“Let’s Do Lunch” is One of the Most Overlooked Romance Ideas
The recession has caused many couples to focus in new ways to enjoy each other without spending a lot of money. One of the more neglected romance ideas is really very simple. Meet for lunch. Yes, you can save money, but that is not the main benefit. It’s a way of beginning to change your relationship in a way that says without words, “Honey, what matters to me is time with you, not how much money we spend…”
You really can save money and score points with your spouse. How long has it been since you spent time in the middle of the day with your spouse? When couples get married it doesn’t take long to settle into a routine. Most of us are busy with jobs and children and other activities and don’t often think about romance in the middle of the day. But that is precisely why you should.
The element of surprise and spontaneity are what makes lunchtime dates such a success. The element of surprise and spontaneity doesn’t cost money. And yet, it’s worth more than anything you could buy.
When you wish to save money, a lunchtime date can be a real bonus. Lunch meals are cheaper meals that will enrich your love life without emptying out your wallet. How do you plan a lunch date with your spouse? Here are a few romance ideas for surprising your spouse with a workday romantic lunch for two:
#1 Check your spouse’s schedule to Prevent Competing Obligations from Distracting Your Enjoyment
This may require hatching a plan with someone on your spouse’s job if lunch hours are scheduled. Whether you are taking your spouse out for lunch or providing a picnic lunch in the office, you’ll need to know when a good time is to take your sweetheart out. Keep your lunch date a surprise from your spouse if at all possible to make it more fun. Be sure to allow enough time for a relaxed meal. Again, enlist the aid of your spouse’s boss and/or coworkers to set the stage.
#2 Plan to Save Money But Don’t Talk About Saving Money
For example, you will need to decide on a menu. You may want to fix something at home to save money. Cold cut sandwiches, cheese and fruit, sparkling cider and something simple like appetizers are not time consuming or expensive. Pack everything in a pretty picnic basket or decorated box. Don’t forget to bring along glasses, plates, flatware, and napkins.
If you decide to eat at a restaurant, be sure to call ahead for specials and prices so you are not surprised and know you are within your budget. Nothing ruins a romantic date like going in debt to pay for a meal… especially if money issues are currently a source of tension between you.
#3 What About a Planned Lunch?
A planned lunch can be just as effective, especially if you spouse has told you that he or she doesn’t like surprises! Surprising your loved one with a lunch date may not be possible or even desirable for you. You may be the type of couple that likes planning things together. In planning lunch dates with your spouse you have the added bonus of the anticipation for both of you. The surprise element is not the most important of romantic ideas. Rather, it is much more important to demonstrate that your spouse is important to you. This is primarily accomplished by planning. Either you plan the surprise or you plan something that you and your spouse can look forward to experiencing together.
If scheduling lunch dates is more your speed, you just need to do a few things first. Of course, you’ll want to decide on the day, but then let the fun begin. You may want to start figuring out where you want to meet for lunch by going down memory lane. Remember some of the dates that you had when you were just getting to know each other. Where did you go? What did you both like about those places? Recreate those experiences and feelings, and you and your spouse will recreate the romance.
#4 Remember What Attracted You to Each Other and Specific Good Time You’ve Enjoyed Together
Going back in time and reliving some of your younger dates while you plan has another advantage. When you were young and first dating, you probably didn’t have much money. Lunch and dinner dates were very often quite creative in order to eat on limited funds. Recreating those moments will save money which means you can meet for lunch more often! You probably brown-bagged it, ate at hot dog stands, or at inexpensive sidewalk cafes. You may have even stopped in a theater and bought a bag of popcorn for lunch! These cheap dates are the things that memories are made of. Eat like kids and you’ll feel young at heart.
But dates aren’t all about eating. If you are in the park, bring a Frisbee or a football. Toss it around a bit to enjoy a few laughs. If you are on a lake with paddle boats, take a ride and enjoy the solitude to talk and reconnect. Lay back on your picnic blanket and talk. Learn something new about your spouse and remember why you fell in love in the first place. Play like kids and you’ll feel young at heart, too.
You and your spouse deserve a little time for sweet talk and laughter in the middle of the day. A lunchtime date can bring out the romance in the most ordinary day; and lead to more electric romance ideas in the evening! So don’t be afraid to scheme and plan to save money with your date. Romance ideas that save money at the same time usually fly well if it’s clear that you spend two other types of currency: thoughtfulness and time.
