Ken Luthera month agoI (40M) have been with my girlfriend (38F) for over 20 years. We have two kids, aged 7 and 3, and while we’re a happy and functional family, finding time for ourselves as a couple has become nearly impossible. We don’t have family nearby to help with babysitting, so the idea of doing something as simple as going on a date has been a challenge. In fact, over the past 7 years, we've only managed to have about five occasions where we could spend a few hours alone together. Recently, we've been facing some struggles in our relationship. One issue has been the lack of time together, and to add to that, my girlfriend has been doing more things on her own with other people, which has stirred some feelings of jealousy for me. It's become clear that we need to make time for each other, which is why I’m focusing on making our upcoming date really special. This Saturday, we’re going to a concert in the afternoon, followed by lunch. The kids will be with their aunt and cousins, giving us a few hours to reconnect. I want to make this experience meaningful since it will be the first time in over a year that we’ve had a proper date. While I know her well after all these years, I’d like to surprise her with something a little different, something out of the ordinary, to remind her of the excitement and connection we had early on in our relationship. I want it to feel fresh, despite the years that have passed. As it’s been a while since I’ve been in the dating mindset, I’m reaching out for advice from others who have managed to keep the spark alive in long-term relationships. What are some thoughtful or unexpected ideas to make this date extra special? Additionally, if anyone has experience with balancing family life and maintaining a couple’s connection when you rarely have time for yourselves, I’d love some tips. How do you maintain intimacy and quality time when juggling kids, work, and everything else? TL;DR: After a year without a proper date, my girlfriend and I are going out this Saturday. I want to make it special, but I also want to create a meaningful experience that reminds her of our early connection. How do you manage date nights and quality time in long-term relationships with kids, and what ideas can make a simple date feel extraordinary?167
Ken LutherKen Luther