Why I "date" myself and why that's OK

Every time my husband has a night or weekend away from home, I take myself on a date. And it's not because I don't feel adequately "dated" the rest of the time.

We all have wants and needs in our lives, jobs and relationships. When people get married, I always hear the advice, "Never stop dating your spouse," which I think is wonderful. But I still find it important to continue dating myself as well.

It's not my husband's job to make me content with myself and it's not his job to make me feel fulfilled. It's his job to love me, to support me and be my partner--Not my caretaker. So, that being said, here are my top 2 reasons why I will continue to "date myself."

1. I need alone time to recharge

I'm one of those people that needs to stay home, lock the door, turn off my phone, watch a hopelessly cheesy romantic comedy and eat takeout alone to recharge. I'm what you'd call an "introvert."

I'm chatty Kathy and an introvert. I love to get out and do things and I'm an introvert. I love to spend time friends and family anndddd I'm an introvert. When I have the opportunity to be alone and rest, I seize the day! I need and crave that time to think, rest, refill and recharge. I need it, so I can keep doing the other things I love that can take away energy, emotions and mental/physical bandwidth.

2. My husband and I don't have identical  interests

I married a wonderful man that I have a ton of things in common with. We both love country music, live shows, eating food, being outside, talking politics and more. But we're not the exact same people. There are plenty of things that I like to do, that my husband does not. I like to to shop at Whole Foods for the most obscure new food to try. I like to watch (And re-watch) absolutely ridiculous TV. I like to go grocery shopping (Coffee in hand) early on Saturday mornings instead of sleeping in.

When I have the chance, I do all my favorite things. Not because my husband won't do them with me, but because they're not "his things." It's my job to make sure I do the things that bring me joy.

I encourage every person out there to take themselves on the perfect date. Think about that thing you keep telling yourself, "I wish I could do ..."

If you don't want to date you, what makes you think anyone else wants to either?