Play Date

Last weekend, my husband and I had the wonderful opportunity to spend the weekend in New York, and, lucky for us, during a January thaw, with temperatures around 50. When a friend of his couldn't use his weekend reservation, my husband jumped on the chance to score a hotel just outside Times Square.

It was a wonderful weekend! We played tourist and saw a powerful black and white Picasso exhibit at the Guggenheim and we explored Greenwich Village. We bought tasty treats at the Chelsea Food Market and we chatted over cappuccinos and croissants in the Flatiron district. We reminisced over our time in Paris at a cute French bistro in Hell's Kitchen and we discussed what we might want to see and do while we are on vacation this summer in Spain. We held hands while we walked Gotham's streets and avenues and we stole kisses while waiting for street crossing signs and stop lights.

We enjoy our weekends away, and they all are special; this one included. In spite of the hustle and bustle of the city, at times, like when strolling down 5th Avenue alongside Central Park, it seemed like we were the only two people in the world.

Play dates are important for all relationships. It doesn't have to be a weekend away. It can be a movie matinee or a quiet, late night dinner.

My husband and I have a tradition of Sunday coffee. After lunch (our main meal of the day) we go out for coffee and sometimes, a little something sweet. It may be to a quirky coffeehouse in a nearby college town or down the street to the local Starbucks tucked inside a Barnes and Noble. Regardless of the locale, it's us time, a play date, when we can find respite from the day-to-day business of our daily life and simply be together.

Take time to play, to connect, to be in a moment of love with your partner. Channel the excitement you felt when you first fell in love. Your time is yours. Your other life will be waiting for you when you come home.

¡Salud!