Relationship rituals: romantic or a rut?

Ooh, a bonus post!  I just realized I wrote this a while back and forgot to publish it.  So here ya' go!

Mr. D and I had a conversation this weekend about relationship rituals and whether they are beneficial or indicative of a rut.  We know a couple who, as a rule, go to lunch at the same restaurant after church every Sunday.  Another couple we know goes to see a movie every Tuesday night.  Mr. D. and I used to make pizza for supper every Friday night, but that ritual has died out, because frankly there are Fridays when I don't feel like kneading dough.  Recently, in the spirit of establishing a new ritual, we have been having a Saturday morning breakfast date.  However, we change up the restaurant and there are some Saturdays we skip.  But we try.  And it is nice time to talk without distractions and maybe plan our weekend to-do list.

Mr. D's opinion is that couples' traditions are nice.  I'm okay with some tiny traditions, but I  feel some can also be a slippery slope to dressing alike in your 70s.  (Have you seen this couple?!  http://www.khou.com/news/texas-news/155430885.html ) I understand there is comfort in going to your favorite restaurant, but why at the same day and time every week?  I like when a bartender/waiter recognizes me, but when they anticipate what I will order, then it's time to change it up.  I understand my husband's point, though.  He likes consistency and reliability, and it does seems that many traditions are the mark of a couple that truly enjoys being together.  

So maybe the trick is to have traditions, but don't let them pull you into a rut.  Don't always get the same meal, or the same wine at your favorite Wednesday night restaurant.  Also, invite other couples (or singles) to join you! 

PS.  There is one ritual Mr. D and I have that I think will be with us until our journey ends and that we both enjoy.  We hold hands on airplane take-offs.  (I know....awwww.)  I was nervous one time (I think I had just seen some plane crash) and grabbed his hand.  He's been holding my hand ever since. 

Keepin it real

Happy Halloween!  So much for doing better at blogging, eh?  To be fair, I've been dealing with some weirdness in my physical condition lately.  Forties are a crazy age, folks.  I'm prepared for more aches and pain being less tolerant of some foods. (Seriously, what is it with being obsessed with your gastrointestinal system in your 40's?!)   But I began to get agitated and stressed over absolutely nothing, so I decided to talk to my doctor about during my annual physical.  I won't bore you with the whole story, but he prescribed some meds, which I now realize I didn't need.  I had a serious adverse reaction that took me three weeks to get over.  Basically, it made me a crazy person.  Try imagining every nerve in your body is ultra sensitive and rushes of adrenaline every 15 minutes.  Seriously, there were times I was crawling out of my own skin.  But I'm starting to feel normal again, thank God!  And I'm very proud that except for a couple of things, I manage to continue to live my life normally, with the help of Mr. D and a lot of wine!

Speaking of, we went to wine country two weeks ago with friends.  (See there? I'm kicking anxiety's butt!)  Drank some really good wine and found a cool bar to hang out in that was walking distance from our rented house - SCORE! 

Anyhoo, one of the joys that us child-free couples miss out on is taking kids around on Halloween.  But then, I also don't have to pay their dental bills either, right?  Hope everyone has a safe and fun time tonight.  Might be concocting some witch's brew myself (insert cackle here).   I will hopefully regale you with stories of our upcoming tailgating adventures.  We are going to a football game (both home & away) for the next four weekends.  God, give me strength and a strong liver.