Has Hooking Up Replaced Dating?

Something odd has caught my attention amongst my single friends and that something is that they do not go out on an actual date instead they opt for hooking up.  It seems that this has been the trend for quite some time now and I don't think that this trend is one that was set due to the tough economic times that we are living in.  I think that this trend was set by women who signed a relationship contract without a dating clause attached to it.  

Call me a hopeless romantic, but I love going on dates with my husband; date night gives us something to look forward to during the week and it is a night that we can reconnect as a couple without the children.   I am a habitual dater.  Even if my husband and I weren't together I'd still want to go out on a date with a guy.  

One of the terms and conditions of my relationship contract states: I will set aside time of at least 3 times per month to take the above-mentioned girlfriend on an actual date.   I require a date night in fact I insist upon it in the very beginning. 

Don't get me wrong, I don't mind the hook up, but if you consider yourself a boyfriend who has plans on sticking around (and if I want you to stick around) then you will have to sign the relationship contract (sorry) and take me out on a date.  

Since I've been married for damn near 10 years I don't have to worry about having someone sign the contract, but being married doesn't guarantee you a date either.  You have to open up your mouth and insist upon going out on a date with your husband.  Ladies, lets face it men are creatures of habit, they like to come home from work, grab a beer and plop their sweaty asses on the couch for hours. 

However, it is up to us to get them in the habit of taking us out on a date.  The date doesn't have to be the average dinner and a movie date but it doesn't have to be an expensive helicopter ride over the city either.  Mix it up and do something different such as a going to see a local live artist play at a lounge or go listen to some spoken word at a lyrical cafe.  Driving up to a local vineyard and having a wine tasting is always a fun idea for a date with your honey.  Re-live your teenage years by taking him/her skating or be adventurous and go for a round of paint ball to see who says ouch the loudest! Or if you can handle it surprise him with a trip to a strip club and buy him his favorite drink and a lap dance.  

No matter where you go, the point is to get up and go out with your mate.  Reconnect with him as if you were just meeting one another. If you are single then don't just settle for a hook up night after night (unless he is a friend with benefits), instead insist that he take you out on the town then hook up. Getting him in the habit of taking you out on dates from time-to-time will help keep that spark flickering between the two of you.  

TTFN!