Hot dates are often stereotyped as being expensive; Fine wines, fancy dinners, high-priced hotels, and posh resorts top the list of ways we traditionally think of reconnecting with our significant other. Even though frugality isn’t generally considered sexy, it can bring about intimacy in unexpected ways.

Share a Ride – I know a young married couple who commute 45 miles to a nearby metro for both of their jobs. They actually work across the street from one another and share the same work schedule. The fact that they don’t carpool blows my mind. When asked why they wouldn’t share a ride to save on gas and car expenses, the answer is simply, “We don’t like spending that much time together….” Surprising that they’re married at all! Carpooling can be a great opportunity to discuss the day’s events, catch up on an audio-book together, or just sit in silence and enjoy the scenery. Done daily, it can bring a couple closer without really trying.

Split a Plate – Saving money while eating out can be difficult. It is so tempting to order two over-sized meals that you will never finish. Try sharing a plate. You can even use the same fork and feed each other. (Just get a table near the back where it isn’t as obvious, please.) If you encounter uppity restaurant policies that prohibit plate-splitting, have one person order a side salad as their main course, and split that too. Sharing gives you the chance to experience the same foods from a different perspective.

Divide the Work – Sure I could sit inside doing my housework while hubby is in the yard doing his, but why? I know that I could help him somehow (stacking firewood, raking leaves, etc.) and he enjoys my company. By doing our own yard work, and not hiring out, we save big money, and working up a sweat is great for your love life! (We also get to wear adorable matching leather work gloves.)

Create a Spark – When the weather gets chilly, avoid the temptation to turn up the thermostat. Grab a blanket and cuddle for optimal warmth. During the evenings you can keep your house 10 degrees cooler and still remain comfortable with proper layering and some snuggling!

Conserve Water – Cut your number of showers and baths down by half, to save big money on water and electricity/gas. Since most people’s showers last as long as there is hot water to run, make it a date and give your hot water heater a break on that second run!

There are so many ways that sharing resources can connect two people. Keeping this in perspective when cutting back will make it feel like an experience worth remembering, and not real sacrifice.