It began when my dad noted in our family chat that it was National Monopoly Day

It all started when my dad mentioned in our family chat that it was National Monopoly Day.

Today marks National Monopoly Day! This has become an annual date in our household to pull out our Monopoly Board, grab pizza, and spend intentional time together each year. It never matters what day of the week this falls on, but we always play a game. We might pass out some properties to help the game move along, but we play until someone goes bankrupt and loses. Let me tell you how this tradition started and is on its fourth strong year. My family has a group chat that we go back and forth into all talk to each other sometimes it is series, a lot of times it is funny memes or GIF we’ve seen, or it is informational like National Monopoly Day. I am a huge fan of board games or really any kind of game that removes technology and lets us connect and laugh.

 On November 19, 2021, my husband surprised me by picking up a Monopoly board during his lunch break, as we didn't already have one. That evening, after our Jiu Jitsu class at 10th Planet Perry, he showed it to me, and we enjoyed Papa John’s Pizza for our date night. This marks our fourth Monopoly Date! I should mention that my husband and I don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day, as I’m not a fan of being told when to express love. Instead, I cherish days like today, which have led to the creation of lasting memories and an annual tradition. We celebrate several meaningful occasions, including our dateversary, engageversary, anniversary, and even National Monopoly Day! Each year, we sign the board to remember our friendly rivalry!

The game has become more than just a pastime; it’s a cherished ritual that brings us closer together. As we lay out the colorful properties and arrange the money, there’s a sense of anticipation in the air. Our Monopoly nights are filled with laughter, playful banter, and, of course, some strategic maneuvering. We’ve developed our own set of house rules, adding a personal touch to make the game uniquely ours.

Why should you keep dating one another? It provides dedicated time to deepen your understanding of each other and appreciate individual values. You'll discover opportunities to establish safe spaces for those in your relationships, creating rewarding moments together. By intentionally planning this time, you can purposefully strengthen your bond with your partner.

Regularly dating one another also injects excitement and novelty into the relationship, breaking the monotony of daily routines. It encourages both partners to continue learning and growing together, fostering a dynamic and resilient partnership. Additionally, these experiences cultivate shared memories that build a strong foundation for the future. Whether it's trying a new restaurant, taking a dance class, or simply enjoying a walk in the park, these moments help keep the spark alive and remind you why you fell in love in the first place. Ultimately, making time for each other reaffirms your commitment and dedication, nurturing a loving and lasting connection.

Grab your traditional Monopoly board today! 

What annual tradition brings joy to you and your partner?