LESSON NUMBER TWO:

Couples should consistently and often be required to actually take time out as a couple, flying solo without children/stepchildren, even if it means locking themselves in the bathroom and turning on the shower while they kiss (each other) for 2 minutes in isolation..or parking at Sonic and sharing a cherry coke at the 1/2 price hours if that’s what money allows…whatever it takes to step outside the target zone of stepmom and stepdad, and who is upset about what this week…as often as needed to remember WHY you got into this sometimes messy marriage and life! Hint: if the day has been really stressful, use movie to keep yourselves from continuing to talk about the problems and simply enjoy snuggling while watching a good movie. (hold spouse’s hand and sneak a kiss regularly)

date-noun; time away intended to allow recoupling, stress relief, fun, and closeness of two people otherwise identified elsewhere as the stepmonsters, wicked stepmother or her husband…often the targets of minor children who do not find unity except in their alliance in joining together to take down the step and blended parents.(lol) Date night is not dependent upon possession of large amounts of time, money, nor equipment. Best planned regularly and often to overcome the stresses of daily life, work, homekeeping, and budgetary issues.

Warning: excessive postphonement of your marriage’s need to have laughter and romance can lead to frustration, resentment, and emotional isolation…..and in extreme cases, seperation and divorce. Date nights/days/afternoons can simply be escapes arranged by secret postit notes detailing plans for a 5 minute meetup away from tormenting children, testosterone poisoned teenage boys, or tweens whose hormones have declared a civil war within her….If desperate for time, smooching in the car after dropping children at soccer, warning: steaming car windows will arouse the suspicions of your church league friends…and keep the rumor mills running. We’re firm supporters of your local economy….keep the romance alive at home.

Rx for difficult days. Take time out together daily for quiet moments shared in embraces, silence, and with a healthy dose of closeness. Increase dosage as necessary to overcome the complexities of stepfamily life.
 

God is good!

Sweetoe