March 18, 2009
Ten Economic Date Ideas
My husband and I are religious daters. Every week without fail we take a few hours away from the children to connect and keep our relationship fresh and fun.
Dinner and movies or live shows are our favorites.We’ve seen so many movies that the employees at the local theatre know us by name.
I’ve had several friends ask advice on how to rejuvenate the romantic spark with their partner - nine times out of ten the answer I give is date. Get back to doing all the fun, romantic things they did when they first fell in love.
During these tough economic times however, what are dating couples to do? Dinners and movies may be out of the budget. Let alone adding a sitter to the mix.
When the children were much younger we had a list of sitters that could be called when needed, but for the most part we traded babysitting evenings with friends, asked relatives, and once in awhile took a daytime date while the children were in school.
Being creative when money is scarce can be a challenge. But it can be done.
I’ve been thinking a lot about the early years of our marriage when money was really tight. Yet, somehow we still managed to date at least twice a month.
Here are Ten Economic Date Ideas to aid your romantic journey.
1. Spend an hour or two in a local coffee shop. You may not have the cash to buy your favorite latte but that’s not the point. Buy a coffee or tea and spend the time catching up on the week or getting to know what your partner’s new favorite color is.
2. Take a long stroll in a park. Nature is beautiful. It’s even more beautiful when it’s spent with the one you love…or are on the path to loving.
3. Grocery Shopping. Yes, it can be a date. My husband and I take our time and spend half a day together casually strolling down the isles shopping for groceries. We chat about life while we look for the best deals, then come home and put away our purchases. Since neither one of us wants to cook after the long day, we cook together. It’s currently my favorite date because of all the time I get with my sexy man while still accomplishing my To Do List 
4. Bubble Bath. Sometimes you don’t have a whole day to spend together but having a bubble bath at the end of a hectic day is a great way to unwind. Indulging in one together, especially in candle light is a huge passion igniter.
5. Stargazing. Grab a bottle of wine and blanket and make your way out to the backyard for an evening of gazing at the stars or each other.
6. Day at the beach. Take a picnic, a couple towels and your bathing suits to the nearest beach or outdoor pool. Make a list of fun questions to ask each other, you may discover something new about your partner.
7. Play a board game. This is a fun way to have some friendly competition while encouraging great dialogue.
8. Rent a movie. Pick a flick you both agree on or take turns week to week choosing the movie. Curl up with your loved one and favorite movie munchie.
9. Picnic. Whether in a park or your living room a picnic is a fun way to revel in each others company. Throw a blanket onto the grass or centre of the room and recline with a plate of food. The best conversations seem to happen over food why not chat on a blanket?
10. Weekend in. Many people are vacationing close to home these days. Why not stay at home? Arrange for the children (if you have them) to stay at a friend/relatives for the weekend. Turn off all computers and cell phones. Pre-make meals so all you have to do is heat up rather than cook and your able to enjoy a chore free weekend.
Life gets busy and without a pre-planned date night at least once a month (although I recommend once a week) relationships can fall by the wayside and possibly collapse all together. Using these Ten Economic Date Ideas and adding a few of your own to the mix is an amazing way to keep your relationship strong and alive.
