I have a long list of things I want to do/see around NYC, but even with our regular rhythm of getting out to explore this city of ours, I’m still surprised by how long some of my bucket list items stay on my list. Not to mention it seems that with every item I check off, there are two to three new experiences that get tacked on.
On Friday, we did one of the things that’s been on the list for awhile — we made a visit to the rooftop terrace at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which I’d long heard has some of the best views in the city. Even though we’ve been to the Met a number of times, a combination of being clueless and then making visits in the cooler months, meant we’d never taken time to get to the roof. But ever since I found out about the sweeping views you get from up there, I was determined to go. Thankfully, the experience did not disappoint. The views are 100. You see the west side, east side, downtown, and a large stretch of Central Park. We were there in the middle of the afternoon, and I can imagine that it can get really crowded after work hours. It’s good to be prepared to stand, as there isn’t much seating at all. But I can also imagine that being up there during happy hour as the sun sets has to be even doper. In addition to taking in the sights, Jordan and I spent time discussing the question we ask each other every week on our Friday dates:
What was your greatest joy and greatest challenge this week?
Asking this simple question goes a long way in getting to hear what the other person cares about, what brings them contentment, what makes them worry, what makes them sad. It also helps with knowing how you can cheer your partner on or pray or help relieve their stress or offer more grace. Even more, when you’re the one to take stock of your week and answer the question, it helps make you more self-aware about the things you want to add more of or resolve in life. We use it when we wrap up our weeks on Fridays, and it’s great for dates, but it’s also really great for all kinds of relationships (we often ask a similar version to our friends in our church community group.)
I’m curious — do you have go-to questions that you ask friends or your significant other when you get together?
The rooftop is open into October (a chance to see changing leaves possibly?!), so get yourself there sometime in the next month!
4 Comments
Chinai
September 25, 2017 at 9:45 amI love that question. I am always looking for ways to grow a deeper relationship with my partner. THIS is perfect. Thank you for sharing.
Jessica Rice
September 28, 2017 at 9:10 pmSo glad it’s helpful, Chinai!
MaRice
September 25, 2017 at 8:08 pmGreat post – and wonderful idea for date night! I love the thoughtful question that you and Jordan pose to each other; it sure beats the boring “how was your day?” question that I’ve been asking and answering for decades! Lol!
Jessica Rice
September 28, 2017 at 9:10 pmHaha, but the “how was your day?” question has gotten you through nearly 40 years of marriage, so it can’t be all that bad. ;-)