how often do you and dh/dp spend alone time together.....

[longhardlookinthemirror]

...either going out to pub, restaurant or other, and how important do you think it is?

I think it's very important and we try to do it as often as possible. For example, yesterday we had lunch in a restaurant near his work together; two weeks ago we went to Brussels together for the day; the week before that we went to London together for the day.

We go out about twice a month either to the cinema or out for a meal. Last month we even managed a proper walk together as my parents were looking after DS.

It is something we enjoy and I believe it helps us as a couple because we get to think about each other rather than focussing on DS, however I don't think it is imperative for a happy partnership a just about the same effect could be achieved with a takeaway and candles or snuggling on the sofa together to watch a DVD. The important thing is to prioritise the relationship on a regular basis in whatever way is most achievable for you.

Every night after the kids are asleep. Or does alone in the living room not count

My bf and I try to spend quality time together whenever we can, we manage to get childcare overnight at least once a month so we can go out and then come home to an empty house. I think spending time with your other half is very important for the relationship, in my case it allows me to feel like 'Kelly' for a while rather than just 'mummy' all the time. We are going out this Sat, to a concert, and the kids are staying at their dads and gp overnight. I can't wait, it's nice to have something to look forward to.

we go out at least once a month together but we do get time alone together at home when dd is out and ds is in bed

Every evening, slumped in front of the telly - DH watching sport and me on MN. Or does that not count?!

We have just come back from a long weekend in Dubrovnik together - DH buys us one every year for 'my' Christmas present.

Other than that, we try to go out together regularly, but have failed on that front for a while - must remember to reinstate that.

I think it's terribly important to spend time together as adults and not parents.

My dh was away on Monday night but we were speaking on msn for 1.5 hours. It was great and reminded me of when we were going out

We quite often go out as our parents are both fab and love having the kids stay over. We are very fortunate.

Hardly ever! DS only 8mo so not quite in the habit of babysitter/date night. We are quite happy with seeing our friends separately but when he has a day off in the week we often do something - walk, lunch, pub etc (but DS is with us, obviously!)

My DS is 8 mo and we are off out on Sat night for a meal for the first time in a looooong time

We like to try and do it as often as we can but recently not managed for a couple of months for various reasons.
Although every week without fail we sit down with a bottle of wine and a take away or something nice cooked in and spend the evening together.