Valentine’s Day is around the corner and men and women around the country are breaking into a cold sweat because they’ve bought into the myth that romance equals money.
They are wrong.
When I think about the most romantic things that I have experienced, I don’t think about a trip to some distant place or the most expensive champagne. It’s the little things like holding hands, sharing stories of our life together, and laughter about fun things we have experienced.
Sure, I sell gifts and you can find them for any budget. But when you want to show love — without running up your credit card bill — I can help you there, too.
Following is a list of ideas to share with your Sweetie and show him or her how much you care. These ideas are for both men and women and fit every budget — even if you don’t have one.
- Love Notes — Leave love notes for your Sweetheart to find or stick one on the bathroom mirror every morning.
- Pampering – Brush her hair. Scratch his back.
- Wildlife – Watch the birds and squirrels feeding at the birdfeeder in your back yard or feed them at a park. If you are near a forest, enjoy the quietness of it together.
- Games – Turn off the TV and play cards or board games together. Or put a jig-saw puzzle together.
- Cooking – Find a recipe that the two of you can make and share together. Hint: Keep it easy but delicious.
- Photos – Have a friend take photos of the two of you together. When was the last time that you did this? What are you waiting for? I had a friend take a picture of the two of us together on our 60th wedding anniversary. Now that he has died, this last picture of us together is precious.
- Stroll – Leave the TV, phone and computer at home and go for a walk together. This is a great time to just talk.
- Slow Dance – Turn on some music and dance to the songs you fell in love listening to.
- Star Gaze – Drive out to the country or somewhere that is dark and look at the stars.
- Warm Hearts – Snuggle by a fire in the fireplace or a campfire
- Connect – Hug, Hold Hands, Put your arm around your Sweetheart and give him/her a squeeze
- Create Love Money – Write your Sweetie a check for One Million Kisses. Or make a coupon book filled with promises of treats for him or her.
- Play – Go to a park and play on the swings. Being kids again together can work wonders for a relationship.
- Picnic – Get take out food or make a picnic lunch and relax as you enjoy the food and each other. Who said that a picnic had to occur outdoors? How about a picnic in your bedroom? Set the scene. Cover the bed with a red and white gingham cloth tablecloth. Setting out scented candles on the dressers and around the bed smells romantic.
- Watch a Movie – Pop some popcorn, dig out your favorite beverage, and snuggle together on the sofa as you watch your favorite movie together.
Yes, an occasional expensive dinner is appreciated but remember that it is the day- to day affection that builds romance and love.
Yes, Love can be cheap while creating lasting memories.