Duchess Digest: In Defense of Date Night

They say behind every great man is a team of great women. President Obama certainly proves this statement, as he is backed by his beautiful wife Michelle and two adorable daughters. So is it really that shocking or controversial that on Saturday night, the Obama’s left the White House behind for a night on the town in the Big Apple. They looked fabulous, they dined, they talked and they attended a Broadway show.

Then they drew fire and flack from the Republican Party for going on a date during the recession.

All I have to say is T.G.I.D.A.L. (that’s Thank God I’m dating a Liberal!).

I was always under the impression that the Republican Party was all about family and values. Similarly, I was always taught that the cornerstone of the family was the mother and wife. That’s how it was in my house. It really did go back to a combination of the old sayings, “If momma ain’t happy, nobody’s happy!” and “Happy wife, happy life.” We knew my dad was the disciplinarian, but we also knew from whom he was taking his orders.

I respect and admire President Obama for taking Michelle out. Date Night is one of the great regular occasions within a marriage. This man is not just our President and leader but also the head of a family, a husband and a father. I think it’s a tremendous display of family values that he took time out to spend just with Michelle and to make good on promises within his marriage to, “take her out to a Broadway show after this [the campaign] was over.” When his presidency is done and gone it will still be Michelle and the girls that are there with him, as they were before his rise to Office, and it shows great clarity that he values and recognizes his priorities and commitments to his family.

I’m all about date night. I’m glad the Liberal man I’m dating is all about date night too! Just because we’re in a recession doesn’t mean we have to abandon all fun and joy. We actually need date night more then ever right now!

No matter the dollar amount spent; whether it’s a night on Broadway or a walk down Main Street for ice cream, time alone as a couple is a great way to remind each other why we’re here in the first place! It’s not about the money and the things, but the people we love and the relationships we value.

In times of financial hardship I think date night is one of the best investments we can make. It’s an investment in a relationship, in a marriage, in each other. It’s money and time spent to strengthen the ties that bind us together in love and mutual determination. I say Bravo Mr. President. You have once again demonstrated your wisdom and characteristic leadership. I, for one, stand in allegiance with President and Mrs. Obama. I am in defense of date night!

–Jill Brown

Jill Brown is a Los Angeles, California-based life coach and writer. She earned her Bachelors in Humanities and Sociology from USU and is a member of the National Association for Conflict Resolution and the Ladies Who Launch Network. She is the founder of “The Duchess Guide” a website dedicated to helping women become their most fabulous and unique selves. She is an avid outdoor enthusiast, traveler and health nut. When she isn’t writing or working on Duchess, Jill loves spending all her free time with her Labrador – Betty. For more on The Duchess Guide or Jill visit: www.theduchessguide.com (http://www NULL.theduchessguide NULL.com/)