‘Date Night’…… Front Royal Style

By the 18th century, Valentine’s Day was as much as we know it today. By the way, it’s today, so it’s not too late to not forget. Just saying. Happy Valentines’ by the way, but we’ll touch upon Valentines’ a bit later. This isn’t about that. Sit back a bit and let me talk to you about the concept of ‘Date Night.’

Date Night ought not to suffer for its lack of nobility and title so that’s why we’re calling it Date Nite and not ‘After Five.’ Date Night should be a thing we look forward to weekly, or bi-monthly if not more often. To each his own spelling I say.

What about date night as a concept. Allow me to explain. Essentially, you and your friend/spouse pick a night in the week and designate it as ‘Date Nite.’ I like Thursday but my girlfriend prefers Friday night – so Friday night it is. Meanwhile, we labor away during the week and rarely see each other – which is another strong motivation for ‘Date Knight.’ Wait until you get married. Then ‘Date Night’ really is something to look forward to.

But just so we’re on the same page. Date Knight is essentially needed during the dark times when there are no heralded holidays bathed in pomp and pageantry like Christmas Day or Independence Day. Those days are big in their own right but what is there in January, especially after the first of January? What then? And what about April and May and June for instance or August and even most of September through October? Date Night is really needed for those swaths of insignificant nights and weeks that march on to the tune of boredom through the numbered days on the calendar.

Think about it. Most days and nights of the year can’t even be remembered when you reflect back. Most days don’t cause the local stores to go nuts and promote themed outings resulting in themed events that we must unavoidably attend. Yes, the themes I mention are those showcased annually, when one must negotiate the labyrinth of heart-shaped candy or search for green garments or my favorite, the costumes and pumpkins times. There’s something to be said about witches in mini-skirts. And of course, there’s always the ‘Holiday 6’ meaning the many gatherings surrounding the 6 weeks from Thanksgiving through New Year’s. The point of this ramble is to shed light on the other 52 weeks of the year that aren’t shrouded in theme but possess many possibilities. And that my friend is where ‘Date Nite’ flourishes.

The original Saint Valentine is said to have offered a card to a young woman and signed it ‘Your Valentine’, which inspired the tradition of exchanging ‘valentines’, or cards expressing fondness. That is one of the heralded nights we enjoy annually – not to be confused with the concept of ‘Date Nite.’

How often is Date Knight? It might be that once a week is too often and causes too much anxiety during the planning phase. The remedy for that is rotation.

One week I decide where we’re going and you have it the next time. My spouse and I used Date Knight to visit all the taverns and Inns in the area that fashioned an operational fireplace this winter. Very romantic. Now we can recommend to others where to go for such. If weekly is too difficult then try bi-monthly. Don’t allow too much time though or gossip will abound and the couch potato moniker will be affixed.

Dinner dates are a fun way to spiff up a bit, call an Uber and step out. Pick a cool restaurant and spend a few extra beans. Candlelight and champagne are always a winning combo but diversity is key. Start out at the Beer Museum and tavern hop down East Main.

Birthdays and anniversaries obviously make for excellent Date Nights. You can also coordinate with a friend to take you out on their boat or plan a bonfire by the river. It’s extra exciting when Date Night is a surprise location. Be inventive and have Chinese food or sushi delivered to your porch overlooking the mountains.

If your spouse likes sporting events then there you go. Who says Date Nite has to be synonymous with heavy financing and after five attire. Give it a go and let me know.