Sunday, May 1, 2011

Romance for the Financially Challenged

The politicos on the television want us to believe that the economy is turning around, that the recession is over and we are in a recovery stage. The economy is growing again. Or so they tell us. I'm not totally convinced. I know that living pay check to pay check is no fun. It sure doesn't inspire romantic feelings between my husband and myself.

In order to keep the newlywed feelings flaming in the bedroom it takes creativity to be romantic. If you, like D and I, are living pay check to pay check you may need some advice finding financially savy ways to be romantic. All good husbands want to romantic, but it may not be a wise decision to forgo paying the cable bill so that you could treat your wife to a romantic night. Don't worry! There are ways to be SUPER romantic and watch your wallet. Here are 5 ideas that I love (and D if you are reading this, take heed!)

5. Cook dinner for your spouse. Clean the kitchen after. During dinner turn off the lights (or at least dim them. Light some candles. Spread a blanket on the floor and have an indoor picnic. If you do ALL the work, it doesn't have to be a fancy meal. Mac and cheese can be romantic. Turn on your favorite music (at an appropriate level) and eat. Feed each other bites of fruit for dessert (healthy and romantic! Focus on your spouse. Turn off the phones.

4. For less than $20 you can take your spouse on a 2nd honeymoon! Go to the local Goodwill or dollar store. Or talk with friends (especially parents of young kids) and find the cheesy island type decorations. Turn your bedroom into a tropical getaway. You could even light a couple of tropically scented candles. Cook a couple of tropical treats, or get a can of pineapples and feed each other. Spread a couple beach towels on the floor (or the bed), turn on some tropical music (you can always go to the pandora website for free) and let the atmosphere take you two away.

3. If you have a couple of big potting plants, or some room at the side of your yard, plant a couple of rose bushes. It may cost a few bucks to buy the bushes, but after you will have easy access to roses. Go out to the yard, cut a rose, turn on some music (it has been proven through studies that music affects our moods, and women need to be in the mood), give your spouse the rose, pour her a bubble bath, rub her feet.

2. Write your spouse a love note and read it to him/her. Or, go online and find some love quotes or a love poem that expresses how you feel, write it out and read it to him/her. Make it into a card, or even something you two can frame. Nothing is more romantic than hearing how much our spouse loves us. Throughout the day you can send your spouse little love text messages or e-mails (or voice mails). Just say "I love you." When you two are home, fix dinner (and clean up), give him/her a back rub, and end with the reading of the words of love.

1. MEN- I know that sex and the release of sperm also releases sleepy hormones within ya, and that basically all you want to do is zone out and sleep. Well, women may be drowsy too, but we need the post coitus cuddle time. The more time you spend cuddling with us after the more likely we are to want to do it again later. Nothing is less romantic than "wham, bam, thank you and off you go to snoring." Even though we KNOW you love us, and your reaction is partially how you were created, we still NEED you to put forth the effort.

There are a 1001 ways to be romantic without going broke. The important concepts are to think of the two of you. Do something that you both love, that speaks to the type of romantic you both are. Think outside the box. Put forth the effort. Mainly focus on your spouse. Do things that make your spouse feel special. That let him/her know just how much they are loved. Be in the moment, put away outside distractions (if only for a little while). You can do it. Let me know if you think of other wallet friendly ways to bring romance into your marriage. I'd love to hear them!

-JLP-

No comments: