Couple bonding

The best thing about being alone with my husband for an extended period of time is that we’re able to discover ways to love each other more. One of these is to make bonding a regular part of our schedule and not only during vacations. After our much-needed trip to Europe, we both vowed to make each other a priority. We have decided to take each other out for a date either on a Friday or a Saturday. We keep those days sacred in our calendar. There are countless things a couple can do together. Make it as exclusive as much as possible. It’s an opportunity to rediscover each other. Minimize distractions. Text only when extremely necessary. I was so touched when Anthony decided to put his cell phone away in his closet the whole day on my birthday. I just felt so special having his total/undivided attention. Dates with each other don’t have to be expensive or grandiose. It could be sharing the simplest things in life. I remember when my Kuya Joseph took his wife Ate Vicky for a tricycle ride (from her dental clinic at St. Luke’s) to the nearest ice cream parlor. It touched her so much because it reminded her of their dating days. What matters most is that you share something to build you up as a couple.

Here are some ideas you might want to consider for your date:

• See a movie. You may not like the same movies but as you give in to each other’s taste in what to watch, chances are you’ll get to enjoy your spouse’s choice of film. I personally am not too excited about gory action pictures, but when I see how fired up Anthony gets when viewing such films, I can’t help but give in. He then ends up being more receptive to drama/love stories, which I enjoy so much.

• Eat out. Go to a restaurant and try something different. It will give you a chance to discover new dishes that could lead to new topics for conversation. Check out Citrio on Tomas Morato – they have beautiful works of art done by children and the ambience is totally cool with great food to boot. Uno in the Scout area is a favorite. You’ll feel special with the personal touch given by owner/head chef Mari Relucio. His wife Lea did the interiors and sewed the curtains herself. Truly homey food and atmosphere. You have to try The Barn on Katipunan. You’ll get your money’s worth with their sumptuous dishes in large servings. You’ll also feel young with the vibrant energies of couple Ronnie and Mariz Ricketts to greet you. Saraap!

• Have a spa-cial day. You’ll find a spa at almost every corner of every commercial district. Not all spas are the same though. I’ve tried quite a few myself and one that I’ve enjoyed the most so far is The Urban Spa located inside Shangri-La Plaza Mall. At the outset, Anthony had to literally force me to go because I dreaded the thought of having myself pampered for half a day! I figured there were many other things I could do with so much time at the mall but I’m sure glad I submitted to this kind of date because it proved to be such a fulfilling experience. I fell in love with the interiors as soon as I came in. The Urban Spa had a French motif (with Tessa Prieto-Valdes, no less, as interior designer). Everything is coordinated, the ambience serene and the service fantastic. They even have a couple’s suite so you can get pampered together. You’ll be amazed to experience a taste of heaven for as low as P280 to a high of P2,150.

• Do some nature tripping. Ever heard of romantic stories about couples at the UP campus lagoon? Yes, you’ll find many couples there under rubber trees – many lost in each other’s embrace while some in deep conversation while sitting on a mat laid out on the grass. It won’t cost you anything and strolling through its lush garden makes you grateful about God’s creations. Other places you could visit are: The Orchidarium in Luneta, Quezon Circle, and Greenbelt 3.

• Exercise! You have a variety of activities to choose from, like walking, playing badminton, biking, etc. The idea is to get fit together.

• Have a silent retreat. Spend the day or even half of it in silence, with a sensitive heart to listen to God’s leading. Read passages in the Bible and other books related to what you want to discover about your direction in life or in your marriage in particular. Our friends Ammi and Leo Armas share how refreshing this is to their souls and how this unique experience makes them deeply connected as a couple who relies on God.

• Stay home and have a do-nothing day. When the kids are off to school and you’ve scheduled a relative or friend to care for the baby for the day, enjoy your home and do nothing. Relax and enjoy!

* * *

A yaya seminar will be held on April 26 at Avalon condominium, Ortigas Ave. Text Vera at 0918-9293129.

* * *

Would love to hear from you. E-mail me at mommytalk@businessworks.com.ph.