This is so true! Getting ready for the sitter, paying the sitter, being exhausted....

And if you are on a very tight budget, a night out is a fantasy anyway. My parents managed to find a couple of other couples they traded date nights and kids' sleep-aways with to get regular time together without the pricetag. But 2023 is so different from 1970-somethings. I remember that feeling well - just stop telling me what would be good for me! I already know! I just don't have the energy to do it!