how to date other couples.

So I don't want to sound braggy or anything, but we've been going on a lot of couple dates these past couple months. We've been in the area long enough to have met some pretty awesome married people, and we've reached the point where we're looking for something a little more serious. A little committment. You know what I'm talking about. Brunch together on the weekends! Summer get-aways in the Hamptons! Our kids will basically be cousins! When it comes down to it, we're looking for someon(s) to grow old together with.

For those of you not familiar with the process of wooing another couple, it's a lot like single-people dating. I have provided a step by step guide for your convenience. You're welcome.

1. Identify the couple. This part can be tricky because you both have to like both members of the couple. Awesome wife, boring husband? Not gonna work. In most cases, I get the idea in my head that so-and-so and I have to be best friends forever, so Jordan better like her husband or else! It mostly works. Other motivations for making friends may also involve the couple having impossibly cute children. Some see this as shallow, but we think of it as an investment in our future children's happiness.

2. Make a move. After getting to know them a little bit in person, make an advancement (but not in a creepy way?). This usually happens over some form of social network. Think facebook friending, instagram following, google plus following (does anybody actually use that?). On one ocassion, I even had a girl facebook message me her number (SCORE). Jordan can attest to my over-the-top excitement/school-girl squealing that followed thereafter.

3. Make a date. Invite them over to dinner and show them a real good time. This is the point where you can really see if the relationship is going to go somewhere. What kind of sports teams does the husband follow? (Correct answer: the Mets) How does the wife feel about book clubs? (Correct answer: Love them. Let's start one. Immediately.) You know, eternal kinds of issues. After this, you should have a pretty good feeling about your future together. Does the other couple reciprocate the dinner invitation? Are future plans made? Sometimes you all realize that it was probably a one time thing and it's okay if we just remain acquaintances. And that's okay. Because there are many other married couple fish in the sea.

*I would advise you to be vulnerable and honest with yourself throughout this dating process. You may hear that "your" couple went on a date with another married couple. You may feel somewhat betrayed. And that is normal. Keep in mind that couples often have "flings" and it may be nothing. Or it could be that they're still trying to figure out who they are as a couple. Just be true to who you are and don't compromise your values. You will find your married couple friends when the time is right, and often times, when you're not looking for it.