Love on a Budget

Most everyone can agree that love can’t be bought, which is a good priniciple in today’s economy. Some may even be considering canceling Valentine’s Day this year – we can’t afford love. Nonsense! The best things in life are free, including love. If you’re willing to be creative, this list of suggestions will display your affections without depleting your pocketbook.

The Search Is On

Dare your partner to go on a love quest. Find a hiding spot, then leave clues at various locations to help your sweetie track you down. This is great if you’re trying to convince your girlfriend’s girlfriends that you do, in fact, love her. Get them involved by having them deliver the next clue. Choose locations that are meaningful; the first place you kissed, your favorite restaurant, the back seat of your car! Use the latest technology to help – send texts, offer GPS directions. It’s like grown-up hide and seek – how fun is that?!

A Stick of Gum, A Rubber Duckie, and A Popsicle Stick

What do these three things have in common? Absolutely nothing until you make each item a part of your scavenger hunt. Make a list of objects for your partner to find. Select some rare objects along with items you use every day. Be intentional in your choices, however; the real task is assigning each with meaning related to love. Once you’ve got your list, deliver it to your mate and set the timer. When she finds all the items, look at each one together as you explain the meaning of each. You could even write a humorous phrase or romantic poem that expresses it’s significance. The stick of gum is all about sticking together; the rubber duck might suggest a play date in the bathtub; the popsicle stick – well, I’ll leave that to your imagination.

How Do I Love Thee?

Count the ways, each and every one. Once you write out a rough draft, get a long strip of quality paper and write down each point using the entire length. Then sign it, and seal it (try melted wax and an imprint of your ring, or kiss the paper with your favorite color lipstick.) Roll it up like a scroll, tie it with a lovely ribbon and deliver it with a dramatic show; dress up as a popular character. If she likes rum in her coke, become her Captain Morgan. If he’s your Romeo, be his Juliet, declaring the list using a sexy accent. Dare to take it to the next level by performing before an audience. If it won’t get your partner in trouble, show up at work. Or repeat the message over and over on a busy street corner – now that’s what I call a public display of affection!

All Arrows Point to Love

This is a powerful way to grow close to your mate, whether you are just coming together or have been married for years. Dr. John M. Gottman suggests creating a “love map,” a dynamic way to become more intimately familiar with each other. First, start with 20 questions that point to the character and spirit of a person. Good questions might be similar to those you would find on a typical personal profile page. What’s my favorite color? What turns me on? How do I take my coffee? An excellent questionaire can be found in Gottman’s New York Times Bestseller, The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work (Three Rivers Press, 1999). Once you’ve got the questions, cut them into separate strips. Draw three at a time. The person who gets the most right answers wins. The prize is negotiable!

Buying flowers and chocolate is too easy, and depending on the quality, it can cost as much as a full tank of gas. We shouldn’t have to decide between either driving to work or expressing our love. If you try one of these ideas, you won’t have to make that choice, and you may find that you are appreciated more for the time rather than the money you spend.