Have you been looking for an alternative to the old standby dinner-and-a-movie date? Something that doesn’t cost a whole lot and rejuvenates your marriage? Then a reading date might be right up your alley! Finding time together is difficult with the demands of work and parenting. We tend to fall into a rut, but it doesn’t have to be that way with the simplicity of a reading date.
A reading date is setting aside time to spend with your husband where the focus is on books and your marriage. It is quiet time spent together to focus on each other and your reading. I have three ideas for a reading date below, but feel free to take these ideas and run with it!
Read Aloud to Each Other
While lying in bed reading before going to sleep is nice, it’s even more fun to read to each other. The first book my husband and I read to each other was The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein. It was a quick read, but the story was heartbreaking. I remember the book being that much better because I shared it with my husband and now we have a fond memory to share over this book. I read it before we decided to read it together, but it doesn’t have to be something you’ve read before.
Picking out something new together creates excitement for your choice. Or try to read through a favorite childhood series, such as Harry Potter. It was certainly strange at first and much slower than just reading a book on my own, but reading aloud to each other lengthened the experience. It forced me to take my time with the book as well as my relationship.
Committing to reading aloud to each other each night may not be considered a “date” in the traditional sense. But aren’t we supposed to continue to date our spouse throughout marriage? That’s why reading to each other every evening (or as often as possible) is a great reading date, because it happens more often than just once a month!
Read Outside
Another great reading date is to pack up a lunch and your favorite books for a date in the park. Or really any place outside. This date is obviously best when the weather’s nice. My husband and I found a small park where we had a few nice afternoons reading in the shade after lunch. From there on out, we called it “Reading Park”. We later had the chance to take our son there later and share it with him. But it doesn’t have to be a park, you could hike your favorite trail and stop along the way to relax and recharge with good food and a good book.
Head to a Local Book Store or Library
Which brings me to our last reading date idea. Head to your local library or a local book store to pick out books for each other. When my husband and I first started dating, we agreed to pick out books for each other. I picked my favorite, White Oleander by Janet Fitch, for him, and he chose We the Living by Ayn Rand. I will admit, I didn’t actually finish it, but it helped me to get to know him. The book swap provided me a glimpse into his reading life and his personality.
There you have it. Three great ideas for reading dates to schedule the next time you can get some time to yourselves. Take some time in the evening to read to each other, head out to a local park to read and relax in the sun, or pick out books for each other. Whatever you decide, remember to find time together.
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