If there’s anything I’ve learned during the last six years of being with my partner, it’s the importance of constant connection. Now, I don’t mean the clingy overwhelming kind, I mean the kind of connection that made you fall in love with that person in the first place.

While I’m no relationship expert, I do consider my relationship to be one of the healthiest relationships I’ve ever encountered. I have regular date nights to thank for that.

Pretty early in our relationship, my husband and I acknowledged the importance of alone time for the well-being of our marriage. Yes, that goes beyond anniversaries, birthdays, and the ever-popular Valentine’s Day. Below I’m sharing the top three reasons why I schedule regular date nights, and why every couple should too.

It gives you something to look forward to

As an entrepreneur, mom, and wife, I tend to put others need before mine. A lot. Date nights give me something to look forward to and get me through the week. It reminds me that no matter how crazy the weeks can get, there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel.

It’s easy to set up a recurring calendar invitation for both of you. Simply pick a date and how often you want to set them up for. My husband and I schedule bi-weekly date nights because it keeps us accountable without creating overwhelm in our schedules.

It gets you out of your daily routines

While I love rituals, routines, and habits, I also love breaking them every now and then. My husband and I are constantly on the move. Between juggling jobs, school drop-offs and pick-ups, running errands, and simply trying to live life, things can get a little hectic.

I absolutely love that our date nights allow us to breathe, relax, and simply be present in each other’s company.

It helps you regularly reconnect

A lot can happen in a week or two, sometimes more than can be covered during the dinnertime conversation. Date nights allow you and your partner to reconnect and catch up on all those big (and little) things that might have been left out during the week’s conversations.

I also like to think of these opportunities as a chance to recharge and fill your relationship battery that can sometimes get drained during the craziness of the week.

Remember that date nights don’t have to be expensive, luxurious, or out of your means. Do things that you both enjoy and allows you to connect. A simple dinner can do the trick.