couple time

so... sometimes in a relationship things are hearts and stars, but it takes perseverence to keep things harmonious during the renting period. money gets tighter, more bills, less dates or trips to the movies or whatnot. in this post, i'll suggest some of the things i personally do to keep the spark alive.

#1 cook together

this was one of the most annoying humps we had to get over as a couple. our kitchen is a bit small, and he tends to get snippy and instructive when i cook. my suggestion is to talk through dinner ideas, find something to teach the other. i never knew how to cook any of his favorites until he showed me how, and vice versa. we still have a few things to work out, but it's gotten alot better.

#2 movie marathon

if you have the same days off work together, have a run of films you would like your partner to see and vice versa. my boyfriend disliked all superhero movies that weren't spiderman, but i showed him captain america and now we've nearly worked our way through the marvel universe. in fact, most of the movies i've shown him that he initially thought were lame based on the cover, the release year, the actors etc. are now movies he enjoyed and would watch again. if you personally don't own many dvd's, or are not tech savvy enough to stream them, i suggest using red box (only three or four bucks per rental, much cheaper than the movies, and you can make homemade snacks [see #1], be comfortable in your own home) or netflix.

#3 video games

it is only from the good graces of my little brother that we have a ps2 and a bunch of ps1 games to go with it. that being said, there is only one fighting game in there, and the only one my boyfriend would think of playing. once we save enough for a ps4, mortal kombat will grace us with its presence and screams of boo-yah will find their way escaping my eager mouth. anyways, sometimes we go to the mall and play the arcade games. i stand aroud while he does the basketball game, and he stands around as i own him with my button-mashing skills. afterwards, we split the tickets and pick prizes. it's a win-win.

#5 watch stupid youtube videos

this is a no-brainer. take turns finding interesting or funny videos, and show your partner. google "i am your grandma". not kidding. weirdest video ever.

#6 romancey stuff

if you aren't at the physical level yet, that's okay. start with a foot massage. he/she will thank you. next back massage (bring lotion or oil), bubble bath, romantic dinner (think olive garden: salad soup and breadsticks), just lay around kissing. seriously. when was the last time you did any of those things? can't remember? give it a go.

i can't think of anything else at the moment, but for now those should be enough to keep you week to week. next post will be about grocery shopping as a couple.