Valentine’s Day is a great opportunity to first appreciate your spouse, celebrate what they mean to you, and to thank them for the day-to-day support and sacrifices they make on behalf of your family. It is also an opportunity to reintroduce romance back into your life. It comes in at a good time of year, when life has settled in for a long winter’s nap, the momentum of New Year resolutions has waned and it still looks pretty bleak outside. Valentine’s Day can a little color, a little romance, and a little kick into your relationship. Here are five ideas tailored to the schedules and realities of police work.
Traditional Dinner Date. Because of shift work, romantic dinners won’t always happen on February 14th. But if you choose a different night, you’ll get into the popular restaurants easier, you’ll get better seats, and the sentiment is the same. Can’t make an evening work? Go to brunch or catch a nice lunch. These are good ideas that are a little easier on the budget. A little thought and a simple plan goes a long way.
Gun Range. Nothing is sexier than having your spouse put on skinny jeans and a pair of high heels, and have you teach her how to shoot. She gets a glimpse of the shooting fun, you are doing something you enjoy that you can share.
Ride-Along. Can’t get time off? Take your spouse on a ride-along. Introduce your spouse to those you work with. Show her what you’re working on in the office or on the beat. Take a drive in the patrol car, telling stories of funny calls or a moment when someone seemed to actually be listening to reason. Sharing what you do for 12 hours a day is a way to deepen the understanding at home, connect in a little different way, and share in the experience together.
Snowed-In Date. This time of year many parts of the country are hemmed in by snow—take advantage of it! Go snowshoeing, snowmobiling, or sledding, just the two of you. Or stay in. Put the kids to bed, light a fire, order Chinese, put on some music and slow dance to at least three songs.
Hotel Night Stay. This is a great date for younger moms who are at home with the kids. Pack a bag and head for a local hotel. Have dinner, jacuzzi or swim, take a walk, and have some breakfast. It’ll get her away from “work”, recharge her batteries without having to worry about the kids and home. Concentrate on being a couple. It presses the reset button and allows for uninterrupted romance.
Whatever you do together, take the opportunity to celebrate your relationship, and reintroduce romance in the midst of the mid-winter, pre-spring blahs.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
