As you read through this post, it will sound like work and not enjoyable at all, but hear me out. I guarantee you will be rewarded for your work. Just try it. If you don't like it, you never have to do it again. Other posts will cover more advanced meal preparations, but the point of this evening is not how fancy the dinner is. Its about enjoying time together.
If you have kids, take a few minutes to plan what they will be busy doing. My favorite is giving them chicken nuggets or pizza for dinner. I set up a blanket on our bed and put a movie on. After the movie is over, they shower and go to bed. This keeps them occupied doing something they enjoy and they feel like they got a special night too.
Step 1:
Pick up a bottle of wine for your wife and some beer for you.
Step 2:
When you get home, let your wife know that you appreciate her and want to have an evening for just the two of you. Tell her you will take care of everything (including the kids), she is just to enjoy the evening - you just want to shower first. You can choose to dress up, but you can even just wear a nice pair of jeans and a nice shirt.
Step 3:
Have your wife enjoy a glass of wine in a nice relaxing bath. If she puts on music, she will be less likely to hear any struggles you have with the kids or the kitchen. If you want her to dress up, let her know.
Step 4:
Make dinner. You can do it. This is what the first beer is for! An easy "Go To" is spaghetti with meat sauce. The sauce can even be out of the jar, but at least warm it in a pan. I usually make my own sauce. Brown some ground beef or ground Italian sausage. Add a couple of cans of tomato sauce. Taste the sauce and flavor as needed. (Hint: try Italian seasoning if you're new at this.)
You could also grill some burgers.
The key to this evening is not what you make, it's that you are making it. (If you have no confidence in your food preparing abilities, order out, but the point of the evening is that you are taking care of all the details.)
Step 5:
This step may be the most crucial. Do what you can to clean the area. Make sure the dishes are done. Clear and set the table. If the kitchen and dining areas are not clean, your wife will not enjoy the evening - she will be focused on cleaning up.
You want your wife paying attention to you, not the messy house. If you need to let her know that you want to finish cleaning up and you need a few more minutes.
I know. We all hate doing the dishes. (So does your wife!)
Step 6:
Sit at the table and eat together. Candles optional.
Talk to each other like you did on dates so many years ago. Listen to how her day was. Actually tell her how your day was. If you need to, leave your phones away from the table - your marriage is more important than whoever could be calling.
The rest is up to the two of you, but spend time together.
It may sound simple or incredibly complicated, but your wife will recognize your effort and she will feel appreciated and cared for.
Comments