How often do you go on dates with dp?

[Confusednewname]

We both work full time shift work, see each other around 3 times a week. Usually its us staying in, cooking dinner then chilling out in front of the tv. We've been together 2 years and are both 29. I love him, and would love to go out more but he never initiates them. How often do you and dp go out on dates? I know every relationship is different, but I just want to see if our once every few months is average? Or if I'm asking too much

We have been together for nearly 9 years. Up until a couple of years ago, basically every week. Nowadays, every 5 months maybe.

Once every three or four years.

Just wondering, but to those who’ve said they go out regularly? Who does your baby sitting?

When we were your age and child free, we were out probably 4 times a week. We are mid to late 30s now with two small dc (one a bf baby). Before youngest came along we got a babysitter about once a month and then family to help for a night/weekend away about twice a year. God, if I could we’d still be out at least twice a week. You don’t know how great it is to leave the house alone after dark til you can’t do it anymore!

Completely agree mindutopia, I look back so fondly at our late 20’s when we lived abroad and basically went out together somewhere every night! No big nights out, just for a walk and a drink or two or some food. Bliss!
Now I feel like I turn into a pumpkin at 7pm

Woooooaaaaahhh, we always lived overseas so didn’t have family so we mostly used local teenagers. I was also in a couple of babysitting circles for a while, that was a really good idea. For weekends away we left with family though, or as they got older we would host sleepovers with their friends, which were later reciprocated so everyone had a turn at a full night or even weekend away.

Before children a lot, with small dc every couple of months and did babysitting swaps with two other friends.

You really need to be able to discuss wants and needs that are within reason a relationship.

within a relationship.

A couple of times a year. That was the same since we started the relationship. But I don't really like going on "dates". I used to feel disappointed we rarely went, but I eventually realised that usually they aren't great and expectation is better than the reality (and my expectations are low!). Especially going out to dinner - awkward. We go out plenty, but not things you'd really call a date, and dc come along.

Oh and in my experience a man won't ever initiate these things. Ever. Possibly the first date (never happened to me but I've heard some men do ask). But once in a relationship - nope. You'll be doing all the planning for even the smallest trip out of the house. So plan stuff yourself, don't wait for him.

^ totally not the case for us, DH loves going out! We both miss our evenings out.
We never saw them as ‘dates’ though, just the two of us going out for a drink/bite to eat/chat.

About once a year.