FTD and I have been struggling since nearly the first month of our son's life. Between the constant fear of SIDS (cot death), lack of sleep, struggles with nursing, financial burden, and of course, our sometimes different ideas on childrearing... we were both maxed out emotionally. At times, it was just way too much for our relationship.
Long story short, it's safe to say somedays it felt like FTD and I were one crack away from our marriage completely shattering beyond repair. In an effort to try keep that from happening, I prayed, read books, tried not to be so hard on FTD, and asked him to do the same for me.
FTD and I have been married for three years, and together for 5 1/2, we were MADLY in love before our bundle of baby boy joy came along, so I kept thinking that our problem must stem from that. Now, that being said, our son is the absolute light of our lives, I have never know a love, joy and happiness like I know through motherhood. And I know FTD feels the same about being a father. Regardless, I needed to find the answer to fixing my
Through my journey for answers, I found that part of our problem was communication, another issue was that I am a SAHM needing more out of life, and FTD is an over-worked stressed out IT Director. Basically, in addition to our marriage woes, we had work woes too. I also read that part of our issue is that we are now in the relationship phase were some of our quirky things that the other used to love, or at the very least happily tolerate… now, not so much. Boy, did I agree with that! That FTD… such a man. Worst of all, we were no longer operating as a team, quite the opposite it seemed.
All recommendations from my research pointed to going out together, child-free, to reconnect...
The last time FTD and I went out to a nice dinner together was the night before I gave birth. YES... 22-months ago. It has been nearly two years since I have gone out on a "date" with my husband. NOT. GOOD! Between not really having a babysitter, and our own stupid fears of leaving our son with someone… FAIL, I know.
I lined up a baby sitter, then called my husband and asked him out on a date. I even had little butterflies in my belly when I asked. I didn't tell him the plan, I just asked him out, and when he accepted, I told him I would pick him up at our front door at 7:30 on Saturday. I had a fun night planned and wanted it to be a surprise.
Once the babysitter arrived, and all
As to not bore you with the details of our date, I will just say it was SO much fun! FTD was charming, and kind and opened the doors, and complemented me and made me laugh and feel wonderful the entire night. In less than five hours I was reminded just how much I love him, need him and could not imagine my life without him. He is my friend. My best friend. I am just so sick to my stomach that it took us 22-months to get out together. Alone.
Don't get me wrong, FTD and I still have a few more cracks to seal up, but our date night was just what we both needed to know that we are going to be OK. The night out helped us to remember that we love each other very much, and can get through this time together. Honestly, I thought having a child would make my marriage stronger and happier. I realize now that it will be eventually, but first we need to work through all of the changes that parenting has caused in both our lives and our marriage.
If you are experiencing a similar situation with your partner, I cannot recommend enough that you two go out on a date to reconnect. Getting out child-free with your partner is vital to a healthy happy marriage.
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