9 ways to show 'I Love You' without spending so much

MANILA, Philippines — Valentine’s Day may be over, but it is not the only day to show your loved one that you love her (or him).

The whole month of February has been designated as the Love Month, so there is still plenty of time to express love to your special someone. Frankly, even after February, you should be showing love to each other because love is timeless. It knows no space and time.

So, even when you’re on a budget and you cannot afford all the luxuries that Valentine’s Day has traditionally come to offer, you can still find simpler yet memorable ways to show your love.

Here are some ways as suggested by RCBC Credit Card:

1.   Decide on a romantic date night and personally cook your dinner for two.

If you are a good cook, especially if you know how to whip up those fancy steaks and surf-and-turfs, take it upon yourself to cook for your dinner date at home. This way, you don’t spend too much money in a fine dining restaurant or hotel. You can use the money to buy premium ingredients at a way lower cost and still get to experience the romantic dinner date of your dreams.

2.   Go on a leisurely picnic.

Experience the simple joys of having a picnic once again. Check out nearby parks. Most subdivisions have their own. Chances are that the community that you live in has one. Pack a basket of your favorite snacks and drinks, throw out a blanket or picnic mat, lounge around, exchange stories, and enjoy each other’s company while taking in the natural beauty of nature around you.

3.   Treat yourselves to a little pampering.

Give yourselves that much-needed “me” time together. Arrange some pampering treatments for yourselves, either at the spa or home service. A full body massage, perhaps, or a foot spa? If you schedule your R&R after Valentine’s Day, it will be a lot less expensive.

4.   Go for a healthy brisk walk or hike together.

Discover the beauty of pursuing a healthy activity together. Explore a trail near you. Start some exercise program. By all means, spend some quality time together.

5.   Visit an art gallery or local museum.

Give in to your artistic calling. Appreciate the many different forms of art in a gallery. Sculptures, abstracts, mixed media pieces, installations… Learn to appreciate something new together. It will become your bonding moment.

6.   Make a DIY gift for each other.

Challenge your creativity. Draw out the artist in you by indulging in a Do-It-Yourself gift for each other. Nothing bought.

7.   Go stargazing together.

Visit an observatory near your place. Or create an evening picnic and simply lie on the grass and watch the stars together. It will be cool to identify some planets and constellations together.

8.   Scale down your lunch or dinner date.

Go out on a lunch or dinner date together, but do not drain your pocket. How about a burger date? Or maybe a fried chicken with sides lunch. Some pizza dinner? You can still eat out and not empty your wallet.

9.   Have a game night at home.

Enjoy a board game together. Play a challenging word game. Or, well, yes, you can also enjoy a computer game together if that is what catches your fancy.

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