Welcome Glassies, to your guide to life. This series takes a deep dive into all your pressing need-to-knows (how to be a student politician, how to do the Bookfest like a pro, and how to survive toxic workplaces) and offers comprehensive guides so that you can live your Best Glassie Life™.
This edition is A Glassie’s Guide to making your partner feel special in a cost-of-living crisis.
When I moved into my first place with my long-time boyfriend, my heart fluttered every time we hung out in our lovely little room or ate lunch together on our green, sunny balcony. We finally had our own space together after living with our parents for a while, and it felt so freeing that I didn’t have a care in the world that most of my paycheck was liquefying each week. We had our own house (never mind our roommates), and we could do everything we ever wanted!
And then the pinch came along.
Jack and I had discussions here and there about going out for dinner together or doing cute couple activities, like those ring-making workshops that are all over social media. But then we would peer into our bank accounts and realize that after paying our bills we didn’t have much left to treat each other and that made us feel upset. Eating out is not cheap, and don’t even get me started on making a ring for anywhere between $199-749! Crooked lettering, accidental misspellings, or an eye-sore of a design could be a very expensive f-up…
Jack has planned beautiful dates for me that have been pricey, and I felt so special that he would do such a thing for me. But we obviously couldn’t do it very often, and I know there are plenty of people out there who are battling the same issue.
So, I created this step-by-step guide on how to treat your partner on a budget. It outlines ideas for inexpensive but memorable dates, packed with small ways you can make them smile daily.
Step One: Choose something that aligns with their interests
You should think about what activities your partner enjoys, or what kind of love language they have. You can do this by asking questions or thinking about the best experiences you’ve had with them so far and what they had in common.
It doesn’t have to be elaborate. If they’re artsy, some ideas could be a simple photoshoot, going to an art gallery, or having your own paint ‘n’ sip at home. If they enjoy just sitting and talking, something like a picnic at your local park could be the perfect date idea.
Picnic dates are very versatile because you can personalise them. For instance, you could make a playlist for the picnic full of their favourite songs, bring their favourite books along with you, collect flowers together, or play board games. My boyfriend is an amazing artist and photographer, so we take photos of each other and then draw them. Whilst his drawings always come out looking like a Da Vinci replica and mine a piece from The Museum of Bad Art, it’s a cute activity that has brought us closer together.Other free activities I would also suggest are going to museums, skate parks, going for walks without a destination, or just some window shopping at a mall. For music lovers, there are heaps of gigs at Fortitude Valley Music Hall, and a free live music program called City Sounds, which showcases original, alternative, indie, folk, jazz, and electronic music in Brisbane’s CBD almost every day.
If your partner has niche interests, there are always events happening in Brissie, so keep an eye out on Eventbrite or Facebook and plan ahead.
Step Two: Make them breakfast and their favourite morning drink.
Try to wake up before your partner and sneak off into your kitchen. Surprises like making them breakfast are sweet, and it can be as easy as cereal, toast, pancakes or even just some pop-tarts. Pair it up with their morning drink of choice, and you can leave them a little note full of compliments or a heartfelt message about how much they mean to you.
After breakfast, I would tell them the plans for the day. You don’t need to go into full detail, but I think it is super important that you tell them the logistics of the day so they can decide if they want to go. It’s always nice to consider their opinions and physical ability, and for them to determine if they are feeling up for the idea.
Step Three: Make or buy some food and drinks for the date
Before you move onto this step, I think it is a cute idea to co-ordinate your outfits for the day or to ask to pick each other’s out. The love and thought you put behind carefully choosing the pieces of clothing (don’t forget accessories) speaks volumes. They might even keep repeating the outfit because it makes them feel special or seen by you. Both Jack and I love to wear the outfits we’ve chosen for each other in the past as it brings back fond memories. To me, it feels like he’s hugging me all day.
I suggest buying or making your own food or drinks for a date because it is cheaper than eating out. You can make it fun by buying both of your favourite snacks or even just some easy bake oven mixes. Popcorn is a great option because it is usually cheap, the microwave packets are usually a couple dollars from Woolies and Coles. Jack and I grab some chocolate and lollies and add them into the popcorn bowl for an ultimate picnic/movie-watching feast.
Step Four: Take them on the date
This step is all up to you, but remember to compliment them regularly and to switch your phones off when you’re chatting away. A lovely way to finish the date is to take some photos together or to head over to a photo booth to remember the day. Ones like Hama Film near Queen Street Mall are decently priced for what they offer. Plus, they give you such a wide range of accessories which will leave you in a fashionista crisis. Like, do I wear the shark headband or the Teletubby one? And should I pair it with some orange cat-eye frames? Or is that too tacky??
Step Five: Post-Date after-care
So, the magical date all went to plan, and you and your partner are feeling buzzed by it all. To keep the romantic vibes flowing, I suggest slow dancing in your room. Jack and I get dressed up for it and pretend we’re at a ball. So, set up some music and ask your partner to dance in the middle of your room, kitchen, or wherever is best. It’s cute as hell. Alternatively, you guys could just talk about your favourite parts of the day or watch a movie and have a drink together. If you want to make a lasting impression, you could make some dinner for them too.
Glassies, I hope this helps you in your quest to make your partner feel loved and cherished when your bank account is suffering. Even though the plan isn’t extravagant, it is full of little things I feel most people would appreciate.
Lauren Bartholomew is a Meanjin-based journalist who works for both 4ZZZ Radio and QUT’s Journalism Network. She is currently studying a Bachelor’s degree in Communications (Journalism).
