Being romantic doesn’t need to be expensive. In fact, ditching the extravagant ideas can give much more scope for showing that special someone how much you care about them. This topic has been the subject of a lot of articles and blog posts so I thought I’d get the scoop from a relationships expert for this one. Lissa Coffey is a relationships expert who regularly appears on television and radio and is the author of several books on relationships, and she’s agreed to share her thoughts with us.
Now, let’s get right to her five tips on having quality time together without breaking the bank:
1. Be adventurous. “Spending time together is the best way to be romantic,” says Lissa. Don’t just settle for the usual dinner and a movie routine though – do something a bit different. “Go on an adventure!” she suggests. “Geocaching is super hot right now – because it’s fun, and it costs no money at all. It’s like going on a treasure hunt. The two of you team up and figure out clues to find the cache. You can also make up clues and hide a cache of your own. You can stay in your own neighborhood or venture out of town.”
2. Get writing. Leaving soppy messages around the house is a great way to show your romantic side. Oodles of creativity isn’t necessary either, just as long as you make sure to use your own words for the original touch. “You don’t have to be a poet to leave a little love note,” Lissa explains. “Use sticky-notes and hide little notes of affection where your honey will find them randomly: in her make-up drawer, in his sock drawer, in the glove compartment in the car, on the inside of the washing machine lid, on the milk carton – get creative!” The more random the hiding place, the more surprising the discovery will be and the more your gesture will stand out.
3. Team up together. “It’s romantic to accomplish things as a couple,” advises Lissa. It doesn’t matter what you choose to do together – the important thing is the time you spend together. Stuck for suggestions? “Maybe an herb garden, so you can cook together and use herbs that you have grown yourself,” suggests Lissa. “Or update the look of your old furniture by refinishing or painting it together.” Spending time together with a purpose in mind can make you feel closer because you’re working towards a shared goal.
4. Go to a high school sporting event. This one probably wouldn’t be at the top of your romance list but giving it a go might surprise you. “They’re free, and just as fun, if not more fun, than the professional games that cost a small fortune to get into!” Lissa recommends. Treat it as an alternative date option every once in a while and enjoy the chance to have fun on the cheap.
5. Inject some excitement. Even if you do no more than stay at home, why not liven things up with some games? We’re not simply talking traditional board games here though – Lissa suggests giving them a twist. “Play sexy versions of board games at home,” she says. “Strip Scrabble anyone? Naked Monopoly?”
Hopefully these ideas will give you a good starting point for coming up with your own strategies for getting personal on a budget. Remember the golden rule: it’s the thought you put into your plans that really counts, not how much money you spend. In fact, spending a small fortune can come across as lazy and generic if it’s obvious that little thought has been put into it.
What are your tips for being romantic on the cheap? We’d love to hear what’s worked for you!
