Loving Simply; Ideas for Frugal Romance by Stephany Hoffelt
I have often been thankful that my husband and I were poor for our first years together. While other couples went to the movies and stared without speaking at a screen, we spent our time together really getting to know one another.
We discovered our mutual love of cooking and entertaining because we couldn't afford to eat out. Lack of television reception led to playing cards, board games or talking with good friends.
We became so accustomed to living this way that as we became more able to afford creature comforts, we found that we just didn't need them. I think that the intimacy living simply brings to a relationship is wonderful... When you cast off consumerism and don't have so many things to occupy your time, you will find yourself really connecting with your partner.
Sometimes it takes a bit of creativity to keep things interesting, so in honor of Valentine's day here are a few ideas to get you started.
Celebrating Your Life Together
- I prefer a special meal at home with china, crystal, soft music and candlelight to going out. I love to cook and it is always fun to come to the dinner table dressed in whatever strikes your fancy.
- Read to one another love poetry, a favorite book, erotica whatever does it for you.
- Decorate your sidewalk with loving, welcoming or suggestive sentiments..
- How about a scavenger hunt for things that will be used one when you come to the end of the hunt. Each person can contribute two or three things to the list that way both partner's needs are being met. For example I might include a book of love poems, hairbrush, massage oil, maybe even a new feather duster to apply the oil or a few scarves on the list.
- Play a game of checkers or chess with a twist. Put little "tags" on the bottom of the game pieces. Your mate and you can take them off and "redeem" them later.
- Cut red or pink paper into small hearts. On each one, write something that you love about your partner. Hide them in pockets, dresser drawers, etc., where they'll be discovered one at a time. Or use them to make a trail across the floor to where you are waiting.
- Take a shower or bath together - wash each others hair.
- Give a long, luxurious full body massage with candle light and soft music.
- While your partner is in the shower warm their towel in the dryer so it is toasty warm when they get out.
- Go for a long walk and watch the sunset.
- Write your partner a love note or a poem and put it in their lunch or e-mail it to them during the day.
- Make breakfast in bed.
Gifts from the Heart
- Cut out little hearts out of red paper and write on each on a memory of a time/event/special occasion/funny occurrence your mate and you have shared put them all in a glass jar and give as a gift
- How about a book of vouchers. Of the homemade variety. You could create a book of vouchers, that your lover can use throughout the year, whenever he/ she needs a bit of loving.
- I am saving all the corks from bottles of wine we have shared on special occasions to make a trivet for the kitchen
- Record a yourself reading a poem or favorite story and give it to your mate to listen to during their lunch hour or drive home
- If you look at Barnes and Noble you can usually find a book of poetry for under $5. Couple this with a plate of strawberries and melted chocolate or whipped cream, then curl up and bed and feed them to each other as you take turns reading.
Every Day
- Say I love you.
- Touch, hug, hold hands even if it is when you are falling asleep. In Men are from Mars Women are from Venus they recommend hugging at least four times a day.
- Spend at least 15 minutes focusing all of your energy on each other.
- Talk to them about something they are interested in. I keep track of sports news about his favorite teams.