different interests and you can really enjoy exercising different parts of your personality and tastes by spending time with your pals in this capacity. You might have one friend who loves art galleries while the other is a massive foodie.
There is also always one friend who loves to dance the night away and wear heels that deserve a spot in the Guinness Book Of World Records. You have all of these worlds at your fingertips so it’s important to enjoy them with your close friends. There is something utterly transformative about doing something different with someone that you love to spend time with.
Another huge benefit of date nights with friends is the lack of logistical stress. If you are a parent and live with your children’s other parent you might find that date nights with friends leave you feeling all kinds of relaxed because childcare is not even a factor.
You can plan the date night around your other half’s schedule and enjoy not having to write list after list to leave while you are gone. Knowing that your children are with the other parent is really reassuring.
Friendships are so important. Just like any relationship in your life they really do require care and attention to keep them alive and kicking. The thing about friendships is that as you get older your lives will go in different directions. You won’t always have that sense of the friendship being a “given”. As busy life takes over it takes a true effort to keep these friendships strong and vibrant. It takes two parties wanting to maintain it.
Quality time is so important in this light. These are the relationships that came way before the career, marriage and kids. They are the people that helped you become the person you are today. As life gets busy and people move on it can seem tedious to find as many common grounds as before.
One person might be travelling the world while the other is breastfeeding twins. The core of the friendship will always be there though and when an effort is made by both parties it will continue to thrive.
A date night with friends can be anything from a night at the cinema to a big night out on the tiles. It could be a PJ night with movies and a takeaway or visiting an exhibition together. What matters is that you are together, enjoying each others' company and improving your wellbeing at the very same time.
Tracey is a happy mammy to four-year-old Billy. She is a breastfeeder, gentle parent and has recently lost five stone so healthy family eating is her passion! You can find her at www.loveofliving.ie.