Dating

I’ve had a really unusual week. It all started with being stuck in traffic for two hours on Monday because I scheduled a rare morning meeting outside of Alabang on that day. Obviously the week was already starting off on a bad note, then my computer display started acting up, not showing colors correctly. MrC and I had to take it to the repair shop on Tuesday, and I was told that I would be without a computer for one to two weeks. This obviously upset me, but I wouldn’t let the situation get the better of me. Instead, I decided to make the most out of my technology-free days and fill them with family fun and me-time.

I immediately felt better when I remembered that MrC and I were having dinner at the soon to open Alabang Town Center branch of Yabu House of Katsu that Tuesday night. I won one of those online contests that got us a complimentary dinner for two at a private tasting event before the restaurant officially opened to the public. This was our third Yabu experience, and prior to this we had visited their SM Megamall and Southmall branches. Each time, the entire family really enjoyed the food and the excellent service. I, personally, have yet to leave a Yabu restaurant unhappy.

I took a quick nap before dinner, which helped put me in an even better mood. At 7pm, MrC and I headed to ATC, all excited over our free meal. We were seated right away when we arrived, and were told to order whatever we wanted from the menu. We kinda went overboard and ended up with a P1,300 dinner for two. I mean, really,wouldn’t you have ordered a lot? We got a set of appetizers, a plate of katsu each, Rosu for me and Hire for him, in the larger sizes no less, plus drinks. We also got an extra Layu sauce which is this amazing chili garlic dipping sauce that’s nice to alternate with Yabu’s tonkatsu sauce. It may not sound like a lot, but I will let the photos show you that it actually was.

Yabu (1 of 10) — Appetizers – Baby Octopus in Sweet-Savory Sauce + Superior Egg and Potato Salad

Years ago when MrC and I discovered that we were pregnant, a few of our wise, old(er) friends told us that we should always remember to set aside time for ourselves as a couple. Back then the advice didn’t make much sense. I mean, of course we would continue to spend time together. Besides, having a kid with us would make things a lot more fun. And what could possibly get in the way of our couple time, especially since we would be living together already. That would mean more time for us right?

At our high school reunion in 2011. Just like old times, only newly married.

More high school reunion photos here.

Welcome to reality, young and naive self! I have admittedly swallowed all of those words and thoughts I had back then. And believe me when I tell you that it was really tough coming to terms with the reality that living together, being married and having a family does not automatically equate to more quality time together as a couple. Man, this marriage thing really takes work! The difference between today and, say, a year or two ago is that I now choose to accept things and swallow my naive ideas with a nice cold root beer float (or cold beer maybe, on some days hehe). I’ve decided to charge everything to experience, and let go of the negative, hurtful, disappointing “learning hurdles” that led up to this level of relationship maturity that we now have. It’s not easy, but it’s for the best. It’s time for us to move forward.

One very important element of our relationship therapy is our return to dating. Each other, ha, not other people! Hahaha! We set aside time to go and eat out in between errands while the kiddo is at school or out doing something with his grandparents. We watch movies at home late at night and even make popcorn and iced tea to snack on. We read over coffee when we have time to spare. Sometimes, we even choose to read the same books at the same time and then we talk about the chapters and characters that we like and dislike as we progress. We listen to music together. We dance in the kitchen early in the morning when no one else is awake. Note that this is not romantic, it’s comedic. Like Romy and Michelle’s High School Reunion. We find time and we make an effort a million times more now than we did 1-, 2-, even 5- years ago. And in the process, we’ve learned to enjoy being together again, just the two of us, when we can get that chance.

Date night right at The Bellevue before my birthday in 2012. — Date night at The Bellevue before my birthday in 2012.

Read about our Bellevue buffet night here.

Now I understand how much that little bit of wisdom meant. It took years and unimaginable experiences for us to realize its essence, and now that we have, things are better. Life is better. We even fight with a purpose now, and that is to understand each other. Believe me when I tell you that we used to fight just to fight. If you’re married, you probably know what I mean.

So mommies, go and date your husbands. And daddies, go date your wives. I’m sure lolo and lola wouldn’t mind having the kid/s over for a night or even just an afternoon. I promise you, you will be so glad that you took the time and made the extra effort.

After mass dinner date at Con Gusto in Molito — After mass date night at Con Gusto in Molito a few months ago

More on our Con Gusto dinner date here.

Date Night At Yabu House of Katsu

On Dating Your Spouse