Maintaining open communication and continuing to date each other are essential pillars in nurturing a thriving and lasting marriage. In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it’s easy for couples to lose sight of the importance of investing time into the relationship. This is especially true for military couples, where the busyness of life is coupled with deployments, training, and lengthy separation from each other. Find ways to connect to build the relationship up and build resilience.
Use Your Unit Resources
Ask the unit chaplain for events at the unit. Some units have dinners with presentations by the chaplain on topics of interest like communication, the Five Love Languages, or reintegration.
If your unit has a Military and Family Life Counselor (MFLC), ask if they are holding events. Date night events held by the unit are great ways to enjoy fellowship with your spouse, have tasty food and maybe enjoy an activity together. We have been to Date Night events with a “Paint and Sip” theme, and others solely working on reintegration through open communication.
If you have children, ask about events with childcare. Most events run by the chaplain’s office offer free childcare, but some may charge a nominal fee.
- CREDO
The Navy sponsors the Chaplains Religious Enrichment Development Operation (CREDO) program. The CREDO program offers retreats and workshop programs for Navy and Marine Corps families. The program is divided into regions: CREDO Southwest is based out of San Diego, CREDO MidAtlantic in Norfolk, VA, CREDO Northeast in Connecticut, Pacific Northwest in Washington, Hawaii, Okinawa and Europe in their respective areas.
These areas hold various programs, specifically look for Marriage Retreats. Most, if not all, marriage retreats do not include childcare but some families have swapped childcare for friends so they can each attend a retreat over the year. The marriage workshops do often include childcare, so if that is needed for you and your spouse to get out for a date together, then let that no longer be a barrier!
Date Your Spouse
It is not easy dating your spouse. There are so many variables pulling at the spouses – work, life, the house chores, the car chores, taking care of children. Dating your spouse is an investment in your relationship that pays rich dividends. Carve out that time to date your spouse. So, whether it’s a romantic dinner, a fun outing, or simply a date at home, make the commitment to date your spouse regularly – it’s the key to keeping your love story alive and thriving.
Date Night In
The reality for military families is that the frequent moves make it difficult to have consistent, known childcare. If you recently moved or are in the season without a babysitter but need one to have date nights out on the town, it might be time for date nights in.
Here are some ideas for date nights in after putting the kids to bed:
- Cooking Class at Home: Choose a new recipe or cuisine you both want to try and cook it together. Turn it into a fun cooking class with YouTube tutorials or cooking websites guiding you through the process. Sign up for events from the USO, as they offer virtual cooking classes with renown chefs like Duff Goldman.
- Movie Marathon: Pick a movie series or genre you both love and have a movie marathon night. Create a comfortable viewing area with blankets, pillows, and snacks, and enjoy a cinematic adventure from the comfort of your home.
- Board Game Night: Dust off your favorite board games or try out new ones. Engage in some friendly competition while enjoying snacks and drinks.
- Home Spa Night: Transform your home into a spa with candles, soothing music, and luxurious bathrobes. Take turns giving each other massages, facials, or foot soaks for a relaxing and rejuvenating evening.
- Book Club Date: Select a book that interests both of you and take turns reading it aloud to each other. Discuss the plot, characters, and themes over a glass of wine or cup of tea for a literary date night at home.
Air Force Give Parents A Break Program
The Air Force has a special program called Give Parents A Break (GPAB). The program is funded by the Air Force Aid Society and provides relief for active-duty Air Force and Space Force parents who are experiencing stress. Families are referred to the program and given a certificate for free childcare, which is offered once a month.
By prioritizing communication, support, and mutual understanding, military couples can cultivate a strong and resilient marriage that withstands the demands of military service.
