Have a Night Out - At Home!

Cut your cost of a night out by having it at home. We all know how important it is to make sure we date, whether married or not. But if you are a man you are starting to wonder if you can afford it, and if you are a woman you are starting to wonder how much of the check you are supposed to pick up in this day of the enlightened woman. Then, of course, if you are married you are quite certain you can't afford to go out at all!

So here is a way to truly enjoy "date night" without spending a lot. And let me speak to you as an adult. You may even find that being home at the right time of the evening may help the night turn out just right. I'm going to write this as if to a couple in the same household. However, please feel free to take the ideas and go with them wherever you want if single, coupled or married.

If you are a single woman and aren't quite sure how to set this up with a new man in your life, I found this great report by relationship Author Mimi Tanner that may help: Calling Men - Know When And How To Call The Man In Your Life Click Here!


I'm going to start something different in this entry. Instead of just giving you advice on the WHAT, I am going to start including some products I have found to help with the HOW. If you remember in one of my former posts, definitely do the things you do best, but you may need to find help on some of the things you aren't quite as good at. I only want to help you find them. Please feel free to use your own resources if you have them.

Now, on to Date Night!

1. Set the scene. Don't just walk in a room and say "Alright, let's do this." A date should always start out with a man walking up to a door with a gift in hand. Since we are talking about saving money, the gift can be something sweet and simple - a single flower, a candy bar with a ribbon, etc.

2. Turn off the TV. I've never been much of a music buff. In my car I listen to talk radio or books on tape. However, to have a nice evening, soft music in the background can be very soothing and help you relax. Whether a first date or a very married date, you should always be a little nervous on a date. It helps you to be on your best behavior.

3. Cook a nice meal. This is the hardest part for a lot of people. As for me, I can cook chicken in two ways, beef in three and several pastas. Not very romantic. So I found a great resource for ACTUAL RESTAURANT RECIPES that even I can cook: Click Here!

4. Remember successful conversations. In the beginning of relationships, we talk on the phone for hours - all about getting to know each other's hopes, dreams and ambitions. Then, later, we talk about our day, the kids, schedules, etc, etc. Take some time before your date to remember what you and your date used to talk about. Tell her how pretty she looks. Tell him how excited you are for his new endeavor, etc. DO NOT talk about little league, dance recitals, etc. Get together again by making the other person know you still actually care about them.

5. Have at least one After-Dinner Activity planned. My husband and I love to play Backgammon and Trivial Pursuit. Use the music in the background, clear some floor and dance. It opens up conversations for us and also helps us remember we are staying home on purpose, not simply to save money.

6. Enjoy your evening. This means relaxing, talking, laughing and remembering that you are A Man and A Woman, NOT A Couple. Turn on your computer screen to a fireplace scene, snuggle in front of it and communicate.

7. Say good night. If this means that it is only a new dating relationship and someone leaves after the dinner and games, that is wonderful! You have had a warm, intimate date and not only didn't spend a lot of money on it, but either enjoyed each other's company or decided that this was enough, thank you. If it means you both stay, let's hope it was enjoying each other's company. It took me many years to realize that even "Good Girls" could truly enjoy themselves with their own husbands. It may not be talked about, but luckily I found someone who wrote about it in a warm understanding way: Sexual Satisfaction For The Christian Wife Click Here!

Go forth and spend less - enjoy!