Jack and Mary had been married for twenty-three years. They had four children, and Mary dedicated most of her time to taking care of them. Their life had fallen into a routine, one that no longer sparked excitement between them.
Jack’s days were predictable. He went to work, came home, and immediately lay on the couch, watching television until dinner was served. Mary, on the other hand, worked tirelessly from morning until night. She cooked meals, washed clothes, cared for their youngest child, and helped the older kids with their homework. By the time she had a moment to herself, it was late at night.
During those quiet hours, she found herself watching romantic films. She longed for the kind of love and affection she saw in those movies, the kind she and Jack once had. She wanted to go on a date again, to feel special and appreciated. But when she looked in the mirror, she felt a pang of sadness. She didn’t look like the women in those movies. She wasn’t young and carefree anymore. Instead, she saw a tired woman with wrinkles and weary eyes staring back at her.
She turned her gaze to the wedding photo beside the mirror. The smiling young woman in the picture seemed like a stranger now. Where had that girl gone? Where was the spark in her eyes?
Mary shook off the thought and made a decision. She wasn’t going to wait for change—she was going to make it happen.
That evening, when Jack got home and sat down for dinner, Mary took a deep breath and spoke up. “Jack, I was thinking… maybe we could go on a date? There’s a nice place that just opened downtown. I thought it would be nice to check it out together.”
Jack raised an eyebrow and scoffed. “A date? What for? Is today some kind of special occasion?”
Mary shook her head with a small smile. “No, but we don’t need a special occasion to spend time together. We can make any day special.”
Jack didn’t smile back. Instead, irritation flashed across his face. “Look at you, Mary! You look terrible. Do you really think I want to go out with you looking like this?”
Mary’s heart sank. She had spent the entire day cleaning, cooking, and taking care of their children. Of course, she didn’t look her best at that moment. “I just finished all the housework, Jack. That’s why I look like this,” she said quietly.
Jack shook his head. “No, Mary. You always look like this. You used to take care of yourself—fix your hair, dress nicely—but now? You look like an old maid. I don’t know when you stopped caring.”
Mary’s eyes filled with tears. The words stung deep.
Jack sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Even when you cry, it doesn’t change anything. Do you want the truth? I’m ashamed of you. I can’t be seen with you like this.”
And with that, he grabbed his coat and walked out the door.
Jack drove to his friend Samuel’s house, hoping to have a drink and clear his mind. When Samuel opened the door, Jack clapped him on the back. “Hey, buddy! Let’s go grab a beer. I need to get out for a bit.”
But Samuel shook his head with a smile. “Sorry, mate. I can’t tonight. I’m taking my wife on a date. There’s this new place downtown I want to take her to.”
Jack frowned. “You’re turning down a drink with your best friend for a date?”
Before Samuel could answer, his wife appeared at the top of the stairs, looking radiant in a beautiful dress. She held a bouquet of flowers in her arms, smiling brightly.
“Sam! I just found this bouquet on the table in our room. Did you put them there?” she asked, beaming as she kissed Samuel’s cheek.
Samuel grinned. “Yep, surprise! Oh, and here…” He reached behind the door and handed her a small gift bag.
His wife opened it, gasping as she pulled out an elegant evening dress. “Oh, Sam! This is beautiful! You are the best husband! Let me change quickly—I’ll wear this dress for our date!” She hurried back upstairs, excitement shining in her eyes.
Jack watched the interaction, stunned. He hadn’t seen that kind of joy on Mary’s face in years.
He shook his head and muttered, “Your wife is beautiful, Sam. And you two… you look so happy. My wife… she always looks miserable. She barely smiles these days.”
Samuel crossed his arms. “When was the last time you took Mary out on a date?”
Jack hesitated, then sighed. “I… I don’t know. Maybe two years ago?”
Samuel laughed in disbelief, shaking his head. “Two years ago? And you’re surprised she doesn’t smile?”
Jack looked away, feeling embarrassed.
Samuel placed a hand on his friend’s shoulder. “Listen, mate. I make every single day special for my wife. She’s the heart of our home. She deserves love, appreciation, and to feel beautiful. She’s always been beautiful, but do you know why she shines? Because she knows she’s loved.”
Jack swallowed hard, realizing the weight of Samuel’s words.
“When I take my wife out, it’s not because of a special occasion. It’s because I choose to make every day special. Try it, Jack. You might be surprised at how much it changes things.”
Jack nodded slowly. “You’re right, Sam. I should’ve realized this sooner. Thanks, mate. Enjoy your date.”
That night, Jack returned home with a small gift in hand. He found Mary sitting quietly in the living room, her eyes red from crying. He felt a deep pang of guilt.
He sat beside her and took her hand. “Mary… I owe you an apology. What I said earlier was cruel, and you didn’t deserve that. I was being disrespectful, and I regret it.”
Mary looked at him, surprised by his sudden change in tone.
Jack handed her the gift box. “I’d like to take you on a date tomorrow. I made a reservation at that new place downtown. Will you come with me?”
Mary hesitated for a moment, then slowly opened the box. Inside was a delicate silver necklace. Her eyes welled with tears, but this time, they weren’t from pain—they were from joy.
“Jack… this is beautiful. Thank you. I would love to go on a date with you,” she said, smiling—the same radiant smile she used to give him in their younger days.
The next evening, Jack watched in awe as Mary transformed before his eyes. She had taken time to dress up, do her hair, and put on the necklace he had given her. But it wasn’t just her appearance that took his breath away—it was her happiness.
And for the first time in a long time, Jack realized just how beautiful his wife truly was.
From that day on, Jack and Mary made it a point to nurture their relationship. They went on regular dates, showed appreciation for each other, and found joy in the little things. Their marriage flourished, and their home was filled with love once again.
What can we learn from this story?
You don’t need a special occasion to celebrate love. Jack thought dates were only for anniversaries or special days, but Samuel helped him realize that every day can be special if you choose to make it that way. Show your loved ones appreciation, love, and support daily, and your relationship will thrive.
