Brad Feld Monthly Life Dinner

Align schedules, review the past month, and strengthen your relationship using Brad Feld's monthly life dinner framework.

6 time blocks, 90 minutes in total.

Time blocks

Device Disconnect and Opening Toast: 15 min
Put phones away and toast to completing the previous month
Past Month Review: 15 min
Share personal highlights, joint wins, and recent challenges
Calendar and Travel Alignment: 20 min
Cross reference schedules for upcoming trips, events, and quiet days
Financial and Project Alignment: 15 min
Discuss shared goals, upcoming expenses, and personal projects
Relationship State of the Union: 15 min
Check in on mutual support, energy levels, and relationship health
Gift and Appreciation Exchange: 10 min
Exchange a small token or written note expressing gratitude

About this routine

Venture capitalist Brad Feld and author Amy Batchelor created Brad Feld's monthly life dinner ritual to maintain connection while managing demanding careers. On the first day of every month, they head to a quiet restaurant to pause, reflect, and coordinate their lives outside the rush of daily work.

The practice combines strategic calendar coordination with intentional relationship check-ins. Rather than discussing logistics during tired weekday evenings, dedicating a single monthly meal ensures travel plans, personal goals, and emotional health receive focused attention.

By structuring the meal into distinct phases, couples cover logistical details, long term aspirations, and mutual appreciation. A key element documented in their book Startup Life includes exchanging a small, meaningful gift or note to end the dinner with warmth.

Why this routine works

Prevents scheduling conflicts by syncing calendars once a month
Provides a dedicated space for relationship feedback and emotional check-ins
Reduces daily logistical stress through structured monthly planning
Maintains relationship warmth through a recurring appreciation habit

FAQ

What is Brad Feld's monthly life dinner?

It is a monthly ritual created by Brad Feld and Amy Batchelor where partners go out to dinner on the first of the month to review the past 30 days, align upcoming calendars, and exchange a small gift.

How long does a monthly life dinner take?

The structured conversation takes about 90 minutes over the course of a dinner.

What do couples discuss during a life dinner?

Couples review past monthly highlights, compare upcoming travel and work schedules, check in on relationship satisfaction, and discuss shared financial or personal goals.

Sources

Startup Life: Surviving and Thriving with the Entrepreneur You Love by Brad Feld and Amy Batchelor
The Life Dinner, Feld Thoughts