The Norwegian government is telling couples to go on date nights in a bid to reduce the country’s 40 percent divorce rate.
Amid an increasing number of broken marriages, authorities have taken inspiration from the 2010 film Date Night and are urging people to make time for each other one night a week.
People aged between 40 and 44 were the most likely to break up, the Telegraph reported.
Solveig Horne, the new minister responsible for children, equality and social inclusion, is behind the push.
“It is important to find small pockets of time where parents can be lovers,” she said. “Each couple needs to decide what sort of a date night they should have, whether it is a night at the movies or a walk together without the kids for a couple of hours.”
Horne said she had seen the romantic comedy, starring Tina Fey and Steve Carrell, and even though the characters’ attempt at a night together went horribly wrong, she thought the idea was a good one.
“I think it could be a good way to keep marriages together,” Horne said.
The Norwegian government has increased funding for a state-run couples counselling service.
Norway’s media has so far been hostile to the proposal, saying it is proof that the ruling Populist party is drifting to the centre-right and linking it to moves by conservative groups in the US to promote date nights. – Daily Mail