Side Seventeen: Not Paying Teenagers

Every now and then, Husband and I like to go on a date, like most married couples. We'll go see a movie, maybe go for dinner, a walk or something date-like. These dates are usually spontaneous. If we're feeling extravagant, a night out will cost us about $30. $50, if we go the theatre.

Talking with my friends with children, date night is a different story. The logistical planning that goes into one of their dates rivals the military. Where can they go? How much will it cost? Can we have some wine? Can they get a sitter?

When the moon hits the blogger's eye, like a big pizza pie on a date.

Not only are my friends with kids paying for the movie or dinner or tickets, but they have to add the cost of a sitter. In my day, I didn't charge a lot. I remember getting about ten bucks for an evening. These days? I hear some babysitters have hourly rates. An evening out for parents can cost, what, forty bucks in babysitters alone! (Please correct me, parents, if I'm wrong. Naturally, I'm out of the babysitter-hiring loop.)

Being a childless couple means Husband and I can go out and enjoy an evening without hearing dollar signs chinging for every hour we're out. Our dates cost the price of admission, not paying some teenager. Huzzah!