Couples who spend little time nurturing their relationships tend to drift apart; unfortunately, many people lead busier lives than ever.
But what is existence all about, anyway? People weren’t put on Earth simply to work, sleep and eat.
Taking time weekly to have a bit of a one-on-one soiree with your partner makes life’s journey sweeter and helps ensure the longevity of your relationship. However, dining at elegant restaurants and getting good theater or sporting event tickets takes money.
So, what can couples do to celebrate their togetherness while living on a shoestring budget? Fortunately, there are a ton of free or nearly-free activities that exist to allow partners to strengthen their bond. For example:
1. Have a Starlight Picnic
Picnics already scream romance, and dining out under the stars is a great way to spend quality time with your sweetie. All you need is a basket, a bottle of two-buck chuck, and an old comforter or tablecloth. Line a park table with candles to create a romantic ambiance or simply gaze up at the stars.
2. Stroll Through the Park
Public parks cost nothing, and in many areas, they remain open all night. If you’re lucky enough to live within walking distance of a creek or a museum, stroll the grounds hand-in-hand while sharing your innermost thoughts. Have a four-legged buddy? Bring Fido along and pack a Frisbee for a game of fetch.
3. Try a New Video Game
Techie types who adore gaming can stay up till dawn playing a new video game of their choice. Many public libraries also rent out games and even consoles, so all you need is a card to have fun for free.
4. Do a Fancy Dinner In
Who says you need to hit a five-star restaurant for a romantic meal? Learn how to properly cook and de-shell a lobster and put together a Food Network quality meal in the privacy of your own kitchen. After all, doesn’t Bobby Flay deserve some new competition?
5. Hit the Gym Together
Who says exercising means sweating it out alone at the gym? Couples’ workouts combine fun and togetherness, along with fitness. Plus, the sexy toned muscles you’ll achieve through pumping it up with your partner makes time spent between the sheets more lively.
6. Explore a Local Museum
Most museums charge a nominal fee of $5 or $10 for admission, so why not treat your sweetie to a night of Monet for little money? Exploring a museum offers the opportunity to learn something new about human and geologic history. Have a planetarium nearby? Head there and stargaze with your beau for little cash.
7. Go for a Hike
Getting away from the hustle and bustle of the city calms anxious minds and makes conversation easier. Find a nearby state or national forest and hike with your loved one to your hearts’ content. Have a long holiday weekend approaching? Let grandma and grandpa take the little ones if you have them, pack up a tent and find some serious solitude where you and your sugar pie can explore the glory of nature.
8. Get Some Driving Practice
Even though playing 18 holes can prove costly, most golf courses have driving ranges and putting greens people can use for the price of a $5 bucket of balls. Go ahead and pretend to be on the PGA tour — or simply share some laughs over your swing.
9. Hit up a Greasy Spoon
Who says only meals costing $30 and up qualify as delicious? Some of the best restaurants ever resemble greasy diners of yesteryear. Those in urban areas can nosh on tasty street treats, while those in more remote areas can hit up the corner bar for inexpensive drinks and appetizers.
10. Check Out a Festival
Summer is here, meaning a plethora of fairs and festivals sweep the nation. Many charge no admission price — instead, they offer tickets on a pay-per-ride basis. Buy your boo a stick of cotton candy and share a sugary-sweet kiss atop the Ferris wheel.
11. Wander Through a Swap Meet
Speaking of the wonders of summer, swap meets also get cooking when temperatures rise. Farmers and artisans flock together to peddle their wares at flea markets. Find a crafty token of your love with your special someone for mere pennies.
12. Kick Back With a Cuppa and a Book
Literary lovers can celebrate date night on the cheap by curling up together on the couch with a nice cuppa tea — shot of bourbon optional — a cozy blanket and a pair of good books. Mix up a big batch of popcorn with butter or candy, turn off the TV and cuddle up.
Date Night Need Not Cost a Fortune
Couples need special time together to keep their relationships fresh and vibrant. Fortunately, you don’t have to burn through your bankroll to make that happen — just a little creativity!
Photo Credit: Vanity Mirror
These are all great ideas. I think me and my sweetie have done all of these at one time or another except the swap meet.