Date night

Mike sent me flowers at work last week: "Looking forward to date night!" This should tell you just a little something about how often we have date night. But it was really sweet, don't you think?

I have a friend who, in response to this in conversation would say, "We always make it a point to have date night once a week. I mean, it is so important!" She doesn't use a valley-girl voice, but you can imagine that she does, because it really adds to the sarcasm I'm trying to convey. [This is me giving my friend a flat look, and walking away.] By the way, trust me, you're not the friend I'm talking about.

Anyway, how many of us have the time or money to go out on a 'date night' once a month, let alone once a week? I didn't go out on date night once a week when I was dating! Let's see: 4 kids and babysitting for them, at least $50 for dinner, a movie will set us back $20 and that's not including popcorn and drinks...we're getting on upwards of $100 there...let's multiply that times 4 weeks per month. Hello there folks: that's $400/month on date night. Be serious! No, an official date night is probably a twice a year event at most. And don't even get me started on calling it 'date night,' which makes me gag right there. If you're calling it 'date night,' you're trying too hard.

Here's my idea of date night (I'll call it that for the sake of ease, but remember: I'm gagging over here): Mike cleans the kitchen and picks up the house, then bathes the babies of his own volition and ensures that Jacob and Paige shower or bathe. He keeps the TV off until they're done with their homework, which they do without complaining. They go to bed on time, and don't lie about brushing their teeth. Mike has never looked sexier!