{"id":1607,"date":"2008-02-11T05:00:23","date_gmt":"2008-02-11T13:00:23","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/getrichslowly.org\/blog\/2008\/02\/11\/my-frugal-valentine-cheap-ways-to-say-i-love-you\/"},"modified":"2019-12-05T18:00:53","modified_gmt":"2019-12-06T02:00:53","slug":"my-frugal-valentine-cheap-ways-to-say-i-love-you","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.getrichslowly.org\/my-frugal-valentine-cheap-ways-to-say-i-love-you\/","title":{"rendered":"My frugal valentine: Cheap ways to say “I love you”"},"content":{"rendered":"

I don’t like Valentine’s Day \u2014 it fosters the notion that romance is something for special occasions. Worse, it’s yet another commercial holiday filled with cards, chocolates, flowers, and gifts. I reject the idea that romance is only for special occasions, and I reject the idea that buying stuff somehow demonstrates affection.<\/p>\n

I believe it’s important for couples to find ways to express their love year-round. If you do<\/i> choose to celebrate Valentine’s Day, don’t feel obligated to give a dozen roses and a card \u2014 there are plenty of low-cost ways to say “I love you”. Here are just a few:<\/p>\n

<\/span>Love Letters<\/span><\/h2>\n

Instead of a card, write your partner a love letter. A mass-produced card isn’t nearly as romantic as a hand-written note. I don’t remember any of the cards that Kris has given me for Valentine’s Day, but I do<\/i> recall with fondness all the notes and letters I’ve received. It’s a treat to sort through a pile of old papers and to stumble upon a note she wrote to me years ago.<\/p>\n

<\/span>Flowers<\/span><\/h2>\n

It can be fun to give flowers to your sweetheart, but think outside the box. Consider something other than roses. If your partner likes carnations, buy her carnations. If he likes irises, give him irises. Don’t be slavish to the red rose mentality. In some cases, a live plant may be most appropriate. I’ll bet Kris would be happier with potted tulips than with a bunch of roses.<\/p>\n

Love Coupons
\n\"\"<\/h2>\n

Use a word processor and clip art to create 8-12 “coupons” the size of a business card. Each coupon can be redeemed for something the recipient will appreciate. You might create love coupons that your partner can use for a night on the town, a candle-light dinner, a movie of their choice, a weekend getaway, guilt-free time with friends, or \u2014 if you’re feeling particularly romantic \u2014 fantasy fulfillment.<\/p>\n

<\/span>A Second “First Date”<\/span><\/h2>\n

The easy familiarity of a long-term relationship is a wonderful thing. But that familiarity can easily become a “rut”. Shake things up by pretending you’re going on your first date again. Give yourself a college student’s budget, and do the sorts of things you might have done when you were younger. Eat at the local burger joint or pizza parlor. Go bowling or roller-skating. Attend a free concert. Make out in the back row of the movie theater.<\/p>\n

<\/span>Dinner For Two<\/span><\/h2>\n

Prepare a romantic dinner at home. Instead of spending $50 or $100 for a night on the town, spend $25 to prepare a special dinner with your sweetheart. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also share the joy of cooking together. Here’s an easy, delicious recipe that’s perfect for a special occasion:<\/p>\n

Port- and Soy-Glazed Beef Tenderloin
\n(recipe by Caprial Pence, modified by J.D.)<\/p>\n