Eyes on the Prize

I don’t give advice.

Okay, that’s not true. I’m solution-based and crazy with opinions. However, offering solutions to chronic complainers is not the same as waxing philosophic in a slightly judgmental fashion, listing all the ways you’d do it better if you were in their shoes. Besides, I almost always pepper my suggestions with,

“Of course, I could be wrong.”

I definitely don’t give advice to couples. Why do some love affairs bear fruit while others die on the vine? After years of watching friends and family members, I can never tell who will make it. Perhaps I should know a thing or two about the process, but I don’t. Why does my man still smile when I ramble? Why do I still melt when he smiles?

No clue.

I do know one thing, though: date nights help. (So does oral…but I digress.) To couples near and far, listen up. Come hell or high water, do something together WITHOUT THE KIDS (every week) and enjoy yourselves. I’m not saying take out a small loan for the dinner-and-movie gig. It doesn’t need to be expensive. Take a walk down Bayshore. Get drunk at The Hub. Do something. Even if you can’t get a babysitter, put the little rug rats in their car seats after sleepy time and just drive. Talk.

What about car sex? Cheap and fun!

Speaking of which, my husband and I are off for our weekly together time. What should we do tonight? After an emotionally wrenching day, maybe we’ll grab grub in Ybor City, try not to frighten our newly-engaged friends, and drown our sorrows at The Blue Shark. Actually, I will drown my sorrows while Husband takes advantage of me.

I’m telling you, folks, date nights work.