Today I’d like to answer Abie’s question. 🙂

Dear Crystal,
I want to take my boyfriend on a fun and inexpensive date. We’ve both been really stressed lately, so I think he deserves it. What’s a fun and unique date we could go on? Has Sir Beads taken you on any really unique dates?

Hi Abie!

Sir Beads and I have been on all kinds of dates over the years, and some of the things we love are:

~To chat and daydream while watching the waves and hearing the roar of the ocean.

~Afternoons exploring the treasures of ancient Egypt in our local art museum.

~Poring over stacks of books, on topics we love, in the coffee shop of our favorite bookstore.

~Wandering through charming little towns, exploring their shops and then stopping for lunch at an inviting cafe.

All of those things are fun and pretty inexpensive, but it may surprise you to hear that some of our best dates have been at home! Let me elaborate…

I guess it started when our kids were little. Money was incredibly tight, and a night out with the additional cost of a babysitter was a real luxury. Occasionally, we splurged and did it anyway, but we quickly discovered that weekends (our usual date-nights) were so busy at restaurants and movie theaters, that it wasn’t really fun.

The waiters could be tired and grouchy; and there were times that the food was almost thrown at us. Saturday night theaters were often so crowded that there were no extra seats when we needed to move away from “Lady Big Hair”, who was inevitably blocking our view of the screen. 😉 Our meager entertainment budget was pretty much wasted on nights like these.

So, we decided to have a weekly “date night” at home. We were amazed to learn that we could eat like kings on a Saturday night at home – and only be using part of the money we’d usually spend in restaurants/theaters! For that one meal at home, we could afford shrimp – even steak!

We chose one night per weekend and marked it on our calendar so it was definite. On those nights, we’d put on some good music, set the table with candles, the better dishes, and the fancy glasses. We’d begin with a “cocktail hour” (sparkling water or juice works just as well) along with some of our favorite snacks. After the stresses of the week, it was a wonderful chance to re-connect with eachother in a relaxing atmosphere.

Next, we had a leisurely dinner, which would be more special than a weekday meal – but not so involved that it wasn’t fun. After dinner, we’d watch a movie on TV and when the evening was over, we were so much more refreshed than we ever had been on our nights out.

Of course, this type of date works best for couples who have either no children, or have little kids (who are in bed early), or for couples whose kids are out of the nest.

Once our kids were older, and were staying up later, we reverted to going “out” again for a weekly “date”! A couple needs some time alone and there are years when the only way for that to happen is if the date is away from the house.

But, I do have an idea for an inexpensive way to do that . . . have breakfast at a restaurant! 😀

I’ve said it before, but if you’re trying to eat out on the cheap, breakfast is the way to go. Not only does it cost less than a dinner out, but you can usually have a plate that includes a “taste” of many breakfast foods! Chances are you are never going to make a breakfast at home that includes eggs, french toast, potatoes, bacon, muffins, etc. – all at the same time! 😉

In the end, it’s the “making time for just the two of you” that is most important – that and being sure it happens on a regular basis! Mark it on you calendar – seriously! Some weeks, it may only be a snack with an hour of uninterrupted chat, but don’t let that stop you!

Sir Beads and I still have our “date night” every week. Now that our kids are grown up, money is a little less tight, and we could go out without arranging for sitters, but more often than not, we opt for the nice dinner with movie at home. Try it! 🙂

Hugs,