Amy and I decided that we needed to spend more time together. While we are happily married, parenting three beautiful children together, we often find ourselves too comfortable to put much effort into our relationship.
We've talked about going out more, without the kids, e.g. date nights, but while we may have done a couple from time to time, our motivation wanes and we find ourselves not doing much together for months at a time. Sure, there are family get-togethers and time spent celebrating birthdays, graduations, weddings, etc., but its not the same as when one of us organize a special night together (even if it is just popping some microwave popcorn and watching a movie on the couch after the kids are in bed).
So, we came up with Project: 52 Weeks. Its really very simple. We have committed to do something together, once a week, throughout the year. We alternate who has control of the event, while the other agrees to do whatever the event entails...at least once. Amy may pick something I don't like or want to do, but for one night, I'll do it, make an effort to enjoy it and maybe end up liking it. At the very least, I'll be engaged in something she really wants to do. Then the next week, its my turn!
In addition to spending time together, we also get to learn about each other's passions (we may have changed since we first met). In a way, its like rediscovering one another and is akin to having a first date, every week of the year!
We'll see how things go. I am sure there will be weeks that our schedules don't line up well, but at the very least, having a movie night at home will do just fine. All I know is, I am already excited about the stuff Amy may be planning and I am having fun thinking up things for us to do on my weeks. There is even a little competition brewing for which of us ends up with the most exciting or off the wall experience.
So, I'd say its already a success, because I am thinking about the two of us. I know there may be weeks where motivation may be lacking, but I hope those weeks will be few and far between!
