If you’re married or in a relationship, you’re probably finding that quality time together is at a premium these days. With all the demands placed on us from work and family, as well as the distractions offered by TV, smartphones, tablets, and wireless internet everywhere, it’s too easy to get distracted by everything else and forget about each other.
Every now and then, it makes sense to spend some quality time together. Here are a few cheap (or free) ways to do so:
- Unplug the television – Many couples get in the routine of spending time in front of the television. While you are technically spending time together, very rarely are you interacting. Unplug the TV. (Leave the DVR plugged in though if you really need to catch up on anything you missed)
- Play a game – A board game or card game can be the perfect way to sit back and have some fun. Note: If both of you are ultra-competitive, you might want to skip to the next one.
- Go to a date night (but skip the movies) – Date nights are great, where you plan time together, but don’t include a movie for the same reason as item 1, you will be together but not interacting much in a dark movie theater (and, sorry, “Pass the popcorn” does not count).
- Surprise your significant other – Whether it be a simple act of bringing a bouquet of flowers, turning some soft music on and turning down the lights, or whatever you come up with, surprise your partner with some unplanned together time. Just make sure they didn’t already have something else planned (or a deadline).
- Hold hands – If you ignore my other pieces of advice and do spend time watching TV or at the movies, hold hands. Just this simple act of touching will make you feel closer and connected.
What other cheap and frugal ways can you think of to spend some quality time together?
Thanks for reading!