Date Night: Making the Investment Again and Again

This past weekend, my husband and I went on a date. It was a simple evening out- dinner at Landmarc in Tribeca followed by live jazz at B Flat, also in Tribeca. Even though I have a laundry list of things I’d love to do with my hubby around this city (Time Out NYC makes me dizzy!), there are some date nights that are just about solid, uninterrupted conversation met with relaxed, romantic vibe.

One of the things that is often lost in parenthood is that uninterrupted conversation. Gone are the days when no one else is around to break the flow of a discussion, nor does a couple always have the energy to talk during the time when little one is sleeping! Choppy catching up can often lead to a feeling of disconnect and frustration with our partner.

We realized as we dined this past weekend, that we really treasured our time to talk in a way that is continuous and meaningful.  When we made our way to B Flat, I was surprised by how many people fit into the tiny, underground club. But somehow we found our own little spot by the back of the bar. I so enjoyed sipping a winter pear cocktail, listening to the jazz trio that filled the room, and swaying to the beat with my man.

We calculated in the cab ride home that in order to have the babysitter come for date night, we must in essence, double the cost of the evening. But what are the things we’re willing to invest in? We have decided that we must invest in each other to keep our connection alive. And while, it can happen at home both with our little guy and once he goes to bed, it happens even more rapidly when we’re out and about in our great city, remembering who we were pre-baby and rediscovering the unit called “US.”

A reminder to all parents out there: even if it’s once a month or once every few months- carve out the time and the budget to invest in each other. It’s so worth it and it’s an investment that certainly gives back over time.

Randi Zinn

Randi Zinn is the founder of Beyond Mom and randizinn.com. Born from her own experience of motherhood, and the desire for a more connected community, Beyond Mom offers mixers, events and retreats for forward-thinking New York moms. She encourages moms to cultivate a life “Beyond Mom”—one that embraces the gifts of motherhood but expresses all that they are as individuals: creators, businesswomen, thinkers, friends and so much more. Randi has partnered with Comptoir Des Cottoniers, SoulCycle, Mio Skincare, TOWN Real Estate, The Mother Company, Body Conceptions and IntenSati. Her writing has appeared in FitBump, Epoch Times and Well Rounded NY. She is a certified yoga instructor through Laughing Lotus NY and has taught since 2008.