When money is tight, it can be hard to enjoy those important days, such as Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, and birthdays… but keeping the romance alive in a relationship is both fun and beneficial to the relationship.
If you have children, however, it can be quite difficult to have an inexpensive evening out. Babysitters aren’t cheap, after all. But there are things you can do.
If you really want an evening out, try exchanging babysitting with someone else or having a family member help you. Exchanges are a great way of getting time away from the kids, and all you have to do in return is watch someone else’s kids another time. If the children are of similar ages, they may well entertain each other.
Romantic dinners at beautiful restaurants are wonderful, but they don’t always fit into the budget. But with a little planning, you can create that romantic ambiance somewhere else. Plan a picnic at a favorite beach or park. Don’t just grab something quick from the deli, plan a favorite yet easy meal. Bring flowers, even if they just come from the garden or wildflowers you’ve found. What about using the good dishes – carefully packed, of course?
Take a special drive for a few hours. Go someplace you don’t often go. Drive to the mountains, to the coast, and just enjoy being with each other even if you don’t have a goal in mind. And talk about whatever comes to mind.
If you can’t get away from home, plan for romance when the kids are in bed. Candles and flowers in the bedroom are always nice. Pull out some photos from some of the most special moments you have shared together and enjoy the memories. Perhaps a little champagne would be nice. Share some massage and let the evening go as it will.
Can you write? No? Try anyhow. Tell the one you love just how much they mean to you in writing. You may need a lot of time for this one, but it’s something that will be treasured forever. It can be a poem, a letter, or whatever works best for you to let your feelings out.
Sound like too much? How about love notes left around the house? Make a game of hiding them and have your partner find them. For a little extra fun, have one or two that shouldn’t be found for a few more days yet, just as a reminder of the hunt for the rest.
Romance is possible on any budget. It may not feel that way when the bills are overdue and the kids need your attention, but there are always ways to bring a little fun and romance into your life.
