Love is never a smooth sailing experience at the best of times, and when one is living these times of recession, well, the journey just became more difficult. Right? Wrong! Money does not always get you your ‘honey’! Valentine’s Day is all about romance. Sure, giving gifts is a big part of the celebrations, but all gifts need not be bought. Often, it is simply the gesture or the thought that deeply touches a responsive chord in her.

You can still be romantic on Valentine’s Day even with a depleted wallet!

1. Write a love letter

Forget emails and text messages. They are way too impersonal. Get hold of a fine quality paper and pen and settle down to writing a good old fashioned love letter to her. You don’t have to be a poet to win her heart. An honest outpouring of your feelings should suffice. Let her know what you feel for her, and importantly, what makes her different from the rest.

2. Love tokens

Leave little love tokens everywhere around the house for her to discover. Maybe in the sugar can, in her wardrobe, tucked behind her favourite perfume bottle or maybe in the bathroom cabinet. If she has a sweet tooth, try individual chocolates wrapped in love notes. Their unexpected discovery in unanticipated places adds that extra zing to the whole thing.

3. Her personal potted plant

Instead of flowers, plant some pretty spring flowers in a plant pot (a packet of seeds
can be purchased for £1). Tie a ribbon around it and tell her “While cut flowers wither and die, these will grow like my love for you”.

4. Make use of the great outdoors!

If there are two things that are as yet free they are fresh air and sunshine. Make use of them (let’s hope it doesn’t rain on Valentine’s Day). Plan a picnic and take her ‘far from from the madding crowd’. Even if you have packed something as simple as sandwiches and juice, it is fine. Just relax and revive the fun memories of your childhoods.

5. Breakfast in bed for Her Highness!

Wow your wife on Valentine’s Day by bringing her breakfast in bed. This will really touch her, especially if she is knows very well that pottering around the kitchen isn’t one of your favourite pastimes. Never mind that all you can manage is toast, juice and tea, it is the gesture that counts. Add flourish with a signature red rose and watch her smile ‘that’ smile…

6. No work today!

If she is a working woman, then an unexpected holiday is ever so welcome. Particularly when she gets to spend all of it with you. Call her office and make the necessary arrangements. With the entire day stretching out before you, the possibilities are endless. Give her a sensuous massage – yes, right in the middle of the day! – and ask her to return the favour. Of course, bath time may get just a little bit delayed in the process! Later, toss her favourite salad or make a quick sandwich for lunch – don’t let her enter the kitchen.

7. A romantic evening

Alright, so both of you were just too busy during the day. But, hey, the evening is all yours. You have two choices here. Don the apron and cook a romantic meal for her, complete with flowers and candles on the table, soft music in the background. Or else, you have another option. How about a romantic moonlight picnic? Not too far off – in fact, it can be right in your own backyard! Make use of the patio heater to beat the chill. Arm yourselves with woollens, set out flasks of hot chocolate and let the night weave its magic upon you. Of course, it will be too cold for any funny business, so just content yourself with lots of cuddling and star gazing and sharing sips of piping hot choc!

See, you have managed to earn the title of ‘romantic’ after all!