Take a moment to think about the love that lasts—like my sister Teresa and her husband Phil, who have been weaving their shared story for nearly 50 years now. Their secret? A commitment to weekly date nights that go beyond just a dinner out; it’s a ritual that has nurtured their remarkable bond.

Curious about the magic behind their successful date nights, I sat down with them to find out how they kept the spark alive. Their first piece of advice? Lock in a specific night of the week. They decided on Wednesdays, a night that fell gracefully between the weekend’s chaos, making it easier to hold onto their cherished time without interruptions from other social events.

Setting the stage for these date nights was crucial, too. They created a few ground rules to guide their time together:

1. **Just the Two of Us**: No friends, no family—nothing but Teresa and Phil.

2. **Conversation is King**: They chose venues that foster real dialogue, steering clear of movie theaters where talking goes by the

2. **Budget-Friendly Adventures**: Early on, with a young family and tighter finances, they discovered that date night didn’t have to mean pricey dinners. Fast food at the park or a stroll to soak in the sunset became their go-to.

What struck me most was their unwavering dedication. If I happened to call Teresa during one of these sacred evenings, she’d answer with, “Make it quick! Phil and I are on our date.” With kids in the mix, I understood the necessity of keeping that cell phone handy—on vibrate, of course, and only for the calls that matter.

Curiosity got the best of me, and I asked what they typically discussed. Phil chuckled and assured me that while they kept things light and playful, those date nights transformed into something truly special. They relished the chance to connect without the everyday distractions of work and family, diving into topics that ranged from vacation plans and home improvement projects to personal aspirations and budgeting discussions. Yes, the light banter is important, but don’t underestimate the value of those deeper conversations!

Here are some golden takeaways from my sister and Phil:

• Commit as a couple to a specific weeknight for your “date ”
• Choose a venue that encourages uninterrupted
• Treat this time as sacred, but if something unavoidable pops up, reschedule for the day before or after.
• Keep it just between the two of you—save the phones for
• Don’t let budget constraints hold you back; this time is about connection, not extravagant meals.
• Ensure that both partners have the freedom to discuss what matters most to them.

Today, even in retirement, those sacred moments are upheld. Wednesdays have evolved into glorious date DAYS, a testament to their lifelong commitment to one another. So, who’s ready to try their version of this enchanting ritual?

By Dr. M.P. Wylie

Founder and Director of Amore Retreat, Idyllwild, CA