How to Turn a Random Weeknight into a Date Night
One thing that so many parents miss, especially those who are first-time parents, is alone time. Well, not just the alone time, but the time you get together out of the house, oh, and dressing up nice again, taking time to recharge, that’s another one. You never really know what you’ve got til it’s gone. Well, that, and weeknight date nights are weirdly hard, because the intention is there, like yes, this is supposed to be time together, but the vibe is fighting for its life. In general, it’s hard to let loose when you’re in a rush, when the kids are on your mind, when work is still on the brain, you’re thinking of the next day already, you’re constantly checking the clock, well, you get the idea here.
Besides, it’s even more layered, because getting out of the house on a weeknight can feel like planning a small expedition. Sire, maybe a Friday night still seems easier because then you have two free days where you don’t have work or school duties, or extracurricular duties, or whatever else. But you don’t want that whole “let’s grab food” sort of feeling either, because it’s hard to call that a date too.
You Need to Start with the Reset
Okay, first thing, the vibe usually doesn’t switch on magically at 6 p.m. after a long day. So instead of launching straight into dinner while still in the mental fog of work and chores, build in a tiny reset. Well, no, not a whole spa moment, just a short buffer that changes the energy. That can be a walk around the block, a quick shower, switching clothes, or even just sitting for ten minutes with a drink and no screens. It’s small, but it signals that the day is done; this is now something else.
Go Ahead and Pick a “Date Night Category”
A weeknight date goes wrong when it feels like running errands in nicer clothes. So give it a category. Well, yeah, sure, that sounds silly, but it actually works. For example, it can be getting tacos at a food truck and then going to a cocktail bar, or doing a bit of shopping and then going out for dinner, or if you’re in a walkable city, maybe getting some ice cream and just walking around.
And if there’s a venue nearby that does early sets or special weeknight programming, that can be a cheat code, because it gives a reason to go out. Some lounges even do themed nights or have celebrity guest DJs (sometimes on Thursdays but Fridays are more common), and even if that’s not an every-week thing, well, it’s still going to be pretty fun.
Add a Little Extra
So, this is where weeknight dates usually fall flat, because everything feels functional. Just keep in mind, though, that the goal is adding one intentional thing that feels like. Like, there should be some thoughtful planning involved in all of this. You want to have a good time, and this at least helps increase the chances. Maybe it’s a restaurant that isn’t the usual default, for example, but it’s still a fun little extra, though.
